Instagram Live with Maddy Pellow, a Celiac Service Dog Student

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 with celiac disease led her to explore the idea of a service dog. With celiac disease affecting her daily life, a gluten detection dog like Pippa will make a world of difference. From the very beginning, Maddy knew that a service dog would be key in helping her live more confidently and safely.

Living with celiac disease can be overwhelming. For Maddy, it means constantly worrying about accidental gluten exposure. Pippa will provide an extra layer of safety. Maddy shares her personal experiences and why she felt a service dog was the right choice for her.

Choosing the right dog for training is crucial. Maddy talks about the decision-making process behind selecting Pippa, including the breed and the breeder. Not all dogs are suited for service dog work, so Maddy and the team carefully considered these factors to ensure Pippa would be the perfect fit for the job.

Training a service dog is a long-term commitment. Maddy reflects on the daily training she does with Pippa, from basic commands to specific gluten-detection tasks. While it has challenging at times, Maddy also shares the joy and surprises that have come along the way as she and Pippa build their partnership.

As Pippa’s training progresses, Maddy watches the development of her skills, and their bond grows stronger. The process isn't always linear, but every step is an important part of the process. They talk about how Pippa’s confidence and abilities has evolved over time, especially in public settings.

For Maddy, maintaining her health while training Pippa was essential. The conversation touches on how Maddy had to balance the physical demands of training with managing her celiac disease. It’s a delicate balance, and Maddy shares how they make it work.

Training a puppy is different from training an adult dog. Maddy gives insights into some of the techniques used to train Pippa, from early socialization to developing essential skills. Kari discusses how important it is to lay the foundation early for success.

The handler’s role is just as critical as the dog’s training. Maddy talks about her job as Pippa’s handler, learning how to effectively communicate with her and how their relationship has grown over time.

Maddy is also launching a new business called Celiac Compass, aimed at supporting others living with celiac disease. She shares how her personal experience has inspired this new venture and how it ties into her mission to help others in the gluten-free community.

The journey of training a service dog is never truly over. Even after months of hard work, Maddy and Pippa continue to grow and learn together. Their journey is a testament to the dedication and patience required to train a service dog, and the rewards that come from that bond.

You can listen to our Instagram Live with Maddy HERE.