hi i own a female golden retriever she is now 2years old and have started to notice when he behavior has changed since she was one years old. All of my children and husband have autism and our dog (kiara) is very very close to my middle child who has autism and depression. But am worried about Kara's behavior its very strange for me to be saying this but she seems to have autism or something like it?? she has been so attached to my daughter and if she isnt home she doesn't eat she just sooks, and also she hates change if something changes she goes and sooks in my daughter room or she goes wild like jump on things and barks angrily. She also doesn't want to be hugged or pat most times. and she wont even let us pat her head or cuddle at her neck only her butt very weird. She hates new people or animals that come into the house she would bark very meanly but then she calms down and if someone tries to pat her she just backs away and walks off. She also loves routines and if its not the same she would be in a very crazy mood all day and night. What do you think is wrong with her? we have had many trainers come to the house and they end up quitting becuase she is too hard we love her so much and i feel so sorry that people just give up on her so if anyone her can try to understand her that would be great. Just want to give her help or advice if possible thank you

I have no insight on this, but I am very curious as to what other people say. Her personality traits describe common traits of people with autism. I work with children with autism for my job so I know a little bit about it.

__________________

Some of it sounds like training/socialization issues. I have a Golden that is very routine oriented. Things throw her off and she spooks easily. I try to teach her the "look" command. She must look at what she is afraid of and she gets a treat for doing it, a good treat. It may take a while but showing them that good things happen around fearful things is important. Make sure the dog has a good and consistent sit or down. Train it in different places so that when someone comes over that they may be fearful of you can have them in a sit or down and if the dog is not agressive, have them feed them a really good treat. Maybe no petting at first. Looks like you will need to take some backwards baby steps to help with some socialization/fear issues.

__________________
Barb, Rick and Tayla (STAR Puppy)



Cheyenne (CGC) and Jesse (CGC) who will be always loved and never forgotten.

I have no advise but I am wondering if she does not pick up on the behavior around her and somehow copies it?

__________________
My boys from left to right:
Thunder Dachsi Toby




http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...is-issues.html

My Toby, my heart dog 3/12/2003 - 3/30/2013, I miss you Toby!


Christa