Welcome!
This Allergen Detection course is designed to guide you in training your pet dog to detect and alert you to allergens, such as peanuts.
The course is structured in a step by step way. The materials comprise video lessons, photographs, interactive exercises, and downloadable resources. Take a look at some of the training materials below.
The course can be accessed anytime, anywhere, allowing you to progress at your dog's pace.
Throughout your training journey the program leaders will be available to respond to your questions and offer support.
Welcome and Demo
Welcome and introduction to the course!
Peanut detection dog demonstration.
Course Structure
The course is organised in a step-by-step process to progressively develop your dog's skills safely at home. There are eight modules in the course as laid out in the diagram.
You will begin with the foundational skills section (Modules 2-4). You will not need to handle your target allergen (such as peanuts) until Module 5.
In this course, you take on the roles of both instructor and examiner for your dog. As you develop trust and connection, you'll be able to determine when your dog is ready to move forward through each phase of the course. This will give you the confidence to know when they're ready to offer real-world allergen detection support.
It is important to note that this course alone will not certify your dog to become a fully qualified service dog. If that is your goal, you will need this course, but you will need to combine it with general service dog training (see FAQs). However, we encourage you to begin in the role of a pet. As a pet your dog can:
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check items brought home from a supermarket;
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check takeaway meals;
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accompany their owner to picnic areas;
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to outdoor public events;
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to pet-friendly / outdoor restaurants and cafes; and,
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the houses of pet-friendly friends and relatives.
In this way, allergen detection pets, can potentially offer added freedom, peace of mind, inclusion, and safety for individuals living with allergies. And, the training process is considerably faster and more focused.
Scent Games
This video is from Module 2 of the course.
Throughout the course you will guided to build upon these kinds of games, switching up the hidden treat or ball for your target allergen.
The goal at first is to involve your dog in short, focused scent-play sessions (around 5 minutes) at least once a day.
Begin with an activity that you think your dog will enjoy, that is similar to something you already play together. If you already play the sorts of the games shown in the video, switch up the location (making sure to include the kitchen) and extend the length or frequency of play sessions.
If you're just getting started with these sorts of games, motivate your dog by showing interest and excitement in the activity, giving hand directions to help guide them and encouraging them with your voice.
Hold your dog gently as you hide the item, then encourage them to search for it. Model searching for the hidden item and encourage your dog to follow. With practice, when you point to the area, it won't be long before your dog understands there may be a hidden item nearby. Your dog doesn't need to pick up or retrieve the item. Some dogs may do this, some may not. Either is fine at this stage. The focus of these activities at this stage of the course is to practice locating objects by scent rather than teaching retrieval skills.