Dogs

Jackie’s father bought her a puppy as a companion. The Golden Retriever cross wham she named Zac was cute and fluffy and very bright. He became the centre of her world. When Zoc was about six months old, he began to behave in a difficult manner. He frequently jumped and pawed at Jackie, refusing to sit down, and at times knocking her over. The family was disappointed. Zac had been to training school and had done really well. Why was he behaving so badly now?

They decided if it didn’t stop they would have to find him a new home.

Jackie took Zac to an animal psychologist, who made the connection that here was a pattern to his behaviour Zac would begin behaving strangely 10 to 20 minutes before Jackie had a seizure. At all other times he would behave normally. Thus, each time he was alerting Jackie to on oncoming seizure.

They went to a special training school where Zac was taught to alert Jackie in a more controlled manner and Jackie learned to listen to him. He was 0150 taught to fetch her medication and to alert family members.

Jackie found that with many of her seizures, if she sat dawn and relaxed at the onset, they would be very mild, and pass quickly. Zac would alert her in time for her to achieve this. Having Zac changed Jackie’s life; she had the confidence to leave home and even finished her degree.

BORDER PATROL DOGS

These dogs are taught to detect the presence of drugs and foodstuffs on travelers and in their luggage. At first, the dogs are taught scent discrimination as a game, and then taught to apply this to work situations.

They learn to detect and then alert by sitting in front of the object or person carrying the forbidden goods. They are rewarded with a game and a lot of attention. Border-patrol dogs need to have a high play drive to be suitable for this type of work. They also need to be able to remain focused and be comfortable in crowded, noisy situations. These dogs are highly useful in keeping drug trafficking under control.