Service Dog Trainers
Currently, there are about 120 service dog training organizations in the United States. Fewer than 20 of these organizations work with seizure-assist dogs, according to Dalziel, who co-authored the booklet, “Service Dogs for People with Seizure Disorders.” Training of service dogs can take 6 months to 2 years depending on the availability of appropriate dogs and the tasks they are being taught. Due to the intensive level of training required, the cost ranges from $10,000 to $25,000. At this time, the training of service dogs is not regulated. Therefore, each service dog organization has their own set of criteria for selecting clients, placing dogs, and collecting fees.
Any assistance dog must pass a Public Access Test (PAT); a set of standards determined by Assistance Dogs International, in order to ensure that access to public spaces, events and services are guaranteed. The test reviews training level and acceptable standards or hygiene and behaviour. Following successful completion of the PAT the dog will be provided with an identity card, which must be provided if asked as proof that it is an assistance dog. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 approved assistance dogs are guaranteed access to all public places in Australia. Information about the international standards can be found at Assistance Dogs International What is the cost and time associated with a seizure alert dog?
A seizure alert dog is one that has been trained to respond to a seizure in someone who has epilepsy. These dogs can be trained as an assistance dog, through an approved training provider, for people who experience seizures. An approved assistance dog is protected under law to be used in public places. Currently, there is little large-scale research regarding the efficacy of seizure alert dogs, but it is hoped that in time more research will be undertaken. Existing research reports are mixed and success often comes down to a range of factors including the skill of the trainer, differences in dog breed and commitment from the handler.
Partnering with a seizure alert dog can lead to increased public attention. Handlers and training organisations have noted that members of the public will stop and ask questions. Some questions may be personal ones, such as enquiries about why the person needs an assistance dog. So, a potential handler and any involved caregivers need to determine whether they will be able to cope with this attention and have a strategy for what level of personal information they are willing to disclose. At other times the attention may not be related to the handler but involve questions about the dog, its breed and name.
A seizure alert dog is a working animal, and you must be prepared to commit to the dog’s role and needs. You need to carefully consider whether a dog will suit your goals, lifestyle and living situation In addition to feeding, exercising, immunising and having regular veterinary checks, you also need to be consistent in the dog’s training and management plan.
If the dog will be living in a family setting, it is important to consider the commitment that other family members will need to make. They may need to assist in caring for the dog at times which may include: respecting the handler’s relationship with the dog; agreeing not to interfere with the dog’s training or the work it performs; adhere to rules and expectations regarding the dog’s behaviour; and, respecting the bond held between the handler and the dog.
How can a dog help with epileptic seizures?
Studies proved that dogs can be taught to detect a specific scent before a seizure. At Medical Mutts, we have contributed to the first study showing the existence of a particular scent signature released when someone has a seizure. Our findings have since been corroborated by a new study that not only confirmed our findings but also demonstrated that the smell associated with seizures is indeed released before the seizure happens. Although we can’t guarantee the alert due to personal variations between people, we’ve had an excellent success rate with our very unique training methods. The alert gives time to their person to lie down and avoid injury.
The scent released before and during a seizure is the same no matter the seizure, making it possible to teach our dogs to detect any type of epileptic seizure. That being said, the frequency of the seizures will determine if we can train a dog for you. Too frequent or not frequent enough (less than once a month) will make it harder or sometimes impossible for the dogs to do their job.
Our seizure alert dogs are will also perform different tasks during a seizure. Which task they will be taught, will depend on your individual needs and will be determined during the interview.
When the seizure happens, a seizure alert dog can be taught to:
In addition to their skills to help with seizures, our seizure alert dogs are taught all the behaviors required to pass the Public Access Test and meet or exceed the minimum standards of training established by the International Association of Assistance Dogs Partners (IAADP). You’ll be able to safely and reliably take your service dog to work, to school, to the mall, restaurant, etc.
How Dogs Sniff Out Seizures
Certain medical issues can inhibit a person’s life and make it difficult to live a normal lifestyle. Service animals can be a great asset to these individuals because they can intervene and create a support/health system for their owner. Individuals who suffer from seizures can feel at ease with a service animal because they have a second line of defense that has their best interest in mind.
The price for a seizure support dog can range from $15,000 – $30,000. Sometimes this price can even get as high as $50,000. The price greatly depends on what breed of dog is being used and how extensive the training it will receive will be.
The main problem with obtaining one of these dogs is that health insurance companies will not cover the cost. There are some service dog training facilities that will offer the animal for no cost, but the wait list for this is very long.
You can also train a service dog yourself through our online course, which significantly reduces the costs and allows you to skip any waitlists.