[kpal4978]

I was just wondering if anyone has experience with dobermans as service/alert dogs for people with medical issues?

 

[MeadowCat]

I think we've had a few forum members with Doberman service dogs. Perhaps send a PM to RedFawnRising, if she doesn't see this thread.

 

[DogsR4Life]

Yes, I heard one member mention that her dobe can sense an oncoming seizure, so she has time to take some meds. Can't remember the members username tho...

 

[kpal4978]

I have heard of that with labs, but have not heard of it with dobermans. I have a similar situation, not seizures, but something that if I can know it is coming, it can save my life.

Hopefully that person sees this thread and knows a little bit more.

 

[brw1982]

Dobermans can make wonderful service dogs. I'd definitely PM RedFawnRising. She's had a few Dobes for service dogs.

 

[GingerGunlock]

Elka alerts me to an oncoming migraine. She also pesters my fiance if his blood sugar is low. These are things we noticed her doing and have happily reinforced. She isn't "officially" a service dog; I haven't trained her for public access, my migraines aren't limited enough to require her with me at work, etc. but for all intents and purposes, she's my migraine dog in the home, at the very least.

I didn't get a Doberman with this in mind, though. It's just been an added bonus.

 

[RedFawnRising]

I was just wondering if anyone has experience with dobermans as service/alert dogs for people with medical issues?

Hi, welcome to the forum.

Dobermans may not be the most commonly used breed for medical service work, but if the breed is a good fit for you, and you choose a suitable service dog candidate, they can excel at this work.

If you're not very experienced, then I'd certainly advise getting some on-the-ground help with choosing the right dog, and implementing an appropriate training program.

You can check on IAADP for your state's relevant laws and just general guidelines for preparation.

You will also need a doctor's prescription and be able to demonstrate a medical disability that the dog is trained to mitigate.

Sorry if I'm detailing things you already know, btw

Delta Society's service dog webpage has a PDF on minimum behavior requirements for working service animals to have public access.

If you have other questions, feel free to PM me, but that should give you a start.