Scent training is a critical aspect of training a diabetes alert service dog. Dogs possess an incredible sense of smell, which enables them to detect subtle changes in the scent of a person’s breath or body when their blood sugar levels are high or low. By harnessing this natural ability, you can teach your dog to recognize and alert you to these fluctuations, providing you with a valuable early warning system.
Gather blood sugar scent samples
To begin scent training, collect samples of your breath or body odor during different blood sugar episodes. It is essential to obtain samples when your blood sugar is within the target range, as well as during high and low episodes. You can collect these samples by breathing into a small clean container or by using sterile gauze to dab areas of your skin, such as your armpits or hands. Label each sample with the corresponding blood sugar level and store them in the freezer in separate airtight containers.
Be sure you are not accidentally mixing samples by only handling one sample with a set of sterile gloves at a time.
Introduce the Scent Samples:
Start by presenting one of the scent samples to your dog in a controlled and calm environment. Place the container with the sample a few feet away from your dog and allow them to investigate at their own pace. It’s important to note that some dogs may naturally show interest in the scent, while others may require more encouragement.
Associate Scent with Rewards:
Whenever your dog shows interest in or sniffs the scent sample, immediately reward them with praise, treats, or a favored toy. This positive reinforcement helps your dog develop a positive association between the scent and receiving a reward. Repeat this process with each scent sample, ensuring consistency in your rewards and praise.
Pair Scent Recognition with a Cue
As your dog becomes more familiar with the scent samples, introduce a cue & behavior to associate with the recognition of the specific scent. For example, you could use the word “alert” or “check.” Say the cue word just before presenting the scent sample, and repeat it consistently during the training sessions. Eventually, your dog will start to associate the cue word with the scent recognition process.
You’ll want to specify a behavior you want your dog to do when alerting you. This can be a paw on your leg, kisses on your hand, or a nose bump/target.
Gradual Increase in Difficulty
Once your dog demonstrates consistent recognition of the scent samples and responds positively to the cue word, you can begin to increase the difficulty level. Place the scent samples in different locations, such as hidden behind objects or in different rooms. This variation helps your dog generalize the scent recognition skill, ensuring they can identify the scent in various situations.
Reinforcing and Refining the Alert
As your dog becomes proficient in recognizing the scent samples, you can focus on refining their alert behavior. Decide on the specific alert behavior you want your dog to display when they detect a significant change in your blood sugar levels. Common alert behaviors include pawing at you, nudging you with their nose, or fetching a specific object, such as a designated alerting device. Consistently reward your dog when they exhibit the desired alert behavior after recognizing the scent.
Gradual Reduction of Scent Samples
Over time, you can reduce the number of scent samples you use during training. Start by using fewer samples while maintaining consistency in the rewards and cues. This step ensures that your dog understands the concept of scent recognition without relying on an excessive number of samples.
Remember, scent training requires patience and repetition. Short and frequent training sessions are more effective than long, exhaustive ones. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to reinforcing the connection between scent recognition and alerting behavior.
Alerting you in real life
The first time your dog alerts you to a spike or drop in blood sugar, be sure to heavily reward your dog!
Ensure you don’t reward (ignore, no need to punish) when your dog performs the alert behavior when your blood sugar ISNT high or low. This will ensure your dog doesn’t start performing the alert behavior for attention.
Celebrate your dog’s successes and be patient during any setbacks. With dedication and time, your dog will become a reliable and accurate diabetes-alert companion, helping you manage your blood sugar levels and improving your overall well-being.