A gluten detection dog is trained to recognize the odor of gluten and alert their handler to its presence in food, medications, or personal care items. This provides an extra layer of protection for individuals with medical conditions requiring a gluten free lifestyle for their health, such as Celiac Disease.

When trained properly, gluten detection dogs can identify gluten at levels far lower than current lab testing. While no method is foolproof, they greatly reduce the risk of accidental exposure.

We can evaluate your current dog's suitability or help you find a promising service dog prospect. Not all dogs are a good match for this work, so temperament testing is essential either way. Gluten odor behaves differently from many other detectable scents, and the work requires both a stable temperament for public access and strong drive to use their nose in partnership with their handler. Our temperament assessment looks at how a dog engages with their environment and responds to a variety of exercises to determine their potential for success. Ideally, an assessment is performed with an unfamiliar person in an unfamiliar location to the dog. More details will be provided after the interview process.

No, we don't provide dogs. Instead, we support you in evaluating your current dog or selecting a suitable prospect. You train the dog with expert guidance every step of the way. I coach you through the entire process, from introducing gluten odor to developing reliable alerts. This approach not only strengthens your bond but ensures you have the skills to maintain training for life.

The timeline varies for each team, but on average, it takes about two years to fully train a gluten detection dog. Progress depends on several factors, including the dog’s age and temperament, the handler’s experience, and how much time the owner can dedicate to training.

Gluten detection dog training draws from a variety of scent detection methodologies, including scentwork sports and real-world applications. While some techniques might resemble those used for bomb or drug detection, we focus on tailoring the process to the unique demands of allergen detection. Each training plan is customized to meet the specific needs of the handler and dog team, promoting a strong and effective working partnership.

Our coaching covers everything: evaluating or selecting a suitable dog, gluten detection training, foundational obedience, problem-solving, and public access skills.

Not at all! Whether you're brand new or have experience, I'll meet you where you are and guide you through each step of the process. For teams that would benefit from in-person guidance, we can discuss options for collaborating with a local trainer as part of your plan.

Most clients train around 20-30 minutes a day. Short, focused sessions are ideal, and we'll help you set a sustainable schedule that avoids burnout for both you and your dog.

All services are provided online via video meetings, so you can participate from anywhere. If you'd benefit from some in-person help, we can coordinate with a local trainer as needed.

Ideally, yes. If a dog is regularly consuming gluten, it increases the chances of cross-contact. However, as long as training rewards and work environments are gluten free, adjustments can be made for dogs eating gluten-inclusive diets.

Yes. To train a dog to detect gluten, you will need to work with various gluten-containing odor samples. However, you will not be using powdered gluten, as it poses a risk of airborne contamination. Gluten detection training focuses on controlled sample presentations that reduce the risk of cross-contact.

Training costs vary by program, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. In my program, the average total is about $12,000 over two years, with payments of $500 every four weeks. This includes custom coaching, training plans, and ongoing support. This estimate covers training only. This does not include the costs associated with owning and caring for a dog, such as veterinary care, food, and supplies. Ideally, a gluten detection dog should also be on a gluten free diet.

We do not offer financing services directly. Clients are welcome to pay for services in ways that work for them, but financing arrangements must be managed independently.

Yes, but it's essential to proceed with care, especially if you're considering another scent detection task. Conflicting priorities between scents can make dual scent work unsuitable for some dogs. If you have specific needs for additional tasks, I'm happy to discuss options or refer you to a trainer who specializes in those areas.

While labels help, they are not always reliable for those who are highly sensitive to gluten exposure. Labeling laws allow for small amounts of gluten, and cross-contamination is not always disclosed. Gluten detection dogs add another layer of security by detecting trace amounts that may not be listed. Read more about the gluten free labeling criteria in the USA.

Dogs are living beings—not machines—and may occasionally make mistakes due to fatigue, distractions, or health. That's why handler education is part of the program. You'll learn how to read your dog's behavior, reduce risk, and handle the inevitable "off days."

They can, but my focus is exclusively on gluten due to my personal experience and depth of knowledge of the challenges involved. If you need training for a different allergen, I'm happy to help you explore other options.