I wanted to share this interview with Kari Bastyr of Celiac Service Dogs and Maddy, one of Kari's current students, to talk about what it really looks like to start training a gluten detection dog from puppyhood. I recently got to meet Maddy in person for lunch and we talked about my training journey with Suki. I think sharing stories about the reality of training a celiac service dog is really important. I especially think the early stages of the process are so critical.

Short answer: Yes. Gluten detection training is a specialized skill that requires expert knowledge of scent science, celiac safety, and dog behavior. Without professional guidance, training mistakes can make your dog unreliable, which puts your health at risk.   If you have Celiac Disease, you already know how stressful it is to avoid gluten. Even a tiny mistake can trigger days or weeks of symptoms. That's why many people turn to gluten detection dogs, also called celiac ser

Training a gluten detection celiac service dog is a 2 year process under the guidance and training of a dog trainer who specializes in Celiac Service Dog training. Both the handler and the dog are in training. The handler will learn how to read the dog's body language and how to conduct a controlled search. The dog will learn how to detect gluten in foods, through packages, on plates, bowls, and cups. They will also be trained to work in grocery stores, restaurants, and othe

A gluten detection dog, also called a celiac service dog, is trained to identify the scent of gluten and alert their handler. These dogs don’t just recognize the smell, They also have to do it in a wide variety of real-life settings, from grocery stores to restaurants to your kitchen.

The Journey of Maddy and Pippa: Training a Gluten Detection Service Dog Training a service dog is a rewarding and sometimes challenging experience, and for Maddy, it has been an exciting journey. In this conversation, Kari and Kendra from Celiac Service Dogs  sit down with Maddy to discuss her experience training Pippa, her gluten detection service dog in training, and the impact it has had on her life with celiac disease. Maddy shares how she found Pippa, and how her journey

In this episode, we dive into the life experiences of Kendra Williams and Kari Bastyr, who are two key figures in the world of gluten-detection dogs. Both living with celiac disease, they depend on their specially trained dogs to detect gluten, but their paths crossed in a way that has forever changed the landscape of this niche field. It all started in 2020 when Kari came across a video posted by Kendra, showcasing her dog training with loose flour. Concerned that Kendra's

Pippa: 14 Weeks Old "When I first began exploring the idea of training a gluten detection dog, I had an introductory call with Kari where she walked me through the entire process—from what to look for in a breed to how to identify a reputable breeder for service work. Her guidance was invaluable as I navigated the breeder selection process, and she ultimately referred me to the breeder I chose. After waiting nearly a year for my litter, Kari coordinated scent testing and even

In this interview, Kendra sits down with gluten detection dog trainer, Kari Bastyr to tackle the most common questions about gluten detection dog training. From the best age and breeds to start with, to real costs, time commitments, and what to expect, Kari shares insights every future handler should know. If you’ve ever wondered whether a gluten detection dog is right for you, this video is a great place to start.

Discover the incredible role of gluten detection dogs in helping people with celiac disease stay safe. Learn how these highly trained dogs d

Is Your Dog a Good Candidate for Gluten Detection Dog Training? Gluten detection dogs can be a life-changing resource for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, not every dog is suited for this type of work. Determining if your dog is a good candidate for gluten detection training requires careful consideration of their age, temperament, health, and behavior. Here’s a guide to help you evaluate whether your furry companion is ready to start this journey. 1

When you’re training a gluten detection dog, the treats you use are more important than you might think. Treats are more than just rewards. They’re tools for creating positive associations with training and the target odor. Research shows that using high-value rewards tailored to a dog’s preferences is one of the most effective ways to reinforce desired behaviors and maintain enthusiasm during training​ ( dogsnet.com  ​ Psychology Today ) Over the years, I’ve learned what wor

When people hear about scent detection dogs, they often think of drug-sniffing dogs or those used in search and rescue missions. However,

Ready to Start Your Gluten Detection Dog Journey? If you’re ready to explore whether a gluten detection dog is right for you, or if you’re

When I first decided to get a gluten-detection dog , I had no idea how crucial working with a specialized trainer would be. Like many dog...

In this insightful Q&A, Kendra and Kari discuss their exciting new gluten detection dog training courses. They cover the common challenges