"Diabetic Alert Dogs" are another tool in the race for good health for people with "Diabetes", but they are not for everyone. "Diabetes" already takes its toll on the life of a person that has been diagnosed with this disease and adding another stressor into the mix may not be a good idea for some. Yes, I train "Diabetic Alert Dogs", and you may wonder why I would say such a thing when my income depends upon whether or not I sell them. I say that because I have heard so many things, both positive and negative, about the experiences of people that have acquired their own "Diabetic Alert Dogs". I am all for the positives but I feel so much pain for those who have had disappointing results from theirs.

"Diabetic Alert Dogs" are in fact "just dogs" to begin with. I hesitate to say that some of the negative experiences come from the new partner the "DAD" is placed with because I do not want to seem to accuse them of creating the problem and relieving the trainer of that responsibility. A well trained "Diabetic Alert Dog" should not cause an array of different complications for their new owner. However, if that new owner has no knowledge of how to handle a dog in the first place their new "DAD" may just revert to being "just a dog". While trainers should do all they can to educate the person receiving this new tool it is imperative that they also educate themselves on all aspects of not only dog ownership but the tactics used to scent train them as well. In my opinion this should be done prior to the placement of the "Diabetic Alert Dog" in their home. It should be a part of the overall training of their "DAD".

"Diabetic Alert Dogs" are not for everyone due to the simple fact that not everyone has the energy to spend on the ongoing training that is required after they receive their "DAD". Contrary to what some may believe, the training of any service dog is not complete when they are handed over to their new partner. The obedience training of a "Diabetic Alert Dog" should be near perfect at the time of placement but it takes vigilance to keep it there during the everyday life of all involved. Then enters the scent training which should have taken place prior to placement as well. It takes work to transfer the alerting from the samples to the "DAD"'s new owner. That can be a matter of minutes to a couple of months or so depending on the number of incidences of lows and highs during that period of time. For instance, if there are no lows to work with each day, samples must still be used for training, and accomplishing that transfer is made much more difficult.

"Diabetic Alert Dogs" are still "just dogs" regardless of the intensity of the training they have received, and as such they are still living, breathing, emotional beings and will make mistakes sometimes, and if the new owner is not aware of this from the beginning they will become aware of it at some point in the relationship. It is the hope of all trainers of "DAD"'s that the dogs they have trained will never miss those dangerous lows but the fact is that they probably will sooner or later. That is one of the reasons that "Diabetic Alert Dogs" may not be for everyone. If the new partner expects perfection from their "DAD" 100% of the time their disappointment may affect the continued partnership and trust in their furry friend.

All in all, "Diabetic Alert Dogs" are a great option for those who are prepared for this incredible adventure, but for those who have not already explored all their other options, or for those who are exploring this option simply because of the emotional roller coaster they are on from the news of a recent diagnosis, now may not be the time to choose a "DAD". Practice using the tools you have at hand and add the "Diabetic Alert Dog" later if it proves to be an acceptable addition to your family. As with everything else do your homework and understand exactly what you are getting yourself into. Surprises are wonderful but not in the "DAD" world. God bless