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www.diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com
What is a diabetic alert dog?
Diabetic Alert Dogs are trained to alert in advance of low (hypoglycemia) or
high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar events before they become dangerous. This
way you can then take steps to return your blood sugar to normal, such as
using glucose sweets or taking insulin. A Diabetic Alert Dog is specifically
trained to react to the chemical change produced by blood sugar highs and
lows. Diabetic alert dogs can provide emotional security and a sense of
balance. They can help you lead a more confident, and independent lifestyle.
How does a diabetic alert dog work?
Our bodies are a unique makeup of organic chemicals. All of which have very
specific smells. Low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia, cause a release of
chemicals in the body that have a distinct odor undetectable by humans. The
training process positively motivates these dogs to alert when they smell these
odors.
How will the dog alert?
Diabetic Alert Dog’s are trained to actively alert by simply “pawing” at your
leg when your blood sugar is out of the target range. The dog will continue to
“paw” and alert until blood sugar returns to a safe level. The dog will also be
trained to alert while sleeping by physically jumping up on a bed to wake you,
if your blood sugar levels are out of your range at night.
How does the training process work?
The new Diabetic Alert Dog recruits are put through an extensive 3 step
training process. All 3 steps are done using positive reward based training
methods. The first step is obedience school. In obedience school the dogs are
taught both verbal and hand signal commands so that you may issue directives
for your dog to follow. For example, sit, stay, stand, come, heel, laydown, etc.
The second step is public service training. In public service training the dogs
are taught, public service manners. They are exposed to a wide variety of
sights and sounds in public atmospheres catered to the client’s specific daily
routines. For example, public transportations, sports venues, movie theaters,
restaurants, etc. The third and final phase of training is the specific diabetic
scent recognition/discrimination and alert signal duties. During this step we use
your specific high and low scent samples to allow the dog to recognize your
specific scent. We teach the dogs to alert to those scents, using their paws.
After this training your dog will be able to alert you to any blood sugar levels
lower than 80mg/dl and anything higher than 150mg/dl.
How will the service dog know your specific scent changes?
After the dog is chosen and training has begun we send you a scent collection
kit in the mail. After collection, you send the scent samples (taken from saliva)
to Diabetic Alert Dogs of America. There will be at least eight different blood
sugar level containers sent ranging from a blood sugar of less than 40 to a
blood sugar of greater than 250. When you meet your service dog for the first
time that dog will already know who you are based on the scent training
he/she has received!
How old will the dog be when he or she is delivered to us?
This depends on the dog’s maturity and usually is between 1 and 2 years old.
What breeds of dogs do you choose to train?
There are several factors that go into choosing which dogs enter the Diabetic
Alert Dogs of America program. They extensively evaluate the dogs based on
different factors and not by breed alone. We do not use “puppy mills” or pet
stores to acquire our dogs. We use licensed breeders, and select private party
donations. All of our new recruits are put through an extensive evaluation
period before ever entering the training program.
How is a service dog treated as compared to a pet?
When the service dog is “working” they should have their full attention on you.
It is not ok for the service dog to be played with or pet unless you are there
and give the ok. These dogs are very happy doing the job they were trained
for. They are well exercised by constantly accompanying you wherever you
may go. When you first receive your dog he or she will accompany you
everywhere for at least a full two months. After that attachment period you can
choose to occasionally go places on your own (like a school dance) and give
your service dog a break. Service dogs can never be turned away from any
public place. For example, if you travel by plane the dog will sit at your feet,
not in a kennel or in the plane’s storage area.
How will you receive your service dog?
Diabetic Alert Dogs of America delivers to your home anywhere in the USA.
We provide two to three days of in home placement and transitional training
with a certified trainer. The trainer will provide you and your family with advice
and training on how to make the transition easy for the dog and your family.
The trainer will accompany you with daily routines including school or work
and will give training and demonstrations to your friends, family, co-workers
and can arrange classroom presentations at schools.
How long does it take to get a dog?
The time frame for home placement various depending on the dog’s successful
completion of our intensive training program. We have many dogs in various
stages of training at all times, which allows us the ability to provide our clients
with less wait. Our current average time frame is approximately 2 to 6 months.
Where can I take my dog?
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) considers your Diabetic Alert Dog
a “service dog”. A service dog is permitted by federal law to accompany you
anywhere that you are entitled to go including, restaurants, stores, and other
public places that pets aren’t normally allowed. For more information on
service dog laws, please visit www.ADA.gov.
Do you provide a guarantee?
Yes, our dogs come with a training guarantee for the entire working life of the
dog. Our intensive training program is among the best in the world and we are
100% confident that you will be satisfied with our training, and service. We
guarantee it.
How do I pay for my dog?
We are extremely flexible and work with you to help you acquire your dog.
No matter what your financial capabilities are, we believe in putting your
health before financial gain. We will work with you based on your specific
circumstances to achieve the best possible program to fit your needs. From
payment arrangements, fundraising support, and/or financial assistance, we
have a program that can be tailored just for you.
Do you have references and experience with Diabetic Alert Dogs?
Yes, at Diabetic Alert Dogs of America we only train Diabetic Alert Dogs. This
allows us to focus on this particular specialty only. We have been in business
since 2005 and have placed numerous successful Diabetic Alert Dogs. We
have a long list of happy clients that we use for referrals. If you would like to
speak with our past clients please contact us for their contact information. Also,
we are an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.
OK, I want a dog. Where do I go from here?
Please visit us on the web at www.Diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com and fill out
an online application. After a completed application has been filled out a
representative will be contacting you shortly for a telephone interview and
evaluation. The next step is a signed contract and dog match. We work very
hard to match you with a dog that has very similar personalities and offer you
exactly what you require. We make the process as simple and easy as possible
for our clients and strive to exceed your expectations during the entire process.
On behalf of everyone at Diabetic Alert Dogs of America I wish to
thank you very much for your interest in our company. We believe
in a very strict 100% client satisfaction and will work very hard to
exceed your expectations.