FAQs

We have put together these answers to frequently asked questions to help you decide if a diabetic alert dog is right for you family.

• Do alert dogs respond 100% of the time?
• Is it possible to train my current dog to be a diabetes alert dog?
• Do we have to live within a certain distance to you in order to be accepted into the program?
• Does it matter if we have other pets in the house?
• Are there any restrictions as to where the service dog may enter publicly?
• Is there any further training the dog will need once delivered? Does ASD continue to train the dog?
• Will Alert Service Dogs own the dog?

Do alert dogs respond 100% of the time?

No trainer should guarantee 100% response. These are living beings and can be distracted, hungry, sick, or forgetful if the training is not regularly reinforced. The dogs are capable of being 85-90% accurate in the environments for which they have been trained. Yet, each dog has different strengths and weaknesses. For nighttime alerts, dogs may have deep sleep patterns especially when younger.  ↑ top

Is it possible to train my current dog to be a diabetes alert dog?

Probably not, and for many important reasons. First of all, a service dog has a different life than that of a pet. Service dogs are trained from very early stages (puppy) to have a primary person in their life. This person has to be the focus of the dog. That does not mean a service dog cannot socialize with other people or animals, but the main priority of the dog should be the person in need of assistance.

A second reason stems from the bad habits or even fears that the animal has developed over its lifetime. It is extremely difficult to un-train bad habits or help a dog get over fears such as loud noises.

Lastly, service dogs have a unique personality centered on a huge work ethic, meaning that it is excited to be working most of the time. We find the best breeds for this kind of dog come from a hunting background: Labs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and even Border Collies.

Still, ASD does evaluate dogs to see if they might make it in our program. To date, we have not had a grown pet fit the criteria. ↑ top

Do we have to live within a certain distance to you in order to be accepted into the program?

No. ASD can deliver a trained dog anywhere in the USA though there may be costs for airfare and hotel. Or, you may pick up your trained dog at our main training center in Colorado. ↑ top

Does it matter if we have other pets in the house?

No, these dogs will be trained in environments with both dogs and children so that they are properly socialized. Though, ASD takes no responsibility for your current pet. ↑ top

Are there any restrictions as to where the service dog may enter publicly?

The Persons with Disability Act is a national statute stating that to deny access to an owner and their service dog to a public place is a criminal offence. Most places are most welcoming to service animals. Please know that the owner is responsible for any damage their dog may cause. ↑ top

Is there any further training the dog will need once delivered? Does ASD continue to train the dog?

Yes, continued reinforcement of the training is necessary. ASD will teach the owner how to reinforce the dogs training with simple games and exercises that should be done daily. Concerning training support, our goal is to help you have the best diabetic alert dog possible. ASD will always help you with any diabetic training issues that arise. We are here to coach you and support you every step of the way. ↑ top

Will Alert Service Dogs own the dog?

No, the dog belongs solely to you, the owner. When you purchase the dog, we only supply the training and the food when the dog is our care. We are not responsible for any vet care for the dog. Shots and check ups to take care of the dog are the owner's responsibility.  ↑ top