[mscat]

I DO not believe it has anything to do with the individual person, special needs or not. Dogs need to be propperly socialized to accept ALL humans.
IMO, it is not a personal reaction towards the individual. It could be a smell. the voice, or any of the dog's senses that is making the dog uncomfortable.
Dogs are acutely aware of their environments and their senses are highly more develped then are's.
I have known dogs to behave completely opposite to people who are special needs .much more calmer, reacting submissive, and alowing the person to pet .
I blame the owner fo not exposing their dog to more people, and all different types of people. It is so inportant for any dog to have the propper socialization skills , and feel relaxed, calm and good towards humans .
My son has cognitive delays and is high functioning autistic, and I am also disabled.
We have never come accross a dog that has reacted indifferently towards us. The complete opposite hs occured.
I have taken my yorkie, Suzi to my son's Special Day Classroom. At his High School .these teenagers are all disabled with varying degrees of stuff.
Suzi was placed in the arms of these kids and she was a totally different dog. CAlm, and allowed the kids to pet her .
however, I am aware that NOT all dogs have good temperments. That is why i feel strongly about proper training and socialization skills taught to any dog.
I do not believe for one moment that it is the dog somehow "knowing" someone has a disability, therefore reacting negatively. That is a load of crock .
Train the dog propperly and to be socialized well. That way your dog will be comfortable, and happy with all people . This is what it is truely about.