Training Dogs to Detect Seizures

Dogs can be trained to detect seizures

Learning how to train a seizure dog can be very beneficial for those people who have epilepsy. Much like dogs can sense an oncoming storm, a dog can also be trained to sense when a person with epilepsy will have a seizure. A person with epilepsy has the potential to become seriously injured or even killed when a seizure occurs. If it is possible to have a few minutes of advance warning, however, that person could get to a safe place in order to help minimize the risks of injury. 

Socialization

Early socialization is very important. Starting when the dog is just a puppy, she needs to be properly socialized. This means lots of petting, grooming and play time with her human handlers. She should be comfortable with being bumped, pushed and handled in a variety of situations without becoming scared or aggressive. This training will enable the dog to remain steadfast should the person have a seizure and jostle or otherwise bump the dog. 

Early Training

Early training is another important factor. The dog should be used to hearing and following commands given by his trainer. These commands include the basics such as sit, stay, come and fetch. Other useful commands to consider when training a dog to detect seizures might be specific to issues facing a person with epilepsy such going to fetch the telephone or alerting another person in the household if the person falls to the ground This training should be a pleasant and enjoyable time filled with food rewards, positive attention and lots of petting. 

Specialized Training

Specific training in seizure detection is needed. Training the dog to detect seizures involves lots of repetitions and food. That is, every time the person with epilepsy has a seizure, the dog should be given a food treat. The dog will quickly make the association between the seizure activity and the food. Usually only those people whose seizures are uncontrolled have dogs trained to detect seizures. Because of this fact, they usually have at least one seizure per month. This will give the dog numerous opportunities to be rewarded with food while the owner is having a seizure.

Seizure Alert and Seizure Response Dogs

Although seizure dog is a name normally applied to a dog that is involved with any type of seizure response or detection, the Epilepsy Foundation notes that some people make the distinction between the two.

A seizure alert dog usually refers to a dog that can sense when a person is going to have a seizure. Some dogs seem to have this ability without any training while others can be trained to sense oncoming seizures. Many times the dog will exhibit out of the ordinary behavior such as barking, lying down beside the epileptic or running around.

A seizure response dog is usually trained to respond in a specific manner when a person has a seizure. This response could be activating an alert alarm that will bring emergency workers to the residence, barking to alert caregivers that a child is having a seizure, or lying down beside the person having the seizure to help keep them safe.

Considerations

Be aware that the presence of a seizure dog is not meant to replace a human's presence. The seizure dog will allow the epileptic to have a measure of independence but safety dictates that the seizure dog should not be relied on exclusively.

Beware of dog trainers that promise the delivery of a dog trained in seizure detection. This type of training is usually quite expensive. While many dogs can be trained to sense oncoming seizures, some are not receptive to the training.

References

• Epilepsy Foundation: All About Seizure Dogs
• Epilepsy Foundation: Questions and Answers about Seizure Dogs