Training a service dog is a rewarding but demanding journey. This article shares a personal experience of training a Labrador Retriever named Ben to detect specific bacterial infections in the lungs, highlighting the dedication and specialized techniques involved in Service Dog Training.
Growing up with dogs and having recently lost a beloved Golden Retriever, I was determined to train my new Labrador puppy, Ben, as a service dog. I immersed myself in service dog training resources, devouring books, videos, and documentaries, and consulting with experienced trainers. Ben quickly mastered basic obedience commands, demonstrating his aptitude for service work. After six months of foundational training, the crucial decision arose: what specific service would Ben provide?
My own health challenges, specifically Cystic Fibrosis (CF), provided the answer. Knowing that dogs can be trained to detect subtle changes in blood sugar levels in diabetics, I wondered if Ben could be trained to identify the distinct odors of Staphylococcus aureus (staph) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two bacteria commonly associated with CF lung infections. My partner’s ability to detect these infections in my breath through scent further solidified this idea. Research revealed that staph has a bleach-like odor, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa smells like grapes.
Armed with this knowledge, I embarked on specialized scent training. Using cotton pads soaked in bleach and grape extract, I began a daily training regimen. Each session involved presenting Ben with the scent, rewarding him with treats and praise, then hiding the scented pad for him to locate using the “touch” command. We gradually progressed from hiding the pad in easy-to-find locations to placing it on my chest and forehead. Each session lasted approximately three minutes, reinforcing the association between the scent and the desired behavior.
One evening, while relaxing on the couch, Ben suddenly buried his nose into my right lung, inhaling deeply. He repeated this action, triggering a realization: he was detecting a scent. The next morning, I contacted my CF clinic and, as suspected, tested positive for a staph infection. Ben’s training was working.
Our daily training continues, and I plan to expand Ben’s scent detection capabilities to include other bacteria, such as Burkholderia cepacia. Beyond his service work, Ben is also a certified therapy dog, bringing comfort and joy to patients in hospitals, hospice care, and nursing homes.
At just a year and a half old, Ben has achieved remarkable milestones. His journey underscores the transformative power of service dog training and the incredible bond between humans and animals. Ben’s unwavering dedication and gentle nature make him an invaluable companion, and I am eternally grateful for the positive impact he has had on my life.
