Training Service Dogs for Diabetics

How Diabetic Service Dogs Work

Diabetic service dogs are specifically trained to identify and assist diabetics during hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic attacks. When the blood sugar levels go out of balance, the dogs detect subtle changes in their handlers' body chemistry and scent, which are undetectable to the handler's human companions. The dogs don't detect specific blood glucose levels, rather they detect when levels are shifting and alert in time for the handler to check blood sugar levels and make appropriate adjustments.

What Types of Dogs are Used

There is no one, set breed of dog used as a diabetic service dog. However, the dog must be well behaved, eager to please, easy to train and meet certain criteria specific to doing diabetic alerts. Because these dogs work by scent, a love of sniffing is a must. A breed that is bred for sniffing makes an ideal candidate. These dogs should also be able to determine when it is necessary and appropriate to break the rules. For instance, a dog may be trained not to jump on their handler, but may need to to alert its handler. Dogs with allergies, medical conditions and, of course, behavioral problems are not good candidates.

How Diabetic Service Dogs Alert

While the dogs are trained to perform specific alerts such as whining, yipping or barking, ultimately how the dog alerts depends on the handler's needs, age, health and lifestyle. A handler that lives alone may need a dog that is trained to bark, fetch his kit and press a special button on the phone. A handler with human companions may have a different set of needs. Additionally, the dog may choose its own method of alerting, based on the situation. In a public place the dog may nudge or attempt to lead its handler to a safe spot or signal by licking the handler.

How the Dogs are Trained

There are several organizations that train diabetic alert dogs, and they guard their secrets well. What is clear is that the dog is trained with chemical scents that mimic the scent chemistry of a diabetic during an attack. The scent training is similar to that of narcotics, cadaver or bomb detection training.

Some organizations fully train the dogs - meaning they are given full obedience and scent training, performing specific tasks and alerts before they ever encounter a handler. Full training is a long process. Service dogs usually start young, as early as 8 to 12 weeks, and it can take up to two years of daily training to adequately train a service dog before it is released to a handler.

Other organizations may do obedience and scent training, then require a large amount of hands-on training with the handler.

Full Training vs. Partial

While the partial training allows the dog to be released to the handler sooner, it is no less expensive or time-consuming, and many find full training more reliable.

Whether obtaining a fully or partially trained dog, the handler has to be involved in the process. Even a fully trained dog is more of a template and has to be molded to the needs of the handler. The handler will also need to continually reinforce the training and the dog needs to form a bond with its handler to be most effective in recognizing an attack.

Getting a Diabetic Alert Dog

Due to the amount of time involved, training service dogs is very expensive. As a result, it can cost thousands of dollars to obtain a service dog. Additionally, many organizations have long waiting lists and application processes. Some organizations also encourage fundraising as a means of paying for their dogs.

A handler may be able to get and train their own dog from an independent breeder, but it could take even longer and require more energy and time than the handler can afford.

Resources

• All Purpose Canines
• Dogs for Diabetics
• Heaven Scent Paws