Important Changes Due to Covid-19

While this public health crisis continues to impact our community, changes have been introduced to address the regulations and requirements for public safety. These will be regularly re-evaluated and adjusted accordingly as the crisis progresses, so please contact us for the current practices.

As of July 2020 – interviews and programme commencements may be conducted via video link, as travel restrictions and social distancing prevent face to face visiting. Evaluations of your dog’s suitability for the programme and ongoing progression will also be done via a combination of live video link and video clips.

We acknowledge that these methods may not be as effective and accurate as face to face visits, so every effort will be made to address any shortfalls and issues that may result from this. Paws for Diabetics continues to support all members as we adjust to this world-wide pandemic and the changes to our normal practices that it has created.

How long does it take to train a dog to be an assistance dog?

Training an assistance dog can take up to 12 months, sometimes more, depending on the age and experience of the dog when you started and the amount of time and opportunities put into that training. Most breeds require 18 to 24 months to fully mature, both physically and mentally, so this needs to be considered. Even when training is achieved, ongoing maintenance of the standard of achievement must always be practiced so that the dog is always at its best.

What breeds of dog are the most suitable?

Most breeds of dog and most cross breeds are quite capable of being alert dogs. Short nosed or brachycephalic breeds are less suitable due to breathing, over-heating and physical activity limitations and are recommended to be avoided. Toy breeds may not have the stamina or strength of character to cope with the tasks of an assistance dog. Very large dogs can be an issue with travelling and having sufficient space to allow them comfort. They often tend to be short lived, so have less of an effective working life. Working breeds can be appropriate for active and busy people who can offer the dog lots of activity and stimulation.

The most popular breeds, over the past decade, have been wool/fleece coated poodle crosses, due to the reduction in hair loss on clothing and a possible  compatibility with those who have allergies.

When you choose a breed or specific mixture, you need to look at the size the dog will grow to and what would suit you best, the drive or interest the dog may develop to be able to be trained to alert and, most importantly, the health and soundness of the parents. Insist on a breeder who conducts DNA tests and appropriate x-rays on their breeding animals and raises the pups in a stimulating and supportive environment.

There are always exceptions to the rule and individuals of most breeds and types can prove to be suitable, so knowledgeable and experienced advice should be sought when considering any puppy or dog to be trained.

Does the NDIS cover diabetes alert dogs?

At this stage, Paws for Diabetics Inc (PFD) dogs are not accepted for funding under the NDIS. We are hoping to gain approval from the NDIS very soon.

Do Paws for Diabetics Inc dogs have public access?

Yes they do. From the time you start taking your pup or dog out, you must ensure that it will not toilet in the wrong place, must be well behaved, clean and tidy, so you comply with DDA requirements. You will be given an official PFD coat for the dog to wear in public as well as identification cards for yourself and the dog as legitimate members of PFD. Once your dog’s training is complete, it will undergo our Public Access Accreditation Test (PAAT) and this is then repeated every year for the working life of your dog. PFD does not permit their dogs to fly domestically or internationally until they have successfully completed their first PAAT, but they can use all other forms of public transport. Check with your state for public transport requirements.

How much does it cost to train an assistance dog?

PFD charges the following rates for their services – # (see condition below)

The application fee is $100. This then becomes your first year’s membership if your application is approved.

The Interview fee is $350. This covers the cost of the Director of Training (DOT) or the nominated PFD representative meeting you at your home and discussing the programme with you and your family. An assessment of your pet dog, if you have one, will be conducted at this time as well.

The Programme fee is $2500. This covers a 3 day training course in your home with the DOT or nominated trainer and the ongoing training information and support until your dog is ready for PAAT.

PFD’s annual membership fee is $500, which includes Public Liability Insurance cover, id cards and coat and PAAT. The financial year runs from January to December, with fees due by 30th November each year. You must remain a financial member of PFD for the working life of your dog.

# While every effort is made to ensure that the prices quoted are accurate, the quoted prices were current at the time of issue but are subject to change by the PFD Management Committee at anytime and do not necessarily reflect the actual price structure.

Other costs associated with training/maintaining your assistance dog are, but not limited to –

• Purchase costs

• Transport/freight costs for interstate purchase

• Veterinary fees for vaccinations, desexing, general health and welfare, accident and illness.

• Pet Health Insurance to assist with the veterinary costs. – PFD highly recommends that you allow for insurance in your budget.

• Costs of locally sourced Puppy Preschool classes and obedience training. This can vary from area to area depending on the availability and experience of the trainers available to you.

• Grooming fees if you choose a coated breed. Food, bedding, equipment, etc as needed.

These items may cost between $5,000 and $10,000, most occurring in the first 12 months of your programme commencement. Ongoing costs will be much reduced in following years as you are likely to only incur maintenance and normal costs, plus PFD membership fees.

How long can my dog work as an assistance dog?

This is a highly varied and individual issue and there is no accurate answer. Most dogs are starting to age around 8 years old, with some breeds aging quickly and some not aging until they are into their teens. Each dog is assessed as an individual and retirement will be considered on the recommendation of a veterinary assessment, the observations of the DOT or PAAT assessor and, of course, at the request of the owner.

Given the amount of training that is required to become a successful assistance dog, it is recommended that you start with as young a dog as possible to maximise your effective time with it as part of your team. An annual veterinary assessment is required of all dogs in the programme to ensure that they are sound, healthy and can physically cope with the requirements of an assistance dog workload.

Any accident, illness or temperamental changes from trauma may result in your dog being retired early. At all times, PFD has the dog’s health and safety as a priority.

Can my assistance dog be the family dog as well?

In order to develop the necessary bond between the hander and the dog to allow for successful training as an alert dog, it is not recommended that this dog is also expected to be the family pet.

To minimise confusion and to encourage the best alerting opportunities, the pup or dog must be focussed on the person in the family who requires it’s support. As the pup or dog matures into the role and the alerting becomes second nature, then distraction by other members of the family will not impact on the dog’s ability to perform its vital support tasks. You will be guided through this period and given strategies and information on navigating this period of time.

How do I expect my children to leave the puppy alone?

It may seem unfair to other members of the family that only one person gets to have a dog and not all. Unfortunately, it’s not fair that this person has diabetes either! It is completely understandable that an adorable puppy comes into the house and everyone wants to play with it, cuddle and pat it and give it all the attention in the world. It is vital that the family discuss this aspect of having an assistance dog before the pup arrives so that everyone understands what will be expected of them and what they will be allowed to do.

This dog becomes part of your diabetes management and needs to be considered as part of your medical equipment when to comes to other people interacting with it.

Will the dog mean that I won’t have to do as many BGL tests any more?

No. The dog’s alerting becomes an adjunct to your management and cannot replace any current practices or requirements. An alert dog provides the opportunity to be made aware of changing BGL’s, often before a CGM alarm is activated. It may also be able to wake you or fetch help and can be taught to fetch your test/hypo kit as well as activate alarm systems such as Vitalcall.

As much as the dog will be able to assist, it is still an animal and not a machine, so there will be times when the dog’s attention is distracted or the dog is asleep and misses the signals. Your dog will have good days and bad, just like us, so cannot be 100% relied on.

Then why get a dog?

If you do not have an symptoms of an impending hypo or hyper, or you hypo very quickly, then the dog may provide the early warning support that you may need. As the dog is scenting your BGL at real time, it will be up to 10 minutes quicker than your CGM, which is sampling from peripherals. This time difference can make a huge difference for some people.

People, particularly elderly people who live alone, will benefit from the support of a dog in their BGL management. This can increase confidence and independence, not just for the person involved, but for the family, carers and friends. Parents can utilise the dog’s support for their child, training the dog to fetch them if the child requires help.

The benefits of having the dog for company and the comfort that affords cannot be underestimated.

Does my assistance dog need to be desexed?

Yes, it is a Paws for Diabetics Inc. regulation that all dogs in our programme are desexed before they can qualify for their first Public Access Accreditation Test.

As these tests are usually conducted between the ages of 12 and 18 months old, this allows for later desexing of larger breeds, which many vets agree is optimal for joint development. We still advise that females are desexed before they experience their first oestrus cycle.