Considering Applying for a Diabetic Alert Dog?

A. Early Alert Canines specializes in training dogs to alert individuals with diabetes when they detect low or rapidly dropping blood glucose levels. Using their exceptional sense of smell, these dogs provide early warnings that help prevent dangerously low blood glucose levels.

Participants in our program use a standard glucose meter to confirm the dog's alert and then take appropriate actions to manage their blood sugar levels. Prompt treatment of low glucose episodes not only enhances safety but also improves overall blood glucose control and can be life-saving.

A. Positive reinforcement is the foundation of our training approach at Early Alert Canines. When a blood glucose test confirms a dog's alert, the dog is rewarded with treats, enthusiastic praise, and/or playtime.

We carefully select dogs for training based on their strong desire to work with humans. For these dogs, detecting and alerting to low blood sugar becomes an engaging game that earns them rewards. Our training team collaborates closely with clients to ensure that rewards are given effectively, enhancing the dog’s alerting capabilities.

Working with a diabetic alert dog is a lifelong commitment, and consistent, appropriate reinforcement is crucial for sustained success and effectiveness.

A. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to provide "reasonable accommodations" for employees with disabilities. In many cases, a blood sugar alert dog qualifies as a reasonable accommodation, offering valuable support in various work environments.

However, the suitability of a service dog depends on the specific work setting. For instance, a busy commercial kitchen with hot pans and boiling pots might present challenges in justifying a service dog as a reasonable accommodation. Each work environment needs individual assessment to determine if a service dog can be safely integrated.

If a full-access service dog may not be feasible for your workplace, consider a Skilled Companion Early Alert Canine. These dogs are typically placed with children under 12 but can also be considered for adults with insulin-dependent diabetes whose lifestyles may not suit a full-access service dog. Skilled Companion dogs work primarily in the home, offering support where a full-access service dog might not be practical.

Diabetic alert dogs have successfully been integrated into various professions, including teaching, technical roles, nursing, and office work. However, not all situations may qualify as "reasonable accommodations." Early Alert Canines is committed to assisting both current and prospective clients in evaluating whether a service dog is the right fit for their unique work environment. We are here to help you assess your specific situation and determine the best solution.

A. Early Alert Canines are highly trained for accuracy, but it’s important to remember that they are not infallible. While these dogs offer valuable support, they are not perfect and may occasionally miss some low blood sugar events. Therefore, Diabetic Alert Dogs should be used as an important supplementary tool alongside your regular blood sugar management methods.

These dogs excel in detecting rapidly changing blood glucose levels, and successful use relies on ongoing collaboration with EAC staff. Regular follow-up is crucial to maximize the effectiveness of your alert dog.

The person with diabetes must also be highly attentive and engaged in their partnership with the Diabetic Alert Dog. While a newly placed dog may start with an accuracy rate of around 60%, consistent training and adherence to EAC guidelines can improve this rate to over 90% within a few months.

Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for an Early Alert Canine, you must have insulin-dependent diabetes and have been using insulin therapy for at least one year. Ideal candidates are those who diligently manage their diabetes. Our dogs are not suited for individuals who are not actively working to control their condition. If you need support to enhance your diabetes management, please visit our resources page or contact us for additional help.

Costs
Training a Diabetic Alert Dog and providing ongoing support for its lifetime costs upwards of $50,000. EAC is committed to making this life-saving support accessible by minimizing client expenses. Clients contribute as follows:
 

• Application Processing Fee: $150 (non-refundable), due with the submission of a completed application.

• Team Training and Ongoing Support: $5,000

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Payment Schedule:
 

• Deposit: If your application is approved, a 50% deposit ($2,500) is required within 6 months. This deposit is credited toward the total cost. If we cannot find a suitable dog within two years, the deposit will be fully refunded.

• Remaining Balance: Once a suitable dog is identified, the remaining $2,500 is due on or before attending a one-day Orientation.

Training Details:

Orientation: Attended before Team Training, with the remaining balance due on or before this session.
Team Training:

• Skilled Companion: One week

• Full-Access Service Dog: Two weeks

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Cancellation Policy:

If you cancel your participation at any time, all funds paid will be forfeited.

Additional Costs:

Accommodations for Training: Applicants are responsible for their own travel, food, and lodging expenses for Orientation and Team Training.

Trainer Travel Costs: Clients living over 50 miles from the EAC Training Center in Concord, California, are responsible for costs related to a trainer’s travel to their location, including mileage, airfare, accommodations, meals, and the trainer’s time.

Ongoing Fees:

Dog Ownership Costs: Expect to pay $100-$300 per month for routine expenses, with potential additional costs for emergencies. Insurance for the dog will be discussed during Team Training.

Annual Recertification: Clients must cover travel-related expenses for mandatory annual recertification, typically held at the EAC Training Center or in Southern California.

Fundraising Support
EAC’s Development Director will assist you in creating a fundraising strategy. You can choose to pay directly, fundraise, or do both. We provide resources such as marketing materials, social media guidelines, and peer-to-peer fundraising webpages to help you achieve your goal.

A. Essentially, all of these terms are correct, but it’s important to distinguish between two key aspects: dogs that assist people with diabetes and dogs that themselves have diabetes.

At Early Alert Canines, we focus exclusively on training dogs that support individuals with diabetes. We do not train dogs with diabetes or other serious medical conditions.

For more information on canine diabetes and its symptoms, please visit www.diabetesindogs.net, www.caninediabetes.org, or consult with a veterinarian.