UNbelievable...puppy play groups (a chance for developing body language IQ?)

[milivica]

http://www.thedogden.com/scheduleplaygroups.html

I am not kidding, I got this with my Humane Society package with Manny. This place is right by my house. I had no idea it was only $3. DARE I hope, I can take Manny WHILE Vince and I watch all the pups and have FUN?

Ok, for fun and so we can learn more about their body language and social hierarchy, then, compare it to humans in my continual quest to better develop my social IQ so I can help my son do likewise.

Am I the only mom that makes everything that should be effortless fun a potential learning tool that could potentially help my autistic kiddo? I already know that answer is no. ;)

Seriously, with as little we are able to do as a family, I'm psyched at this possibility. Actually, I think the ONLY thing we really can do as a family in terms of sharing experience, is sledding (totally sensory) and going to the movies. This would be so cool, if we could truly do this TOGETHER and share this experience every week.

[Pamster]

Are you going to try it Mili? It sounds great! That's cool it's right by your house too. Keep us posted on how it turns out, I bet you have a blast! :) I still have a little of that RDI mentality and try to make everyday chores and things learning experiences for my son too so you are in good company on that one. ;) :D

[mrsdoubtfyre]

There is a show on Nat Geo called Dogs with Jobs.

A week or so ago, they focused on a dog who worked at a daycare
therapy place for children with developmental issues and autism.

The owner had a golden retreiver as a pet who showed extreme tolerance and acceptance of
children and so she trained him to help at the center. It was a fascinating and
wonderful show. This dog had profound effects on the little kids! There was an autistic 4 yr old boy and and little girl with sensory integration issues (tactile) featured, along with the other children.

I just tried to find the show for you using their website, and it just didn't
work for me. But these shows are on 10am, and 10:30 am weekdays on the
Nat Geo channel (cable).

[milivica]

Pamster, yes I try to be aware and interweave RDI into everything for Vince (Carmen of course does it naturally). I asked the consultant where to put my focus, she said to focus on some appraisal, what dogs look alike, don't look alike, do the owners look like their dogs. Go over what dog he liked the best and why. Which one he liked the least. So I'll do that for sure.

Mrs. D....I just noticed the Note: at the end of your post. I had to laugh, I would never ever seeing your name associated with drugs or **** or whatnot, think it was actually 'you'. I'm sorry someone did that with your username, but I laughed cause I'd never think of you like that. Also I'm almost sure I saw the show you're talking about or one similar to it. Just last night they showed a girl they said had aspergers and her dog, I turned it off before I could see any of the show. I was in one of those pissy moods where although I don't begrudge joy to other kids, I get like jealous or something for my kid not having anything like that. Hard to explain, cause I do feel happy for the child on the show, it's not that.

Anyhow, I am definitely going to go to this. I told dh, he thought it was a great idea. I mean, just for the dog's sake, we don't want Manny to get 'weird' like our other dogs, that sort of forget how to be dogs if they're not around them enough and only around people. Manny already has 'weirdness' cause of his last owners, not saying they were bad or good, cause I don't know. Just saying Manny pee's on linoleum instead of carpet (fine with me!), runs if you come toward him, had to be coaxed out of his carrier the first day, has a tail broken in THREE places (i thought it was 2, it's 3) so has had some bad experiences, refuses to go downstairs but jumps off couches and beds so I'm guessing he might have had some bad falls downstairs but can't be sure so just carry him for now. I think personally I'll have a blast watching the puppy action - assuming we're allowed to watch. I better check. I don't think I'd feel ok leaving him without being able to make sure he was doing ok and staff was kind.

[all for Him]

Someone told me that there is actually pet therapy that is great for kids with autism. That while the children are teaching the pets behavioral therapy that the kids learn in the process. She said it works with cats and dogs.

I didn't know you could train a cat. We have two cats now. Didn't think we would ever own a cat because I'm so allergic. I'm not allergic to ours though - or at least the claritan is keeping it under control.

A momma cat wondered into our yard last spring and had 3 kittens. We started feeding them and the momma cat disappeared and so did one of the kittens. We had already fallen in love with the cats so we brought the two remaining kittens into the house and have not let them out again.

Our son with autism is mildly interested in the cats. They run from him when they are not trying to steal his toys. Our son loves pipe cleaners and so do the cats. Our son likes to line the pipe cleaners up and hold them like a bouquet of flowers. If you roll the pipe cleaners up the cats play with them like balls. You can also make them into spring shapes so they bounce when you throw them. The female especially loves the pipe cleaners :) The male likes the little cat balls that have bells in them. Don't worry we got the female fixed even though our kids would love us to have a house full of cats - don't think so!

[all for Him]

I was trying to put photos of of kitties in but I can't figure it out.