1. What training methods do you use?
2. How are detection dogs different from most dogs?
3. How are dogs chosen?
4. How accurate are detection dogs?
5. Can a child be the primary handler for an Allergy Detection Service Dog?
6. What is the hardest part about owning an Allergen Detection Service Dog?
7. Where are service dogs allowed to go?
8. What is the value of certification?
9. What does an allergen detection dog NOT do?
10. Why are dogs and families not pre-matched?
11. Can a dog be trained on other allergens (additional odors)?
12. How much does it cost to get an Allergen Detection Service Dog?
13. Is the cost of the course covered in the cost of the dog?
14. What if I need my dog to perform advanced detection tasks?
15. Will you work with our non-profit fund-raising organization?
16. Is financing available?
17. Do you take credit cards?
18. Is the cost of an Allergen Detection Service Dog covered by insurance?
19. Is the cost of a Service Dog tax deductible?
20. Is there any assistance to help cover other costs associated with my Service Dog?
Our dogs are taught to hunt for allergens using reward-based training techniques. This process harnesses the dogs’ natural abilities and drives to produce spectacular results. When trained properly, the life of a detection service dog becomes a fun and ongoing game of hide-and-go-seek. The results of this positive training are dogs who truly enjoy what they are doing and look forward to doing their job every day!
It takes a unique combination of characteristics to produce a good detection dog. Although all dogs’ noses are more sensitive than people’s noses, a dog must be able and willing to focus on searching through the extraordinary number of smells that enter the dog’s nose to find the one (or more) smell he is looking for. There is no cookie cutter model for finding just the right dog; each dog’s characteristics will work together differently to produce the unique individual dog.
When searching for a service dog candidate, we evaluate several factors. Through a series of physical, intellectual and environmental tests, we analyze the dogs’ motivations (called drives) by carefully assessing their behavior. We look for a highly motivated, intelligent dog with an independent spirit that still has a willingness to please.
Detection dogs are the most accurate and practical form of scent detection readily available. Scientists at Auburn University have measured dog’s ability to sniff odor in parts per billion, and it is estimated that approximately 1/3 of a dog’s brain is devoted entirely to scent and scent recognition. Although we require 100% accuracy during the initial certification, this does not mean they will alert to every single trace of an allergen. No dog is ever 100% accurate all of the time. Even the best detection dogs in the world still miss traces of odor occasionally. We like to say dogs are human, too. What we mean is that they are not infallible. They can have off days, get sick or be distracted just like people. Even though they are not perfect, they are the best resource available.
We will not certify anyone under the age of 13 to be the primary handler. Learning to use a dog to perform detection successfully is a mentally and physically demanding skill. The handler must understand and recognize the dog’s physical changes of behavior when he is searching as well as be able to identify factors that may change how the environment needs to be searched. No one would expect a child to understand how air flow in a room may be pushing odor away from the source, to pay attention to a dog’s increased sniffing activity in an area, or how to ask a dog to check specific areas without accidentally coming in contact with the allergen as the dog is checking. Additionally, the psychological stress on a child caused by knowingly and willfully going near an allergen can be very intense. This may also be true for young teenagers or adults. Although we take serious precautions to ensure the allergens are safely contained, we encourage you to talk about how this might make you or your teen feel to be in a room knowing allergens are present during training times.
The only exception to this rule will be if the dog has been working successfully in that family for at least two years and the child would like to come back through the class to try to certify as a handler. Young teenage handlers may have a difficult time certifying with their dog on their first attempt, but can become very good handlers with enough practice. If the handler is going to be a young teen, a parent or guardian should accompany them and should plan on being certified as the primary handler. Just because a person does not certify, does not mean they cannot continue to practice and try for a re-certification later on when they feel more comfortable.
In order to learn how to properly use a detection dog, you must be willing train with the allergens you have stayed far away from for so long. It is a necessary, but scary aspect of living with an allergen detection dog. There are many options for safe storage and handling methods that we discuss at length, but you must be willing to handle the allergens on a regular basis in order to maintain your dog’s training. This is true of any type of detection dog. We recommend you train with your dog at least two to three times per week for at least the first year. After this training can generally be reduced to once a week. The frequency of training will ultimately depend on the dog. You must be willing to train often enough to maintain a high level of accuracy. Training is a continual process that must be carried on through the life of the dog. All detection dogs will lose their proficiency without continued maintenance training.
Current U.S. Federal laws allow service dogs to go anywhere the general public is commonly allowed to go. This includes places like restaurants, movie theaters, stores and hotels. It applies to all privately owned businesses that serve the public. Because service dogs are NOT pets, these rules apply even to places that have a “No Pets” policy. People with service dogs may not be segregated from the general population and may not be charged additional fees because of their dog. Almost every school district our dogs have been placed in have been very accommodating. It appears that school districts nationwide are moving toward a greater understanding and acceptance of the use of non-traditional service dogs.
Current ADA law does not require nor provide any certification standards for service dogs, but it is the position of this company that individuals should not rely on the detection capabilities of a dog unless the dogs are satisfactorily demonstrating these skills in a way that can be objectively tested and measured. Typical certifications for most working detection dogs are renewed annually. Additionally, an official certificate stating you have passed the course or have passed an annual recertification can be key factors in reducing resistance you may get when arranging to use your dog routinely in public places, specifically in schools. We provide a standard paper certificate for display and a pocket-sized laminated certificate that can be attached to your dog’s vest. There are many people who do not understand service dog law and the more information you can provide, the better.
There are many misconceptions about what allergen detection dogs are trained to do. The basic answer is that they search the environment and alert to the presence of odor.
Dogs are odor detectors, not substance detectors. Many factors affect the level of odor being released by a substance, such as age, environmental conditions, physical barriers (such as wrappers), as well as the amount of the substance and its surface area. If the odor is not present, a dog cannot alert to it. An example of this is a six-month old residual peanut oil smear on a table that a dog may never find. At some point, the odor being released from the substance will become undetectable, even if there is still a chance it will cause a reaction for your child. This is the greatest downfall of any detection dog and the greatest myth. It simply is not possible for the nose to detect what is no longer there.
Allergen detection dogs are trained to detect allergens, not the onset of an anaphylactic reaction. To date, there are no known instances of dogs that have been successfully trained to detect anaphylaxis. No studies have been done demonstrating that anaphylaxis is associated with a unique chemical smell; however we would be happy to partner with any research institution interested in studying this aspect of anaphylaxis.
In the past we have seen many unfortunate situations created by pre-matching dogs with families. When a pre-matched dog does not work well and the family has spent six months or a year talking about a dog and looking at his picture, then they are either broken-hearted at having to switch dogs, or they wind up taking home a very expensive pet. Temperament, leadership styles, activity level, search speed and overall demeanor are just a few of the many factors that affect the successful pairing of a dog with their handler. While all dogs meet the same certification criteria, they go about doing it in their own unique way. Every dog, just like every person, is very different.
By keeping a larger selection pool of trained dogs, we are able to match families with their dog once they arrive, and then test the match to see if it works. If a match is not working well, we can switch out dogs to see if another dog’s personality is more suitable.
Yes! The hardest part about training detection dogs is teaching them to hunt indoors in any environment, amidst distractions and competing smells, and for long periods of time without finding anything. To put it in dog terms, we teach them that hunting for (and finding) odor is the key to all life’s happiness! Once the dogs understand that this is their job in every place they go, then additional odors can be picked up quickly. The other odors are just additional bridges to happiness. If you decide to add odors to your dog’s “scent vocabulary” we assign a trainer to work one-on-one with you during the class to make sure you feel comfortable with your dog’s abilities. We have found two weeks to be sufficient time for the dogs to learn these new odors extremely well.
Prices vary based on the Certification Level the dog the dog has attained. Dogs that have completed their Level I Training Certification begin at $12,595. Each client is unique in their specific needs and we will work with you to find out how your requirements match up to our certification levels. While most clients choose to get their dogs as early in the training process as possible, some clients prefer a more seasoned dog that has proven itself through practical life experience. Whichever Certification Level you choose, we will work with you to find a dog that is an excellent match for you and your family.
The course and the dog are priced separately. This allows families who are not getting a service dog to participate in the allergy education classes and the KIDS’ camps. In order to get a service dog, the course must be completed. The course has been specifically designed to be a fun and educational family experience with the benefit of providing exceptional allergen detection dogs and professional training for their handlers. The cost of the full two-week course covers two adults and one child. Additional children may attend the KIDS’ camps for $250 per week. Transportation, lodging, and meals must be arranged separately.
All of our dogs perform very successfully and effectively. We set the bar quite high for our dogs. Even our Level 1 certification criteria exceed industry standards and norms for allergen detection levels. Our dogs are available at different levels of certification, each tailored to meet the needs and desires of different types of clients. Our certification criteria extend through Level IV, which includes dogs who have at least one year of practical experience detecting allergens in real-life public settings, such as schools, churches and retail stores.
Absolutely! Some non-profit organizations exist solely to help people raise funds for allergen detection dogs. Whether you are fund raising on your own or through one of these organizations, we will do our best to assist you in your efforts in any way we can. We have seen many successful fundraising campaigns and would be happy to share these ideas with you.
Yes. Financing is often an option as a personal line of credit available through a lender. Often the best choice for this type of financing is your personal bank or credit union. Other lenders are available, although we do not endorse any particular institution or creditor.
Yes. We accept Visa and Mastercard.
The majority of insurance companies do not cover this cost; however in most cases you can use your Healthcare Reimbursement Account or other types of Healthcare Spending Accounts to cover the cost of a service animal. Federal law now specifically covers allergen detection as an example of a function a service dog may fulfill. Check with your insurance provider for specific details. We will help you research this option if you wish.
Yes. According to current IRS tax laws, you can include the costs of buying, training, and maintaining a service dog in your medical expense deductions. In addition, you may be eligible for other tax savings while you have your service dog. These tax savings can help defer the costs associated with owning a service dog and are covered in detail during our two-week training course by a tax professional.
Yes, there are many options you may wish to consider. If you are a veteran, the Veterans Administration may be able to reimburse all veterinary costs for your service dog. To access this service, contact the Veteran’s Administration to speak with a caseworker. You can also contribute to your Flexible Spending Account plan for all service dog expenses, including veterinary costs. Additionally, many local veterinary offices will discount the cost of their services for working dogs. Health insurance plans are also available for dogs. National companies such as VPI, Healthy Paws and PetPlan USA provide different coverage levels based on your needs. Some companies, such as Mourer Foster, specialize in animal life insurance. Other companies offer this service but may not advertise it on their web sites. If you have a preferred insurance provider, check with them to see if they offer animal life insurance.
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