Frequently Asked Questions

We get all kinds of questions about our professional dog training, the service dogs we develop and specifically about our gluten detection service dogs. We have gathered the most popular and consistently asked questions and provided some quick, helpful answers. Read through the information and be sure to contact us for further details or ask about anything that you don’t find listed here. 

How long does it take to train a service dog?

Approximately one year, depending on breed and maturity level and of course, the type of training required (detection, behavior, protection, etc.) With scent detection training, part of the training time is due to the development of the dog’s olfactory bulb (a mass of neural tissue within the dog’s brain that helps them process scents.)

​How much does it cost to acquire a service dog?

Depending on the overall requirements of the dog and the type of training required, costs for service dogs vary greatly. At Nosey DDP, we have several packages to choose from. Many of the packages offer various financing arrangements. Costs vary based on the dog breed, size, training requirements and much more. The best way to get a more accurate cost estimate is to contact us for a no obligation discussion about your needs.

Do all dogs succeed in becoming service dogs?

We put all of our dogs in the best position to succeed, however, not all dogs are able to fully develop into service dogs. If we determine a dog is a washout (one that is unreliable, unsafe or just simply unsuited for service) all previous payments will be applied to the new candidate, except acquisition costs for a new candidate dog. Nosey DDP will not graduate a service dog unless they achieve Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines and Nosey DDP standards. (Read about our standards).

How are service dogs trained to detect gluten?

Through an alliance with a chemist, Nosey DDP has created a way to train dogs so they can detect wheat, barley and rye in the smallest quantities. This unique method allows successfully trained dogs to work in nearly any environment to keep Celiac disease individuals safer.

How does a dog help a person with Celiac disease?

Owner Kathy Watters has developed a method to detect gluten free items in a gluten environment where cross contamination will occur, thereby assisting someone with gluten disorders from becoming contaminated.

Will a Celiac service dog work in public?

All of our dogs currently in the field are successfully working in restaurants, grocery stores, school systems and other public places. This is possible because of the unique and tested training methods developed by Nosey DDP.

When a service dog is finished with training, what is the method of transfer from trainer to owner/handler?

When a service dog is finished with the initial training, the process of transferring control to owner/handler begins. This is the part of the program when the trainer teaches the owner to become the handler. It generally takes a 7-10 day workshop in which the service dog’s ques are taught to the handler and handler is taken to different environments in which to practice working their service dog. This workshop can take place at the Nosey DDP facility at no charge to clients (except travel and lodging.) Or the Nosey DDP trainer can come to client (with client paying for the trainer’s travel, lodging and daily expenses.)

Can we train our current pet dog to be a service dog?

As long as the pet dog qualifies through a series of tests that trainers use to see if it has the characteristics to succeed in transforming from a pet to a service dog. Nosey DDP is happy to help with this process.

What breed makes the best service dogs?

At Nosey DDP, we are not breed specific – we have successfully trained hundreds of dogs over the years from many breeds. However, some breeds do have qualities that lend themselves to have greater success in becoming a service dog. While we consider these qualities, we seek to match the breed to the client, based on age, size, gender, living environment, etc. The right dog with professional training in the hands of the educated handler is what makes the best service dog.

How do I acquire a service dog from Nosey DDP?

At Nosey DDP, one of our goals is to assist people in becoming more independent. We attempt to do this as simply as possible. First, we consult with each prospective client to determine their needs, timeline, and commitment to becoming a successful service dog handler. Then we explain our service dog packages, assisting them in choosing the one that meets their financial circumstances and long term goals for a service dog. We help with the selection of the breed and we can even assist in locating that breed. Finally, we outline the next steps of obtaining the candidate dog, how it will take to be transported to Nosey DDP (if necessary) and the commitment that is required to begin the training process. We always disclose the complete process and costs so prospective clients are prepared to move forward when the time is right.

We offer a special course for self-trainers!  This course is designed for those who feel capable to self-train the dog with the assistance of a certified master dog trainer. The workshop consists of weekly Skpye sessions and allows us to assist with training anywhere with personalized, professional instruction.