July 10, 2009
Hypoglycemic Alert Dogs
Have you ever heard of a dog that could sense when blood sugar is dropping to an unsafe level? They are called Hypoglycemic Alert Dogs and they are changing lives.
The March 2008 issue of Diabetes Forecast, the consumer magazine of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), features an article about assistance dogs that are trained to sense episodes of human hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, and sound a life-saving alert.
According to the article, these dogs seem to sense a dangerous drop in blood glucose before it begins, allowing the people they work with to prevent an episode altogether. Some dogs seem to sense high blood glucose, too. Mark Ruefenacht is a forensic scientist with type 1 diabetes who started a hypoglycemia alert dog training center in California and has been placing trained dogs with people who need them for three years.
“Clients are coming back saying, ‘I have never had better control of my blood sugar in my life as I have since I got this dog.’”
Scientists remain unsure about how the dogs are able to sense changes in their human companions. It is believed that the dogs are reacting to scents created by chemical changes related to glucose imbalance, but no one knows exactly which chemicals cause the scent. Despite this scientific uncertainty, hypoglycemia alert dogs have provided a great sense of relief to people with diabetes and their families, including parents of young children with diabetes and adults whose history of hypoglycemic episodes made it difficult or even dangerous to live alone.
Currently, there are only a few groups in the United States that are training assistance dogs to sense hypoglycemia. The training requires years of expensive work, which severely limits the number of people who can be paired with dogs. For those who do get the chance, however, the benefit can be remarkable.
“The first time that dog gets you up in the middle of the night because your child is dropping into a serious low, rapidly you realize it’s worth every penny you spent, and every minute you had to wait,” says Donna Cope, whose child has diabetes.
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Bob Hawkinson
08/16/2008 at 8:23 pm
so would that would truly be a Cgms….Canine glucose monitoring system
Casandra
09/15/2008 at 10:03 am
They react to two different things. The dogs are usually breeds that are very loyal and spend every waking moment attached to their owner, such as the Dobermann. They spend every extra second focused on you and the instant you begin to show signs of a low, such as the pick up in breathing or the slightest beads of sweat forming, they will see it. They can detect the acetone scent produced on your breath when your blood sugar begins to rise.
Its rather complicated, but I am in the midst of training my own Dobermann pup. He’s got to go through a lot of training, all the basic stuff from sit/stay up to learning to brace once he’s fully grown. There’s so much to do, so many scent and hiding games to play, so little time!
Linda
09/23/2008 at 2:07 pm
I am a Type 1 Diabetic, and have a Jack Russell Terrier that can detect my low blood sugars. My doctor recommended that I try to get my dog certified, due to the fact that I have hypoglycemia intolerance and do not know my sugars are low until I am in my 30′s or lower. As of yet, I have not been able to locate a program that is willing to further train my dog to become a certified hypoglycemia alert dog. Can anyone offer me any information on this matter?
Ann
09/19/2009 at 11:39 am
This is for Linda, I hope she has already found the information she needs to public access her dog as she said he already alerts. First she should start with getting a Canine Good Citizen test. Then she will know what areas she needs to work on with him. She can then start bringing him in public as a service dog in training. The dog must behave extra well in public, no barking at other people or dogs. Not react to children wanting to pet although you may ask people not to pet some will ignore your request, no growling is allowed. Sit, down and stay on command. Go under tables in restaurants. Good Luck this can be done. If the dog is too reactionary, he could still work for you at home. Although I know many lows happen while you are out and about.
GG utpon
11/04/2009 at 4:17 pm
Linda,
As I understand it, there is not a certification for a diabetic alert service dog. if checking witht he disabilites act, it is unlawful to ask a person with a service dog for a certificate to show auththenticity of the dog and their ability, or to prove their disability. If you do find a certification program, it will only make the business feel better about letting the K-9 in, other than that is isn’t worth the paper it is written on.
Katharine
11/14/2008 at 4:54 pm
I am very interested in finding out how I can get one of these dogs! Is there a website that can give me more info?? Thank you so much. This sounds like it would be a blessing
Casandra
11/17/2008 at 5:26 am
There are several organizations in the USA that will help unite you with an animal that would suit your personality and needs best. Heaven Scent Paws is one org, but I’ve heard mixed reviews about these people, I wouldn’t trust them.
My Dobermann puppy is being trained for the task of alerting, but he’s been alerting me to my seizures and low blood sugars since the day I met him at 10 weeks old. I am training him myself, and with the aid of a charity in the UK, I’m going to have him certified.
Mark Disbrow
11/25/2008 at 5:05 pm
On 3 Jan 2009 my daughter will be a Type 1 diabetic for two years. She has just been evaluated to receive a pump and we will start training in Jan 09 for that. I just bought her a male long-haired german shepherd this past summer and am trying to decide if it is worth training him in detecting hypoglicemia/ic.
Any and all recommendations are well appreciated.
Amy
11/30/2008 at 6:45 pm
My husband and I adopted Moe, a Jack Russell from the Humane Society last Christmas. He has sensed three times that blood sugar was low while I was sleeping. He did it again this morning…he usually sleeps with us, but this morning he stayed with me while my husband got up, after a few hours with me, he started to bark. Dave came in the room and Moe was snout to face with me. He looked at Dave, then at me and barked. David got me some glucose gel and I was ok. Moe got a treat and Dave got a kiss. We knew we adopted a good dog, but didn’t realize how special he was until his firt sensing of my low blood sugar.
Dawn
07/02/2009 at 12:50 pm
I love my Jack Russell!! He is not certified, but like your Moe, he will go and get my husband when I am sleeping – he can sense my hypoglycemia. He is priceless!!! Very intellegent dogs aren’t they!!
Ken
11/30/2008 at 10:50 pm
Wow, Amy that is amazing. I assume that Moe was a trained hypoglycemic sensing dog? Also Jack Russell terriers are very smart dogs so looks like you picked a great friend.
Glad to hear you’re ok.
Mark Disbrow
12/01/2008 at 2:40 pm
Amy, I’m glad that Moe did what he was suppose to do and that you are okay. Thanks for the encouraging words.
I have been counducting some research on the internet on how dogs are taught to detect hypoglycemia/ic and have come up empty. I know they have a keen sense of smell but how do you train the dog to sit or bark or go get someone if you are having an extreme low/high. What device do you train the dog with that equals to the smell of hypoglycemia/ic? Thanks for any and all help…
Amy
12/02/2008 at 8:35 pm
Hi Ken
Moe is not trained….his nose knows.
Elizabeth
12/15/2008 at 4:30 pm
I have a two year old female lurcher (whippet X) who from the day I brought her home at 8 weeks has alerted me to hypo’s. I have since got another lurcher (male) who she has trained to alert me, so now I have two dogs and therefore cannot ignore their signals. I was interested in Casandra’s comment about a UK based training organisation as I live in the UK and have tried unsucessfully to get my dog acreditied as an asistance dog.
Casandra
12/17/2008 at 4:54 am
My Dobe is doing excellent, guys. He’s just finished 1st in puppy class in the show ring, and he’s started to learn how to do various tasks like lying down by me when I have a hypo or going to fetch another human when I have a seizure.
Elizabeth, The charity in the UK that I would like to have train Aidyn is called Dog Aid,
http://www.dogaid.org.uk/
They’re really nice people, and will help you through fundraising and everything ^_^
George
12/29/2008 at 11:02 am
Through extended research I have found a few places that train these amazing animals. Service Dogs for America in Judd, ND; Amazing Tails in PA, Dogs4Diabetics in Concord, CA, BethEden Kennels in Canyon, TX, Heaven Scent Paws in MO (the Missouri Attorney general launched 16 lawsuits for fraud against them so I would stay away from these people); All Purpose Canines; another place in Kentucky but I forget the name.
I have a hypo alerting dog (Golden Retriever) and he is absolutely amazing.
One thing you must know before deciding to get one of these animals is that the training will never stop. You must keep the dog trained and refreshed on a very regular basis. Many people don’t bother with the continuous training then complain that their dog is not performing.
Shauna
02/25/2010 at 3:25 pm
How right you are. I have heard of some people that had very good things to say about thier dogs and even sent emails stating their dog was alerting most of the time then turn around and say they don’t alert. I am getting a diabetic alert dog from Ann at Betheden Kennels which is now in Peidmont, OK and when I went to the kennel to pick out my dog my dog alerted to a high and she did’nt even know me. She has had diabetics who got dogs from her come back for additional training and they discovered that it was not the dog not alerting but mistakes they made and once they changed what they were doing the dogs began alerting again with no problemm. You need to have a good Kennel such as Betheden Kennels that will continue to work with you and help you when you have problems. These dogs are very sensitive and people usually don’t realize that they are the cause for the dog to stop alerting such as not letting the dog be invovled when you check your blood sugar. The scent is all over the meter and when you tell them no then you are telling them not to alert to that scent and then you have problems. Also the way some dogs alert people may not be realizing they are alerting and just think the dog is misbehaving when usually the dog is trying to tell you there is a probelm with your blood sugar and if you correct it the dogs behavior will also change. Instead of people always blamimg the trainers they need to take a look at their actions and behaviors and see if they are the ones making the dog not alert. People are to fast to blame others for their mistakes. I am aware they may not realize they are doing these things but any reputable trainer will wrok with you and assist you in getting things straight. I thank God everyday for peolple like Ann at Betheden kennels. There is few trainers for alert dogs in the US and most only train for peolle in their area which leaves out most of the diabetic population that could benefit from these dogs. Thank you for listening, Shauna
Elizabeth
01/09/2009 at 11:56 am
Thank you for your help Cassandra. I have tried them they were very helpful but I have since come across an organisation who train cancer alert dogs who also do Hypo alert dogs and will be able to get my dogs registered faster. All these groups are great.
Mark Disbrow
01/09/2009 at 2:11 pm
George,
Thanks for the US info.
In reference to your last paragraph – how do you, as an individual owner of a service dog, provide training or refresher training on hypoglycemia/mic to your pet?
Shauna
02/25/2010 at 3:45 pm
Cut up socks or tight t-shirt that you have worn and use them by placing on you in a pocket or in your shirt etc. and reward your dog for finding them. Get up in the night and check your blood sugar and make sure your dog is a part of that so it knows to get you up at night. The smae type of things the trainer does and also reward your dog with its favorite treat or toy whatever makes your dog happy so they know they are doing good. Make sure your dog is always invovled when you check your blood sugar. They need to be allowed to sniff at it and make sure everytime your dog starts acting unusual to check your sugar cause you never know and most of the time bacause these are such well behaved dogs that is usually there problem. You have to trust your dog.
Sally Jane
01/21/2009 at 3:15 pm
All Purpose Canines http://www.allpurposecanines.com phone: 605-225-1131
Canine Partners for Life http://www.k94life.org phone: 610-869-4902
Dogs 4 Diabetics http://www.dogs4diabetics.com phone: 925-246-5785
Heaven Scent Paws http://www.heavenscentpaws.com phone: 573-493-2627
GG utpon
11/04/2009 at 4:19 pm
You might also try
Alert service Dogs at
http://www.alertservicedogs.com
shirley
02/21/2009 at 12:14 am
i trained my dog to let me know when i have low blood sugar i just checked my blood sugar a lot of times during the day for about 3 months when my blood sugar was low i had my dog smell me and had her pat me and hit me with her hed and she licks me till i gheck my blood sugar .
Angela
03/05/2009 at 3:31 pm
Hello All… Thank you for sharing your comments. My 14 year old has had his first seizure and i am interested in an alert dog. I’m told the waiting list is astronomical. Any suggestions on getting my own dog (breed, etc) and how to train it properly would be greatly appreciated!
Angela
shirley
09/21/2009 at 12:52 am
when you have a seizure give dog a treet and he will start to alert you befor the seizure looking forword to atreat
JJ Upton
03/06/2009 at 10:36 am
Hi Angela,
I know of a person that may be able to help you. Her name is Julie Noyes. She trains diabetic alert dogs. I think her web page is alertservicedogs.com I believe she is very knowledgeable as she works for FEMA. Apart from training diabetic alert dogs, she also trains search and rescue dogs and cadaver dogs. She was deployed to ground zero in the world trade centers, as well as New Orleans for hurricane Katrina with her search and rescue dogs. Her Cadaver dog is one of a few in the U.S. And the best part is she has several training options that can GREATLY reduce your cost. I do not believe her waiting list is long at all.
Best of luck to you,
JJ
Kalina
03/11/2009 at 4:51 am
Well, I can’t remember what I was trying to look up when I saw this page and clicked on it, but was a little surprised to see a picture of one of my favorite (what I describe as “reserved”) doggies, Armstrong! I live in the Bay Area of California and was lucky enough to be accepted by Dogs for Diabetics to attend their classes and be trained how to handle one of their service dogs for detecting hypoglycemia. If anyone else from the San Francisco Bay Area has reached this page and are both a type 1 experiencing unpredictable lows and looking for service dogs that might be able to help, I would recommend contacting D4D for more information. (Sally has posted their contact information above)
Jessica
07/25/2009 at 1:35 pm
If you are considering taking on the full time job of having a service dog, you need to be sure that you can devote your entire life to them. One place that will REALLY help you and prepare for this is Pawsibilities Unleashed of Frankfort KY pawsibilitiesunleashed.org . This is the only place where you train the dog from start to finish after you yourself have been taught or “trained” referred to as “training the trainer”. This is the only way to assure that the dog will work for you and not just the person that trained it. Don’t be taken in by the organizations that will promise you a fully trained dog then take your money and leave you with nothing. Yes the dog might have some training but not for YOU. Remember that the dog has to bond to you before it will work for you and if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Pawsibilities Unleashed is the only place that will answer your questions fairly and honestly. My husband and I both have SDs mine for anxiety/stress and his for diabetes. We feel like these dogs have made a vast improvement in our lives and we see the true results everyday (less stress for me and good range of blood sugar and lower A1C for him)! It’s been one of the best decisions we have made!
Just Sayin'
08/10/2009 at 8:21 pm
JJ Upton- Aren’t you Julie’s sister- doesn’t that make you a little biast? I know a few people who aren’t thrilled with Julie as a trainer.
I have also heard terrible things about Heaven Scent Paws and All Purpose Canines.
My suggestion would be to train your own diabetic alert dog. It’s really not hard and you can find REPUTABLE trainers in your area to help. All you need is someone familiar with “scent” training. Find a local search and rescue and work from there.
Hope that helps.
Kimberly
11/11/2009 at 8:09 pm
My name is Kim and I am a senior in high school. I have been a diabetic for 4 years, and frequently have low BG’s around 50. I live in the US and am looking for a trainer to help further my trainging with my dog. He is a goldendoodle and has completed his level one training. I am looking for someone to help me finish up his Public training and hypo training. Any ideas?
Mary
01/27/2010 at 9:24 pm
Kimberly,
Mary
Have you found a training source? We acquired an English GoldenDoodle in December that we intend to train for my 14 year old son. I’d be happy to share what I learn with you…. and perhaps you could share as well. Please contact me!
Sarah
05/11/2010 at 11:24 pm
If I may ask please. I am looking for information on training our lab mix for my husband to help relieve some stress here with low sugar episodes that come on so sudden it is scarey. We do not want another dog because this one is our child and very loyal and willing to learn anything for the love (he was a rescued abused dog at 6 months). If you could please share any helpful hints on training or point me in a direction I would surely appreciate it. You can also email me at taranoff@gci.net.
Thanks in advance for any information you can share.
Sarah
Shauna
02/25/2010 at 3:57 pm
Ann at Betheden Kennels is a good one to talk to. She trainded my dog and is currently training my cousins dog that they took to Ann. Her number is 806-674-6068. She is located in Piedmont, OK
She also has dogs available and takes a lot of time to make sure things go good for you. She also will help if you have issues and figure out what you need to do to correct it. Most of the time it is something the person is doing not the dog. I have heard a lot of good things about Ann and that is why I choose Betheden Kennels.
Sara
11/12/2009 at 2:26 pm
If you are looking for a Diabetes Alert Dog do NOT consider Beth Eden kennels. They were in Amarillo Tx, now in Oklahoma City. Their dogs are not fully trained in obedience or scent as they advertise and claim. These people do not know what they are doing and will take you for thousands of dollars leaving you with a dog they rescued from the pound who does not alert, stress, frustration, and a lot of bills from trying to get your dog to work. Several of their dogs have been returned for failure to alert, biting, and obedience issues. They do not refund your money and keep the dog. They are even trying to resell a dog that was returned for biting. Be careful…
Shauna
02/25/2010 at 4:03 pm
Its people like you making commments that are not true makes it so difficult for people to find alert dogs. I know a lot of people that have gotten dogs from Betheden Kennels and have had no problems. The only one I have heard really bad things about is Heaven Scent Paws that have multiple lawsuits pending agianst them and that is public information. One of these so called unhappy people with Behteden Kennels did not even pay for their dog it was through the Make a Wish Foundation and they sent both Ann and the Make a Wish Foundation emails about how well the dog was doing so its not the dog its the people. You need to stop and think before you post ugly comments on the internet. No one these days wants to take responsibiltiy for their actions and blame it all on someone else. Take a moment and look at yourself and stop posting ugly comments that you have no proof of in the first place.
Disowned « Simply, Sally
12/03/2009 at 9:13 pm
[...] I told him I’ll find another option. I’ve been abandoned enough in my life, I won’t inflict that pain on another living creature. I’m more important than those animals, he says. I didn’t even bother to protest that Luna has saved my life numerous times as a hypoglycemia alert dog. [...]
Alyssa
01/08/2010 at 11:11 pm
I was looking into getting a springer spaniel, hoping that I may be able to train him to become a diabetic alert dog. I also have hypoglycemic unawareness and really need to look into options to help me. I cannot use a continuous glucose monitoring system because my skin is severely allergic to the adhesive. I love dogs more than anything. Does anyone know if a springer spaniel is a good choice in a breed to begin training?
Minnesota Ann
01/23/2010 at 4:27 pm
Too bad that some use the internet to post negative things under a false name. I believe that is still called slander. I think for a person to have any cred they must be not hide under a false name. I am referring to the above “Sara’s” negative comments about Betheden. They are good people and have MANY happy people with dogs that enhance the lives of diabetics. I am one of those people lucky enough to have a dog that alerts me to highs and especially lows every day, thanks to Betheden.
Michele Keegan
02/02/2010 at 6:02 pm
Minnesota Ann…is that a true or a false name? I am one of the many people who have been harmed by a poorly trained dog sold by Betheden Kennels. I would never recommend them and am taking action against them. Just how does posting my true experience make it less true than yours? If the happy people can post, why not those that are disappointed and then not made whole in a business transaction? It is the absolute truth that several of Bethedens dogs have been returned for biting, were not house broken, failed to alert consistently, were too timid to be certified for public access. And it is also true that Betheden failed to provide proper documentation with the dogs that was in the contract. Isn’t it also true that the dog you taught to alert is a dog you already owned? You really DON”T know what it is like to do business with Ann and Betheden Kennels and to be dissatisfied.
For those of you looking for a reputable trainer, don’t rely only on references from the kennel. They wouldn’t give you bad references, only good ones like Minnesota Ann. For Betheden check with AlphaTex Kennels. Betheden kennels sold some of their dogs. Contact Adobe Kennels and ask how Ann Pulliam learned to train dogs. Be careful…
Michele Keegan
02/03/2010 at 10:01 pm
This is my real name. Minnesota Ann…is that a false name? The truth is never slander. And the truth is Betheden misrepresented themselves to me. They sold me a dog that was not trained. They did not fulfill the terms of my contract. They were not honest about the age of my dog, his background, or his health. It is also true that dogs from the June class have been returned for biting; that few were house broken; that few alerted consistently; that money has not been refunded for the dogs returned even though one has been resold. It is true that AlphaTex kennels will not recommend them, nor will Adobe Kennels…both have done business with Betheden. Isn’t it true that you trained your own dog to alert; that you did not buy this dog from Betheden? There may be people who are happy with the dogs they have from Betheden but there are also MANY who are very UNHAPPY. The truth is that the negative stories are just as honest as the positive ones. I would never recommend Betheden Kennels to anyone. For every success there is at least one failure. That’s a big gamble for the money and a huge gamble with your health.
Minnesota Ann
02/17/2010 at 8:57 pm
You are correct (Sara) Michele, I did train my own dog. But it was Ann Pulliam that helped me, when no one else would. She did not have to, she did it out of kindness. So, yes my story is different. That is my point. I do not want others to hear only one side and then give up on their search for an alert dog. I want everyone who needs and wants a DAD to be able to obtain one to help enhance their lives. Since there are so few trainers out there I want people to understand as you stated that there are different stories and many people received exactly what they expected from BethEden. People also need to have realistic expectations. The dogs are additional tools and like our CGMs, pumps and meters, they can malfunction. Hopefully not ALL at the same time! After getting one of these dogs, diabetics needs to be AS diligent as ever. This is not the easy way out but I am grateful for any and all help that I can get from my dog. Yes, as you know Minnesota.Ann is my real name.
Shauna
02/25/2010 at 4:09 pm
Ann trained a dog for me not a dog I gave her and has done so for many people with very good results. Ann is more than happy to work with people to make sure they get a well trained dog that alerts. Maybe you have no clue what you are doing have you thought of that? If you think you know it all and what needs to be done then train your own dog and see how well it comes out without the knowledge you need to be sucessful. Until you have walked a mile in their shoes you need to stop the bad talk. Those of us that have dogs form Ann and other Kennels that work hard to train these dogs really appreciate all their hard work. And this is my real name i don’t hide behind false names.
Michele Keegan
02/28/2010 at 10:34 am
Neither do I hide behind false names. This is not about attacking each other. It is about ensuring the WHOLE truth of this situation is made public for those seeking to buy a Diabetic Alert Dog in the future. I have never denied that some people are happy with the dogs they have gotten from Betheden. But the fact that many of us are not is JUST AS TRUE. Don’t be so nieve. It’s not our fault we have dogs that work. As you said yourself, until you’ve walked a mile in our shoes you need to stop the ‘bad talk’. You have no idea the truth of what we have been through with our dogs and in trying to work with Betheden and Ann. You only know what you’ve been told about us. Our stories are being posted on http://www.diabeticalertdogsthatdont.com and our complaints have been filed with the appropriate authorities. There is now a public record for the future. And it doesn’t matter who paid for our dogs. There is, in fact, a fundraising page on Betheden’s website in your name which implies that neither did you pay for the entire cost of your dog. You say you have your dog and it is working. I’m happy for you. They can be an invaluable tool for us when they have been screened for ability and properly trained, and a huge liability when they have not. And since you have your dog, the fundraising should have stopped by now….
Alan Aycock
02/26/2010 at 11:35 pm
I have a Diabetic Alert Dog from Betheden Kennels. I’d like to share my story in hopes of giving a fair and honest view of my experience with Ann Pulliam and Betheden Kennels.
I was part of the June 2009 class that Michele Keegan and Minnesota Ann talk about. So, I’ll start my story there …
This class had 12 people receiving their Diabetic Alert Dogs. I didn’t know it at the time but this was Betheden’s first group class. They had been delivering the dogs to people prior to this class and spending a week or so working one-on-one with the person and their new dog in the hometown of the person receiving the dog.
As Ann will tell you the June 2009 class was a BIG miss – they (Betheden Kennels) simply bit off more than they could chew by scheduling 12 people for this class. They didn’t have enough trainers there to work with everyone on the level needed. The result was that people receiving their new Diabetic Alert Dogs missed out on the individual, one-on-one training they needed.
Once I got back home with my dog “Baylor” I did a superb job, at first, of keeping up the scent training I had learned at the class. But I probably didn’t keep this up at the level I should as more time went by. This, although not fully, at least played a part in Baylor not continuing to alert like she had been at first. (more on this a little later)
I had some obedience issues with Baylor that I shouldn’t have had, again, I think this goes back to not getting the one-on-one attention I probably needed. These were minor issues but I feel like I should mention them to be fair. I had 2 options to resolve the issues; 1) contact Ann and go back out to Texas to receive additional help 2) contact a local dog trainer and at my expense get help. I opted for option 2. Mostly for my own convenience. I was able to find and work with a first-class K9 training company called Tarheel Canine. I really lucked out that this caliber training facility was so close to me. When Baylor and I went for our evaluation their exact words to me were, “Baylor is 95% where she needs to be … it’s you we’ll help the most in learning to work and handle her.” I was able to work with Tarheel Canine for a total of 6 hours to get where I and they felt like Baylor and I needed to be.
I got in contact with Ann in the first part of November 2009 because Baylor had stopped alerting. Ann offered to (at her expense) pay for Baylor and I to fly out to Oklahoma City (they had moved from Canyon, Texas) and work with us until we got Baylor alerting again. Baylor and I were in Oklahoma City for 1 week and within the first day Ann had Baylor alerting again. She spent the week working with me on how to work with Baylor on scenting. We made tremendous progress that has continued to work to this day. Baylor alerts to highs and lows at about the 95% level.
Ann has been honest and fair when dealing with me and I truly believe she wants her dogs to be successful. I’ve been honest with Ann about areas I thought she could improve and she seemed open to my thoughts. I know that she has made changes in the way she runs her classes. The most important of these changes I think is the reduction in the size of the class – allowing people to get the one-on-one time they need.
I have a very successful Diabetic Alert Dog from Betheden Kennels. I hope that sharing my story – the entire story – will be helpful to folks.
George
03/05/2010 at 9:57 am
Let me say that Michele Keegan has a personal ax to grind against Ann & BethEden and is misrepresentling herself as being a spokesperson for many people. I believe, Alan, that I even saw her use your name as a very dissatisfied client of Ann’s. She has also used my name in her diatribes against Ann in her postings and has fabricated quotes she has attributed to me.
I recently sent her an e-mail demanding that she remove the offending posts using my name or publish the e-mail that I had sent and she responded that I owe her an apology. She doesn’t have the balls to listen to anything, much less publish anything, that is contrary to what she wants to hear.
I personally think that she is whacked, moreso because she is so incensed that her dog doesn’t work (she fails to mention whether or not she continued the training) yet she refusesd to return the dog to Ann. This dog only cost her $500 and she managed to get Make a Wish to pay for the balance. Not bad for a person whi is gainfully employed, earning a good salary and who has a husband who is, I believe, a lawyer.
She is pointing her finger at everybody else (life the baseball player who drops a fly ball and then looks at his glove trying to find the hole the ball went through … not his fault so it must be the glove). What she fails to realize is that when she points her finger at somebody, 3 of her fingers are pointing back at her.
I told her that if I was Ann I would sue her ass off until there is nothing left but a little, red, hole.
I have garnered that in her opinion, the world owes her just for breathing the same air the rest of us do.
Jill
04/19/2010 at 11:27 pm
Been depressed lately George?
Prairie Girl
03/16/2010 at 4:57 am
Actually, the jury is still out on DAD’s with regard is it innate or is it training, how frequently and how accurately they are able to alert. Several prominent diabetic research facilities in USA and Europe are still studying the issue. Only about 1 in 100 dogs has what it takes to become a working service dog. Most wash out for physical reasons or temperament problems.
I do know that Ann does not know how to train a dog basic obedience let alone high level task training. She doesn’t have a clue about temperament testing the pups and dogs she acquires.
I have seen many of the dogs she has trained and are working at public access poop in stores and in a house, I have seen aggression in the dogs she says are trained, I have seen her falsify PAT forms. The dogs’ aggression and housebreaking problems stem from improper selection, inadequate training, kept in small crates for extended periods and allowing the dogs to run as a pack attacking one another. I also saw horrible food aggression among her GSD’s.
I only saw 1 dog of hers that in my professional opinion had potential as a service dog – a Collie…. but I’m not of the opinion it would make a consistent alert dog. !00% of the Goldens and GSD’s I saw were aggressive.
I also know as an SD trainer – lobbiest – advocate for over 20+ years that a dog can not be trained to be reliable for SD work until they have reached physical and emotional maturity which is around 2 years. Dogs can’t even be OFAed until they are a minimum of 2 yrs old! It takes about 8 months to train basic obedience skills. Then another year for the alert training. Most proofed SD’s are at least 3 years old at placement for work after about 2 years of training.
A SD is never placed in a home and requires training to be completed by the family. To qualify under federal law and state laws, a SD has to be task trained and have appropriate manners. If a SD does not meet the criteria, AND if the handler is not disabled under federal law – it is NOT a service dog! An ESA at best.
ESA’s have no public access rights whatsoever!
A medical diagnosis of diabetes does not constitute a disability – disability is a legal definition not a medical one. Specific criteria must be met under Federal law.
The people who are discussing their concerns about the lack of temperament testing, obedience training, and task training are telling the truth and have accurate observations.
A final note is that putting a diabetic’s life in the paws of dog that will never have a functioning level of anything more mature than a 2-3 year old child is just not a safe idea. There needs to be multiple back ups in case the SD gets distracted or fails to alert. Teaching an SD response rather than alert would seem more realistic and safer…. easier to train and proof.
Good luck to all! BTW – I am diabetic and have an adult college student child who has been insulin dependent since pre school.We have chosen to not use a DAD because of the risk that a dog could fail at a critical moment with fatal results for the diabetic.
ANN PULLIAM BETHEDEN KENNELS
06/12/2010 at 11:25 am
This is Ann Pulliam here
I have never met anyone that matches the decription of Prairie Girl or the accounts that she presents so I have to assume that she doesn’t exist.
Tim from Austin
04/15/2010 at 3:13 pm
I would ask all of those on this string to visit http://www.diabeticalertdogs.com. The site has a large amount of really good information on the topic and a forum with many areas of discussion. I am currently awaiting a ‘trained dog’ for my 10 year old T1 from Wild Rose Kennels and the above site and wonderful webmaster assisted greatly in helping me find this match. Much research was done prior to our eventual decision, and the one thing I took from my look at Betheden is that it is hard to imagine placing that many dogs in a single year who all have the capacity to perform as advertised. It would seem that shear numbers and probability would leave some with a ‘working dog’ but that the confidence to feel that success for the whole population being placed seemed mostly like hope and not reality. I found several posts questioning the training and follow though. It left me with some real questions as to breed, training, and continued certification. I had these questions answered before proceeding. Beware of trainers who tell you what you want to hear, although it is hard (especially when it relates to your child). This is a long a arduous process – if you are offered an immediate fix/quick solution – LEAVE!
AGuest01
05/20/2010 at 12:15 pm
OMG… NOW I know what my deer-type chihuahua is getting all “upset” about during the night! Virtually every time I am too high or too low… HE has a “bad” night – running back and forth, licking my hands/face. Last night was another example. I felt “nauseous” and my stomach was cramping. I was WAY too high and had to take insulin. HE kept “acting up”… until about 20 mins. after when my glucose started coming down. THANK you, everyone! I will now pay MUCH more attention to HIS actions.
Gayle
06/14/2010 at 6:05 am
My mobility service dog has started alerting me to high diabetic blood sugars. I have felt him crawl up my side and put his snout within inches of my nose while I’m sleeping. When he’s done this I’ve had extremely high blood sugars. I didn’t pay too much attention at first and then realized he’s on to something. Lately he retrieves my glucose test kit and brings it to me without asking him. It’s just amazing. To wake me up he gently pulls on my foot or my wrist. I guess I can add this to his list tasks. He was never trained to handle my diabetic condition, just my physical disability. I guess this is just another plus.
Ruth Shorter
06/14/2010 at 1:50 pm
I have written a book about my diabetic service dog named Peyton Manning. He is an eleven pound Maltese and goes with me everywhere, He sits on my lap as I ride on my scooter. We are great UT fans, and we have season tickets to all the home games in Knoxville. My service dog goes to all the games, also. I am looking for an agent to publish my book. All Peyton Manning fans both (UT & Colts) would love the book.
Jeannie Duffey
06/22/2010 at 12:47 pm
Can I get a ball park cost on getting a trained dog for my son?
Gayle
06/27/2010 at 10:32 am
It’s hard to say. There are many scam programs selling diabetic alert dogs to people. You should do a lot of research first. I know many organizations ask for large donations…upwards of $5000. Many alert dogs are just lucky to get a family pet that acts naturally as an alerter. A diabetic alert dog should still have human backup for children.
Denise Paul
07/19/2010 at 12:53 pm
My daughter just got a dog 5 weeks ago from Betheden kennels. Her name is Shyla and she alerted my daughter the first day we met her. She alerted so much that week (correctly) I was shocked to see how often she was going low and not knowing it. My daughter, Brandi is hypoglycemic unaware so she can’t feel her lows anymore. Our class was small with only about 4 people in it. Minnesota Ann was there to assist in the training. Ann the owner of Betheden gave Brandi a scholarship in the place of Michele Keegan. She didn’t want the make a wish money to go to waiste. We had every question answered and excellent training. Shyla just alerted Brandi a couple minutes ago. So yes she is still on the top of her game. Ann was a wealth of knowledge and she really cares and wants everyone to do well. She also made herself available 24/7 to us.
Brandi
07/19/2010 at 1:13 pm
My mom (Denise Paul) is right. I think Shyla is the best dog ever. She alerts all the time to both lows and highs. She alerted to a high within the first hour of getting her and she just now alerted me to a 220. I often get comments on how well behaved she is out in public, too. Shyla even gets along with my other dogs, Ratchet and Clank, which is very unusual.
While in Oklahoma City, Ann, her family, and Minnesota Ann were a huge help to me. They seemed to never run out of patience with me and Shyla. They are still helping me. If I have any problems or questions, I can either text Ann or email Minnesota Ann and get an answer.
Quite frankly, I am apalled by anyone with the audacity to say any negative things about Ann and her bussiness.
Michele
08/20/2010 at 7:35 pm
On August 4, 2010 complaints were heard in Randall County Texas, Precinct 1, small claims court against defendants Ann and Oscar Pulliam d/b/a/ Betheden Kennels. The defendants requested a jury trial. Testimony and evidence was presented to the 6 member jury. Plaintiffs prevailed and monetary damages were awarded. Defendants chose not appeal the decision but have communicated their intent, through their attorney, to avoid satisfying the judgment. In writing they have refused ‘to pay a dime’; stated they will move back to Texas to qualify their property there as their “homestead”; and have threatened to file bankruptcy if action is taken by plaintiffs to collect the judgment. More cases against the defendant have been filed in small claims court. Complaints have also been filed with the Oklahoma Attorney General.
On a separate note, a decision has been entered in favor of plaintiffs in the case of State of Missouri –vs- Heaven Scent Paws, Inc. Complaints in that case are strikingly similar to complaints heard and upheld by the Texas jury against Betheden Kennels. Indeed, in testimony in the small claims case against Betheden Kennels, a witness quoted Ann Pulliam as stating that Michelle Rinkemeyer – the owner of Heaven Scent Paws – had the right idea about how to train and sell diabetic alert dogs much more quickly than other kennels.
Original court filing against Heaven Scent Paws can be found at:
https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/cases/searchDockets.do
equineacres
08/21/2010 at 10:32 pm
Diabetes is a disease of the endocrine system and IS classified as a disability under ADA law.
I, too, have a DAD from Betheden Kennels. He is fully obedience trained and public access trained and has been from the start. There is not an aggressive bone in his body, and he is one of Ann’s Goldens. Saying 100% of her Goldens were aggressive is inaccurate.
He very successfully alerts for me and is incredibly accurate. He keeps me in a tighter range and my a1c has come down since I got him. Any time I have had questions, Ann has been available. They went out of their way to make sure he would be safe around cats and horses for me since I have both, and took him to a school to introduce him to that environment since I teach. I have kept in touch with Ann and the others from my class at Betheden. Those of us that are still in touch are very happy with our experience with Betheden and the dogs we received.
Terry
08/28/2010 at 3:16 am
Hi Everyone,
I am a Certified Service Dog Trainer. In order for me to certify a Service Dog it MUST at minimum Pass a CGC test. A Certified Service Dog lets people know that you have a LEGITAMATE Service Dog and you are not just bringing your PET into a store or restaurant. (The law to require certification of a Service Dog is coming soon trust me) I am well versed on the fact that the law does not require any ID/vest etc.. at this time, but the fact of the matter is that if ANYTHING happens that is not appropriate in public, the Handler is liable for any and all damages ID/Certification or not.
The person that wrote: “If you do find a certification program, it will only make the business feel better about letting the K-9 in, other than that is isn’t worth the paper it is written on.” does not see the big picture.
1. A Certified Service Dog that I certify and most other people that certify a Service Dog anyway passes an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation and test at MINIMUM for a PTSD Medical Service Dog. (Please look up AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation to see what the requirements are to pass this test for the dog to get the CGC award) DEFINITELY worth the paper it is written on. It gives the handler of a Service Dog peace of mind as well.
2. A diabetic alert Service Dog is classified as a Medical Service Dog. A lot of Service Dogs fall under this classification because there is no specific class for some Service Dogs that have a unique Medical function.
3. Service Dogs are for people that NEED them. Some people use the way the law is written now to take advantage of it. IE bringing their pet French Poodle into Wall Mart because they don’t want to leave it in the car or at home. Hey… I’ll just tell the guy at the door it is a Service Dog. Then the Dog pees and/or poops in the store. Yeah that store owner had to let the dog in because of the word of the handler and the way the law is written but if the store owner decides to sue the handler the Court/Judge can ask for proof that it is a Service Dog. You’re your gig is up now isn’t it.
If you have a Dog that can be Certified do it. It will give you peace of mind too knowing that the dog you are bringing in public deserves the Title of Service Dog.
To those that are looking for a diabedic alert Medical Sevice dog… Training a dog that has no natural ability to perform the job is difficult and not always 100% reliable in the area of scent detection and Service Dog work in general. Unless your own dog shows that natural abity you will be spending a lot of money getting the dog trained, possibly more than if you just bought a Service Dog that was Certified specificaly for your needs.
Even if you do get your own dog trained I would not bank on its performance unless it showed that natural ability from the start. I would look for a Service Dog trainer in your area that is certified that can guide you. Good Luck to you all.
Michele
09/07/2010 at 6:12 pm
Oklahoma City Animal Welfare office has inspected Betheden Kennels and has launched an animal cruelty investigation, #10-008129.