Learn from gluten detection dog advocates Kendra and Kari as they answer common questions about their new training courses. Discover how their resources guide you through training your own gluten detection dog with expert advice, practical tips, and more!
Kendra: Kari and I are really excited to share something we've been working on for months. We've received countless DMs from people interested in starting gluten detection dog training, but many of them have had bad experiences. I’ve also been there—I made a ton of mistakes in my own training journey, and it could have gone sideways so many times. Kari actually reached out to me during my training and helped guide me in the right direction. Now, we're excited to launch a resource that we wish we had when we started!
Kari: Yes! We’ve created some gluten detection dog courses to help people get started correctly. Training a service dog is a major commitment—both financially and emotionally. We want to help people make informed decisions before diving into something that requires a lot of time, effort, and money.
What can people expect from your courses?
Kendra: Our courses are designed to be a starting point for anyone thinking about training a gluten detection dog. We cover everything from the basics of what gluten detection is to what it takes to train a dog. This is a huge financial and time commitment—just like when you're buying a house or a car, you need to do your research first. These courses will help people figure out whether this journey is right for them and set them up for success.
Kari: Exactly. One of the key things we address is how to find the right dog, what breeds are suited for gluten detection, and how to start on the right foot with a professional trainer. We’ve also loaded the courses with practical information, including links to trusted resources and additional reading.
Is this course only for gluten detection, or can it be applied to other allergens?
Kari: Great question! Although our focus is on gluten detection, the training principles we cover can be applied to other food allergies as well. The science behind scent detection is universal. We specifically focus on gluten because that’s our area of expertise, but the training can extend to other allergens.
Can someone train their dog without a professional dog trainer?
Kendra: While our courses will teach you the fundamentals, we strongly recommend working with a professional trainer. Training a gluten detection dog isn’t like teaching a dog to sit or stay—there’s a lot of nuance. Even with a trainer, I made plenty of mistakes. The dog feeds off your body language and energy, and it’s hard to notice those subtle things without a professional’s guidance.
Kari: I completely agree. Training is a partnership between you and the dog, and having someone who understands the process and can see the things you can’t is essential. Even the top gluten detection trainers, like Don Choi—who has helped develop these courses—work with trainers to ensure success.
Will the courses cover the costs involved in training a gluten detection dog?
Kari: Yes, we break down all the costs associated with training a dog, from finding a breeder to working with a trainer. This includes everything from the initial purchase of the dog to long-term expenses like training and equipment.
What about the type or size of dog—does that matter?
Kendra: Absolutely! We cover how to choose the right breed and size of dog based on your needs. Not every breed is suitable for gluten detection, and selecting the wrong dog can lead to a lot of frustration and wasted time. We also discuss the temperament and traits to look for when selecting a puppy.
Will the courses provide ongoing support?
Kendra: Yes and no. The courses are designed to get you started on the right path, and we’ll also offer monthly Q&A sessions where people can ask us questions live. However, training a gluten detection dog is something we recommend doing with a trainer, and we do not provide one-on-one training sessions as part of the course.
Kari: Right, these courses will give you all the tools and knowledge to start off strong, but we still believe in the value of working with a professional trainer who can guide you through the specific steps of scent imprinting and behavior training.
How long does it take to train a gluten detection dog?
Kari: On average, it takes about two years to fully train a service dog. We want the dog to be emotionally and physically mature before they take on the full responsibilities of being a service dog. Starting with a puppy and working through developmental milestones is key to long-term success.
What’s the most important thing people should know before starting this journey?
Kendra: Training a service dog is a long-term commitment, and it requires a lot of patience, time, and financial investment. We created these courses because we want people to be fully informed and prepared. There’s a lot more to it than just teaching a dog to find gluten—it’s about building a partnership and ensuring the dog is trained safely and effectively.
Ready to Start Your Gluten Detection Dog Journey?
Our courses are now live, and we can’t wait to help you get started! Whether you're considering training a service dog or simply curious about the process, our courses will provide you with everything you need to know. Plus, with ongoing monthly Q&A sessions, you'll have the chance to get your questions answered as you go.
Follow us on Instagram at @SukiPWD and @CeliacServiceDogs for more updates, tips, and insights into the world of gluten detection dogs!
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