In keeping with this tradition, we are proud to announce the start of a pilot Autism Assistance Dog Program. This program will allow us to rescue and train more dogs, specifically more large dogs. Our primary focus is training Hearing Dogs and that will not change. The Autism Assistance Dog Program is a small program that will enhance our organization's ability to help more people and dogs but will not detract from our primary focus of training and placing Hearing Dogs.
DFD rescues dogs from animal shelters throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California. We choose dogs between the ages of eight months and three years old that are people friendly, confident, and motivated by toys, treats, and affection. We rescue, train, and place 30-40 dogs annually. The dogs are trained with positive reinforcement and lots of love. All dogs that enter training are first spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and receive any necessary medical treatment so they have the best possible chance to succeed.
Check out the different programs offered by Dogs For The Deaf:
Hearing Dogs are trained to alert to the sounds: fire/smoke alarm, telephone, door knock, doorbell, oven timer, alarm clock, and name call. In some cases a dog may be trained for the baby cry. In addition to sound training, Hearing Dogs are also extensively obedience trained and socialized.
More than 1½ million of the 23 million deaf or hard of hearing individuals in the United States and Canada could benefit from a Hearing Dog.
Autism Assistance Dogs are trained to enhance the safety of children with autism by acting as an anchor and preventing the child from bolting into dangerous situations. These dogs can also have a calming effect on the child and possibly improve the child's willingness to communicate and bond.
Miracle Mutts (Special Dogs for Special People) - Special furry friends who provide companionship, motivation, and emotional support to people who need a helping paw. These dogs help with depression and loneliness; they provide a reason to get up in the morning and motivation to exercise; and they generally make life more worth living.
Harmony's Hounds (Dogs with Special Needs) - Dogs who have a special physical or emotional need and are looking for someone willing to provide a stable, loving home and any special care they might need with things like on-going medical concerns, old age, anxiety issues, allergies, and seizures. In the right, special environment, these dogs can thrive and provide lots of love.
Career Change Dogs - Wonderful dogs that make loving pets and companions.
Get Involved:
Donate to DFD.
Donate "Wish List" items.
Volunteer opportunities with DFD. Most opportunities require you live in the area of DFD, but volunteer interviewers is an ideal opportunity for people who'd love to volunteer but do not live close to the DFD facility.
Source: Dogs For The Deaf
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