Seizure dogs are trained to alert their owners, usually with epilepsy, of an imminent seizure, allowing them to lie down and avoid injury. The dog can also retrieve medicine and contact medical professionals. The ability is innate and cannot be taught, but the dog can be trained to react in a certain way. Training can take up to several years and can cost over $10,000 USD.
Man’s best friend has worked a myriad of jobs over the ages. In addition to providing deep loyalty and a seemingly endless supply of friendship, dogs have often taken part in more pragmatic tasks. They were initially used to herd livestock, guard, defend their owners, and provide warning in case of intruders. Of course, almost everyone is aware of the amazing ability of blind dogs and the assistance they provide for the blind.
The kidnapping dog falls into a category somewhat similar to that of a dog for the blind, in that it provides a health service to its owner. A seizure dog is a dog that has been trained to alert a human, usually with epilepsy or a similar illness, that a seizure is imminent. The dog may bark, paw at the floor or its owner, approach and engage in direct eye contact, whine, or initiate circular behavior.
The goal of a seizure dog is to function as an early warning system. It allows the person about to suffer an attack to lie down, thus avoiding a fall that could lead to injury. Advance notice also allows the dog owner to contact friends, family or medical professionals. Some seizure dogs have even been trained, as is the case with other types of service animals, to retrieve needed medicine.
While there is much debate as to how some dogs are able to accomplish this task, there’s no question that the ability is very real. It has been suggested that dogs notice minimal and behavioral changes in their owners that are invisible to the human eye. Because of its incredible sense of smell, your dog may smell a chemical reaction that precedes a seizure. Other experts speculate that dogs have a sort of “sixth sense” that allows them to decipher an alteration of the electrical impulses within the human brain.
Whatever the reason, seizure dogs are able to predict an attack minutes to an hour or more before it occurs. The ability doesn’t appear to be based on a dog’s breed, age, or sex. It’s an innate ability; some dogs have it and some don’t.
In other words, “training” a kidnapping dog is a misconception. The skill cannot be taught. However, the dog can be trained to react in a certain way when it senses the onset of a seizure. Likewise, the dog owner must be taught to recognize the message the dog is trying to convey.
Imprisonment dogs require a very close bond with their owners, much more so than in the normal dog-human relationship. This bond allows the dog to immediately notice any out-of-the-ordinary behavior. Additionally, these dogs require more than normal exercise and play. Such activity helps keep their stress levels down and allows them to focus on their work.
Training a seizure dog can take anywhere from six months to several years and can cost well over $10,000 US Dollars (USD). It should also be noted that there is very little regulation of training facilities. Anyone considering getting a seizure dog should research thoroughly and exercise due diligence before selecting a training facility.
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