I would like to train my adult dogs to be celiac alert dogs (not looking for them to be perfect considering age, etc)

Hey all!

I was diagnosed with Celiacs this past year. It has been a huge barrier to my health and enjoyment of adventures!

I am (was) a huge foodie & chef. Food is a huge part of my day to day enjoyment, and this diagnosis has really caused a lot of difficulties with socializing.

I would like to train my current dogs to start scent work focusing on being a disability support dog for determining the safety of outside foods. I’m aware that the likely of an ideal result is next to nil, but I love my dogs and learning should never stop for people or pets.

They are schnauzer/beagle mixes, ages 8 & 10. I’ve trained them to be companion animals primarily. My 10 year old took naturally to being protective. I trained him to remain alert and standoffish when approached by strangers and have a hold and release command for the behavior. He’s getting a little “loopy” as he ages so I him at home due to this.

My 8 year took to ratting, and has been excellent in this role, while still having restraint and recall, which is excellent.

My concern for her being allowed on adventures for scent work is other peoples dogs – she’s 12 lbs. she has excellent recall and directs behind me when approached by large dogs.

I don’t intend to get any further digs until they are passed so starting from scratch with a puppy that has a better temperament is not a choice I’m willing to make right now.

They do understand recreational scent work (ie – find “it” games, etc) so they have the overall concept of identifying a scent down, which is a good start.

I understand that they may not be trainable to the degree a well bred, properly raised, and properly trained of dog would be. I’m not expecting perfection, or even a level of success I could trust.

I would like to invest in the time and the skills to learn (for myself) and possibly get them to a point where they enjoy having a new job and can do it relatively well.

Does anyone have any recommendations for learning materials – Books, YouTube, suppliers, etc? Any thoughts on other skills we should be building on first?

I’d love all perspectives and any amount of contributions and discussion about this subject!