Can Do Canines trains seizure service dogs to help people while they are having a seizure and afterwards during recovery. Some of the common tasks our Seizure Assist Dogs perform include:
- lick or nudge the face of their partner to bring them back to consciousness faster
- get an emergency phone
- retrieve an ice pack or compress
- alert another person to come to the aid of their partner
- nudge their partner onto their side or to a recovery position
- lie on their partner after the seizure to provide deep pressure therapy
- activate an implant using a magnet to help control the seizure
- touch a life-alert button
In addition, the dog wears a backpack with pockets that can hold medicine and medical alert information in case the person is unable to communicate. We do not train our dogs to keep other people away during the seizure or to guard their partner.
It is important to note that Can Do Canines does not train Seizure Assist Dogs to pre-alert to seizures. Instead, our dogs are trained to help their partner in a number of ways once a seizure occurs. Some of our dogs exhibit a pre-alerting behavior during or after training is complete. If so, we can help “shape” that behavior if it does occur, so it will be of more benefit to the client. However, a person should not expect our assistance dogs to pre-alert to a seizure.
General Criteria for Seizure Assist Dog Applicants:
- Must be a resident of Minnesota or Wisconsin
- Must have a seizure disorder
- Must be physically and financially able to take full responsibility for the dog after certification
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must not currently own a dog unless applying to owner-train their pet
Click on the image below to watch a video about our Seizure Assist Teams.
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