Seizure Alert Dogs
Dogs can actually be trained to alert to seizures? YES! We are very aware that most of what is said about seizure alert dogs opposes this idea - but we strongly disagree. Our training methods vary greatly from what is traditionally taught. We will not hide our secret, because this knowledge is not something that should be hidden. When other schools adopt our methods and begin training their dogs with the same techniques more people will be helped - and that is our greatest goal! With any amount of research you will have read that only certain dogs can alert to seizures - that it is something they do naturally - and they cannot be taught to perform this miracle. Let us explain our difference in thought; The dogs who alert naturally to seizures are the dogs that care; these dogs are distressed that their beloved handler is having a seizure. Why do they care you ask? Because they are naturally anxious dogs by breed and personality. Many of these dogs are displaying outward signs from their distress of knowing their handler is about to have a seizure, such as barking, whining, pacing, clinging to their handler, etc., but many other dogs are alerting in their own way by yawning, licking their paws, or hiding in another room, of which are all also signs of distress from a dog - it is just that in many of these cases the handler would never put two and two together; that their dog is licking its paws 20 minutes before every seizure for example. But in the hopes that the dog will naturally alert in a visible way trainers will hand-pick dogs who are naturally anxious, hoping that the dog will inadvertently alert the owner before the seizure occurs. This is where we go further. We do not believe that only anxious dogs can sense seizures - we believe that ALL dogs can sense them - but that not all of them care. So how do we get them to care? We play what is called 'the alert game' with our dogs. When we say ALERT the dog is trained to paw at our leg to get a tasty treat that is reserved only for this amazingly fun game. The dog starts to LIVE for this game! They can hardly wait to play it. Then here comes the miracle ... When the disabled recipient comes to San DIego for Handler Training we show them how to play the alert game, and we make certain the dog loves playing it with their new handler.... Then we cut off the game. We instruct the disabled recipient to only play the game right after they are recovering from a seizure. Pretty soon the dog realizes that the only time they get to play this amazing game is when their handler has a seizure. The dog senses the chemical changes in their handler's body - they know a seizure is about to happen - they know the game is about to happen - and they come over and paw at their handler's leg to play the game. That's it! The dog is saying, "Hey, it's time to play the game!" The handler knows, "My dog says I'm about to have a seizure." All we need is a dog who pays attention to their surroundings, and a dog who likes food. We don't have to guess anymore about what dog is anxious enough, and how might the dog inadvertently alert to the seizures, and will the dog ever put two and two together. We truly hope that more trainers pick up on this - we won't care that they are using our techniques - after all, we are here to help as many people as possible. Seizure Assistance Our dogs are also trained to assist after a seizure. They are trained to locate and retrieve a phone for their handler to call for help if needed. They are also trained to help brace or balance their handler for stability after a seizure. In certain cases recipients will ask that the dog be trained to retrieve a family member in another room. Seizure Alert Dogs for Children and Infants Because of our alert game we can train the dog to alert a parent that their child is going to have a seizure. No more worrying! It is such a relief for parents to know when their child will have a seizure. The Facts * Dogs usually alert to seizures in consistent time intervals - for example, one dog will consistently alert 15 seconds in advance, while another dog alerts consistently 50 minutes in advance. There have not been enough case studies to determine if these time frames are based on the specific dog, or based on the person. * No trainer should ever guarantee a dog's level of assistance because all dogs are different. However, our number one goal is to get you a dog that is alerting to your seizures in advance. If the dog does not do that, we will exchange that dog for another, at no cost for the dog. After all, if the dog is not assisting you, then what is the point? Is a Little Angels Seizure Alert Dog right for me? You must ... 1)Have seizures more than twice a month on average in order for the dog to experience them often enough to learn to recognize them. 2)Have strong communication skills and the ability to be consistent with a dog regarding training exercises. 3)Have a love for dogs. 4)Have patience to work through problems. (Even a trained dog is still a dog.) 5)Have finances to provide your dog with veterinary care and maintenance for the next 10-12 years. 6)Be willing to travel to San Diego, California for handler training, preferably with a friend or family member for support. Handler Training Hander Training is where the disabled party learns how to work with the dog as a team. This generally takes 7-14 days, with training every day. This is when the dog learns to respond to the commands of the handler, and when the handler learns how to reinforce the training that the dog has already received. We cover practical, day-to-day life experiences so you will feel confident taking the dog into your care. We work in real-life situations such as outings to shopping malls, restaurants, and parks so you will feel comfortable taking the dog with you into the public setting. After the completion of Handler Training we work together on a series of field tests, which are administered by the trainer. After graduation, you and your dog will be certified as a working team. A certification card will be provided to the handler, as well as a service vest and identification tag for your dog, which labels him or her as a service animal. We have a lifetime commitment to each recipient and each dog that we place. Once you and your dog have graduated we maintain contact to insure that your dog's training and assistance remains in tact, that the dog remains healthy and happy, and that the dog is improving your quality of life. What are the steps involved for receiving a Seizure Alert Dog? Step 1: Request an application via the request form below. The application is sent to you via email. Step 2: Return the application for review. Your application is received via email, and you will receive a response within 2 business days in most cases. Step 3: If accepted we will contact you to schedule a phone consultation. The consultation is an average of 60 minutes where we discuss realistic expectations of how a service dog can assist you, and to make sure you are a good fit for one of our dogs. Step 4: Agreement. If we believe one of our service dogs can assist you we will write out a customized agreement and ask you to review your final decision with friends and family. Step 5: Return your agreement with your $500.00 deposit, to be added to our waiting list. The deposit is your sign to us that you are committed to the program. Once this is received we begin fundraising for the costs associated with your dog. Some recipients also choose to be added to our website under the 'Donations' page - this is a personal decision and is not a requirement. Step 6: Fundraising. We raise funds individually for each recipient. We need to raise an average of $9,000.00 for each Seizure Alert Dog that goes through our school in order to cover all training, medical, and boarding expenses. If possible, we ask each recipient to be involved in the fundraising process when they can. Step 7: Specialized Training. Once the funds are met we move your dog in from one of our foster homes, into specialized training. Specialized training takes 3-4 months in addition to the months of training they have already had in our program. Step 8: Handler Training. During handler training we work with you, one-on-one, and show you how to reinforce the training your dog has already had. Once you and your dog graduate our program we stay in daily contact for the first month, followed by monthly, and bi-yearly consultations for reports on your dog's ability to continuously provide assistance to you. Please contact us by email to request an application, and the application process. littleangelsdogtraining@yahoo.com The Epilepsy Connection and Little Angels Service Dogs have partnered to both educate and place service dogs with those who suffer from seizure disorders. Please visit www.MYEC.org for the Epilepsy Connection website. |
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