Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Cassie on October 7, 2011 at 10:43am

Labs, seem to be the breed of choice. Although German sheperds are trained in Texas, and Laberdoodles (sp) are also trained.

Permalink Reply by MinnesotaAnn on October 7, 2011 at 10:51am

I have been involved in Diabetic Alert Dogs for over 5 years. Many breeds are able. The breed is not nearly as important as the "work ethic", desire to please, non-reactivity and calmness. Labs are frequently used by trainers because they transfer from trainer to client easily and they are abundant.

Permalink Reply by Cassie on October 7, 2011 at 10:57am

Google Alert Dogs or Diabetic ALert Dogs,, You will find many kennels that train them
It is relatively new, be careful some people have been taken for $20,000.00. Be sure they will work with you after you get the dog, and be there in years to come to assist.

HIgh sugar, your breath smells sweet. Scientist are not sure what they smell on a low, to my knowledge.
Be sure you are ready to devote time to such an endeavor.

Permalink Reply by Cassie on October 7, 2011 at 10:59am

Oh, I am a Chow Chow, and I recognize lows, for years. However my master did not know how to interpret my behavior when she went low.
She finally gets it now. No real training involved, we have been together for 15 years.
I had to train her.

Permalink Reply by t1dx85 on October 7, 2011 at 11:21am

Thanks for the responses. I have a tough time with hypoglycemic unawareness so this is why I am looking into a diabetic alert dog.

I've met with a local trainer and have been researching the idea of an alert dog. I always find it helpful to learn from people who are already familiar with something I am looking to do.

An issue I've come across is that someone my son sees for speech may not be willing to have the service dog in her office due to severe allergies that one of her patients has. I'm not sure how much longer my son will need to see her, but it is something I need to consider. Not to mention I have extended family with dog allergies.

Permalink Reply by fourpugs on October 7, 2011 at 5:58pm

I agree with MinnesotaAnn's response.

Permalink Reply by Cathy Jacobson on December 26, 2011 at 9:22am

I don't have a diabetic alert dog myself. But I have seen some amazing things done by the dogs that are here. One situation has impressed me greatly. I was taking an art class last spring in our community center, where they also have training classes for dogs. I seem to always have to poke my head in to see the dogs and how they are doing. One of their members had just returned from training with an alert dog, an adorable beagle. I am partial to hounds so had to see him work, They were demonstrating how he does his job, and the teacher had him go around with his owner looking for sugar or lack of sugar. Hounds have amazing sense of smell and are very alert to that thing. He had been taught to sit and bark if his owner was having a sugar low,.,.well being in the room meant my friend and I were going to be sniffed., And sure enough he came around to us, sat in front of me, and started to bark. The teacher asked if I was diabetic and I confirmed her thought, and she asked if I had a meter with me, which I never leave home without, and sure enough my sugars were headed towards the bucket at 62.....the dog sensed that I was in need of caring for myself. WAS I impressed! Along with having beagles at home, and this dog being adorable, smart and right, he helped me and is now a registered alert dog who goes to school with his young owner,. Amazing!

Permalink Reply by karebear1966 on August 5, 2012 at 4:03pm

I am a big german shepherd fan personally, but there are other things to consider... shepherds are very protective. Imagine yourself passed out on the sidewalk somewhere needing assistance, dog is barking for help and protecting you.... the chances are people will hesitate to assist for fear of getting bit. Even the best trained shepherd and the friendliest in the world will go into protect mode while your down and out. It is their nature. I would reccomend a lab or something equally non threatening looking to the general public. If it looks cute chances are you will be helped quicker! Also make sure they have the correct type of nose, for instance some breeds like pugs, chows, etc you know.... the ones with the pushed in noses... they have a harder time detecting than other dogs. Most service dogs in the healthcare profession are labs, there is a good reason for it. Do your homework! research! read read read!!!!

Permalink Reply by MinnesotaAnn on August 20, 2012 at 5:10pm

Barking alerts should not be used nor encouraged. The ADA frowns on service dogs barking in public because it appears the dog is untrained, startles and scares people.