Gluten Detection Dog Training
Owner Training Program
The Owner Training Program is Currently Full
We work with a limited number of handler teams at a time to make sure that every dog and handler gets the personal attention they need to succeed. Because of this our program has limited availability and we are currently at capacity. If you think trainer-led personal lessons might be right for you, please schedule a consultation so we can discuss your needs, especially if you already have a dog. The cost of the consultation is $175. Then I can add you to the waitlist. Joining the waitlist requires a $150 deposit. We don't recommend starting with dogs over 2 years old, or dogs under 25 pounds.
In the meantime, our online courses are the best place to start. They will teach you how choose the right breed, evaluate a puppy, understand gluten detection science, and how prepare to work with a trainer, so you will be ready when your spot comes.
Before You do Anything:
My main goal is to help you be successful and graduate with a finished service dog. This means making sure you go through the entire process of finding a breeder, working with your breeder, testing the puppies to find the best candidate (both temperament and odor), and helping you pick the best candidate for gluten detection. There are steps that need to be checked off, in order, that will help you have the best chances of success. We walk you through that process in our online courses.
Once you have a breeder and the puppies are coming, testing for service dogs is done at 7 weeks old. It will be completed by me, with the help of the breeder and a neutral person the puppies have never met, over Zoom. Temperament testing IS NOT done solely by the breeder. It is not done any earlier than 7 weeks old. I use a puppy temperament test that is geared toward choosing a puppy that will excel in service dog work. I do not recommend picking any puppy because they are cute, or because you love a breed, or you had a certain dog when you were young. Your service dog is going to be a medical device for you, and help save your life. I want to guide you, and be a part of, the process for the entire journey.
If you are interested in training a gluten detection service dog, you can read more about the program below. Before you start training with me, I recommend starting with the Ultimate Starter Bundle which includes all 4 courses plus a 1 hour consultation to help answer any of your questions and get started planning your training journey. If you just have a few questions, you can also book a consultation to discuss your needs further.
Kari Bastyr, MS, CDBC, CPCN
Virtual Gluten Detection Dog Training
This is an online, owner-training program for you and your service dog prospect. I will meet with you on Zoom twice a week, and work with you and your puppy virtually. This is how I taught my service dogs, and often teach in my private practice. It’s a convenient and fun way to learn, it allows me to see you in real-time and guide you, and provides an alternative to in-person training when there is too much distance between us. I was doing online training way before Covid lockdown, and have really mastered the most beneficial ways to teach this way. I interned with Dawn Scheu, of Willow Service Dogs to learn the delicate process of training gluten detection. Dawn trained the first gluten detection dog, Willow, and has finished almost 100 allergen detection dogs in her program over the last 10 years.
Gluten Detection Dog Training Program Information:
In between our lessons, you can send me short videos of your daily practice sessions so if anything pops up that is a concern, we can go troubleshoot. Or we can watch the videos together to see your progress.
Training on Zoom is live, dynamic, always changing (just like a puppy class), and done safely in your living room or office to decrease the chances of your puppy getting spooked or distracted.
In order to start my program, I will do a basic temperament test with your puppy, and have you provide videos. Better yet, let me help you choose the right breed and puppy for the best service dog prospect. If you have an older puppy, I will do a temperament and odor test before we start. I only want to make sure they have the personality, drive, and intelligence to complete the program. With my background in anxiety and fear, it will be easy for me to determine if your dog is a good fit for service dog work. I do not recommend starting with an older dog over the age of 2.
Service Dog Training Approach:
Ideally, you’ll need a basic background in dog training and dog behavior. This is also a HUGE time commitment, so you’ll need at least an hour or two per day, sometimes more, to devote to your dog. It’s like another full-time job, but obviously one that will eventually be a life-saver.
All dogs will be taught with positive reinforcement only. No choke, prong or shock collars are used in my program. If you've always used a shock or prong collar, it's okay. You have come to the right place! The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior discourages the use of shock, prong, and choke collars for training because they increase anxiety and fear. In my program, I will teach you all about the wonderful benefits of positive reinforcement training and how to train your dog using this method.
Service dog training is not for everyone. If you think you want one and have what it takes, check out our great courses to get you started.
How much does it cost to train a gluten detection dog?
One Lesson: $125
$250/month (once a week for 30 minutes, odor or PA only)
$400/month (once a week for 50-60 minutes)
$600/month (twice a week for 50-60 minutes)
Testimonials
Erica & Marigold
"I can’t tell you how valuable it feels to know that all of the stress, time, energy, emotion, and expenses put into this journey have been made worth it with the right dog and the right trainer."
Allison & Oliver
"Kari has been so supportive along the way, and I love how she has been able to cater the lessons to his needs and has new ideas when we need to re-strategize for him, which makes it much easier than I had expected."
Maddy & Pippa
“With her help, I was able to select not only the best puppy for gluten detection but also the perfect match for my personality and lifestyle. I would have been completely lost without her expertise and encouragement.”
Consult with Kari - 60 Minutes
175
Book a 1 hour virtual consultation with Kari Bastyr, Celiac Service Dog Trainer. You will be provided with a virtual conference link once your appointment is scheduled.