Willow Service Dogs L.L.C... Where all our dogs are tested for reliability and accuracy in all environments

Dawn Scheu, was the first to train a gluten detection dog, or celiac service dog to work in all environments. She originated controlled search to detect a target odor using both an "Indication" behavior and an "All-Clear" behavior. She was also the first to teach a dog to detect a target odor among other novel odors. Dawn wrote the original Gluten Detection Dog and Allergen Detection dog Training Standards in 2015

Controlled Search™ 2015 Defined:

The Controlled Search™ as referred to here is a specific method developed by Dawn Scheu of presenting a sample to a dog for them to sniff, the dog then will perform either an "Indication" behavior or an "All Clear" behavior to let the person know if the product contains the target odor, or if it is free of the target odor.

Concealed, Blind or Masked Controlled Search™ 2017 Defined:

The Concealed Blind or Masked Controlled Search™, as referred to here, is a specific method developed by Dawn Scheu. This search is performed by presenting a sample to a dog that will be concealed or blind to the handler until after the control has been presented to the dog and the dog gives either an "Indication" behavior or an "All-Clear" behavior. This will be done by marking the bottoms of opaque containers so the handler cannot see their contents. Once the dog has given either the "All-Clear" behavior or the trained "Indication" behavior, the handler can flip over the sample to see what is marked on the bottom to determine if the dog is correct. This method was designed to remove handler bias in a way that is practical for in home use, as a laboratory setting is unavailable for most handlers and trainers to do double-blind controls.

Feel free to reach out to receive a consultation, purchase the full gluten and allergen test, or the public access test.

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Gluten and Allergen Test Overview

This test may be performed in person, over video chat, or by video recording. When recording, the camera will be turned on, the handler will say the words “begin,” and start performing the test. After the exercise is finished, the handler will say “end,” and the camera will be turned off. The video will be submitted to the evaluator unedited. If at any point the evaluator feels the portion evaluated has been edited, it will be rejected by the evaluator.

The purpose of this test is to evaluate service dog handlers on the team working relationship as well as the service dog’s accuracy while performing gluten or allergen detection. A controlled search will be used to emulate a real-world situation. This will ensure the handler has the necessary skills to keep the team’s skills sharp. The team will be tested in six key areas:

Known Controlled Search
Blind Controlled Search
Controlled Search™ Public Product Checks
Controlled Search™ Meal Check
Three Room Searches for the trained target odor.
One with a large source, one with a medium source, and one with a trace.
Hand Checks