Cancer Detection Dog Training
Bio-Dog Medical Scent Detection
Bio-Dog Medical Scent Detection would be the more accurate term for this page, but is less eye catching than "Cancer Detection Dog Training" so it lost the title spot. The reason I added the lengthy term though is because the every word promotes the idea of "science". Which is exactly what Cancer Detection Dog Training (CDDT) is. No magic, no voodoo. Just some good solid science applied to training for our beloved companions. It surprised me when I realized how many people think of cancer detection by DOGS as something fishy; like one of those weight loss scams that offer amazing results, cost a lot and don't actually Do anything. I suppose since the science is still very new and the precedence for the original idea was dogs that simply did so naturally, as if by magic, it should not be a surprise that the average person is a bit skeptical. I would like to fix that though.
The Nose
From the day they are born a dog's primary sense is that of smell, and what a sense it is. If you compared a dog's sense of smell to a human's sense of sight, what we could see at a third of a mile a dog could "see" 3,000 miles away with the same perfect clarity. For curiosity sake, an example would be from here in Clearwater as far as the city of Moron, Cuba. That's quite the distance huh?
But the dog also has the Jacobson organ, which allows them to smell things that do not compare to sight. A dog can learn things from scent such as; sex, age, current health, mood and hormonal cues that we humans may guess at with out sight, but do not really Know.
How about an "eye" for detail? Humans use the expression "A needle in a haystack", but have you ever tried to actually find a needle in a haystack using your eyes? Now imagine this for a comparison of an "eye for detail". A dog could smell a single tsp of sugar in two Olympic sized swimming pools of water.
The way a dog's nose works is also different from a human's. When we breathe in and out it is along the same path through the nose. When a dog breathes however, the air comes in from the front and then is expelled out the slits on the sides of their nostril. Additionally the track that air takes from our nose to lungs remains the same for a human, but in a dog that path splits to direct air along the olfactory path lines separately than the path lines to the lungs.
Finally; dogs have three hundred million scent receptors in their nose, where as humans only have five million, and the part of the brain that analyzes scent is 40 times larger than our own.
But the dog also has the Jacobson organ, which allows them to smell things that do not compare to sight. A dog can learn things from scent such as; sex, age, current health, mood and hormonal cues that we humans may guess at with out sight, but do not really Know.
How about an "eye" for detail? Humans use the expression "A needle in a haystack", but have you ever tried to actually find a needle in a haystack using your eyes? Now imagine this for a comparison of an "eye for detail". A dog could smell a single tsp of sugar in two Olympic sized swimming pools of water.
The way a dog's nose works is also different from a human's. When we breathe in and out it is along the same path through the nose. When a dog breathes however, the air comes in from the front and then is expelled out the slits on the sides of their nostril. Additionally the track that air takes from our nose to lungs remains the same for a human, but in a dog that path splits to direct air along the olfactory path lines separately than the path lines to the lungs.
Finally; dogs have three hundred million scent receptors in their nose, where as humans only have five million, and the part of the brain that analyzes scent is 40 times larger than our own.
Potential for Work
Because of the extreme capabilities of a dog's nose trainers have spent years imagining nearly endless possibilities for helping mankind with their canine companions. In doing so they have aided the world and many people in it.
You many know some of the common jobs. Dogs are used for Search and Rescue missions out in the wilderness but also in situations such as earthquakes or other natural disasters. These dogs have saved many, many lives. Police dogs have many valuable skills; they work with their partners to track down criminals, detect drugs and even bombs. Arson detection is another commonly heard of use for a working dog and so are dogs in the army. In the medical world dogs have been used to improve the lives of those living with many disabilities, such as guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf.
But dogs are used for much more than just these commonly known jobs. Cadaver (dead body) dogs may not be the most pleasant of work for the human companion but is still useful and an amazing display of the capabilities of their noses. Dogs are not only able to find bodies on land or buried deep in the ground but also bodies that have been lost deep in the water! Bed bug detection is another not so pleasant idea unless the handler does not mind keeping the creepy things around for training purposes, but can help save hundreds of dollars for hotels and other busy places by finding not only the adult bugs but their eggs hidden away as well. Additional medical uses are dogs that can warn their owner of an epileptic attack or high/low blood sugar for those with diabetes.
Then there are jobs that I would not be surprised if you have never heard of, I myself only keep encountering them within dog training circles or on specific TV shows. Diving from helicopters and tracking poachers that hunt in remote areas was a fascinating idea to me, and apparently very helpful to those that protect endangered animals. Dangerous mold detection was an idea that I had never thought of but would be very helpful. Even common molds can be hidden away in the walls of a house can have serious health consequences for the home owners, so tracking both would be a wonderful way to help people. Invasive species detection was another one that surprised me but made perfect sense once I heard of it. Tracking anything from invasive plants, bugs and mussels; these dogs could help entire ecosystems by protecting against things that humans would have a very hard time finding in large areas. By far the funniest, strangest use for a dog's nose that I have heard of yet would be the dog that had a thing for turtles. Trained to track down a specific species of turtle in the wild, I assume for an endangered variety, this dog was also useful in locating a Pet turtle that had wandered away from his home.
My passion however lies with ways that medical scent detection can help people directly. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are two terrible diseases that do not have a cure, but like anything it is better for the patients to have early detection and treatment. MS is another terrible thing to suffer from that is hard to diagnose, but theoretically the dog's nose is skilled enough that with proper training this too could be possible. Dina Zaphiris of the InSitu Foundaiton has already completed training for dogs to detect E-Coli and of course, Cancer.
You many know some of the common jobs. Dogs are used for Search and Rescue missions out in the wilderness but also in situations such as earthquakes or other natural disasters. These dogs have saved many, many lives. Police dogs have many valuable skills; they work with their partners to track down criminals, detect drugs and even bombs. Arson detection is another commonly heard of use for a working dog and so are dogs in the army. In the medical world dogs have been used to improve the lives of those living with many disabilities, such as guide dogs for the blind and hearing dogs for the deaf.
But dogs are used for much more than just these commonly known jobs. Cadaver (dead body) dogs may not be the most pleasant of work for the human companion but is still useful and an amazing display of the capabilities of their noses. Dogs are not only able to find bodies on land or buried deep in the ground but also bodies that have been lost deep in the water! Bed bug detection is another not so pleasant idea unless the handler does not mind keeping the creepy things around for training purposes, but can help save hundreds of dollars for hotels and other busy places by finding not only the adult bugs but their eggs hidden away as well. Additional medical uses are dogs that can warn their owner of an epileptic attack or high/low blood sugar for those with diabetes.
Then there are jobs that I would not be surprised if you have never heard of, I myself only keep encountering them within dog training circles or on specific TV shows. Diving from helicopters and tracking poachers that hunt in remote areas was a fascinating idea to me, and apparently very helpful to those that protect endangered animals. Dangerous mold detection was an idea that I had never thought of but would be very helpful. Even common molds can be hidden away in the walls of a house can have serious health consequences for the home owners, so tracking both would be a wonderful way to help people. Invasive species detection was another one that surprised me but made perfect sense once I heard of it. Tracking anything from invasive plants, bugs and mussels; these dogs could help entire ecosystems by protecting against things that humans would have a very hard time finding in large areas. By far the funniest, strangest use for a dog's nose that I have heard of yet would be the dog that had a thing for turtles. Trained to track down a specific species of turtle in the wild, I assume for an endangered variety, this dog was also useful in locating a Pet turtle that had wandered away from his home.
My passion however lies with ways that medical scent detection can help people directly. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are two terrible diseases that do not have a cure, but like anything it is better for the patients to have early detection and treatment. MS is another terrible thing to suffer from that is hard to diagnose, but theoretically the dog's nose is skilled enough that with proper training this too could be possible. Dina Zaphiris of the InSitu Foundaiton has already completed training for dogs to detect E-Coli and of course, Cancer.
Potential for Cancer
This field is my passion for a dog's nose helping humanity, and the avenues of study and work are nearly endless. There are so many areas of the body that cancer can attack; Bone, Blood, Brain, Breast, Lung, Ovaries, Skin, Stomach. And those are just a few examples. Each area can also have different strains of cancer attacking it. If I had to pinpoint my areas of interest down to just a few it would be; Stomach Cancer, Silent Killers and Child Cancer. (But that may not be where I start working as I will take any opportunity to start.)
Dog trainers from around the world have already completed medical studies regarding the potential use of dogs to detect cancer. A few examples of studies done would be for; Lung, Breast, Ovarian and Prostate Cancer. The success rates for sensitivity (Correctly finding cancer samples) and specificity (Correctly ignoring healthy samples) were amazingly high and in many cases outdo the current screening methods rates available. If you would like a closer look at some of the studies I will have them posted on my "Medical Studies" page.
The high accuracy rates are only one of a few reasons why the idea of using dogs as an additional method for screening cancer is so exciting.
The samples required for training, and thus later for testing, are none invasive in nature. The dogs need only a; Blood, Plasma, Saliva, Sputum, Urine or Breath Sample. This is a major improvement from some of the uncomfortable or even invasive nature of some screening methods such as; Mammograms, Prostate exams, and Biopsies. This means that there is no need to fear doing more damage to a possibly healthy patient in order to determine if they in fact have cancer.
The single most amazing factor that the dog's ability brings to the table is early detection. Most current screening methods require a later stage development of the cancerous tumors before being able to make a positive identification. The dogs do not. Because of the nature of their training and natural capabilities a dog does not differentiate between Stage 1 or Stage 4 cancer. This enables them to detect the problem much sooner. In fact the In Situ Foundation is so named because the dogs can detect cancer "In Situ" or "Stage 0". The significance of early detection lies in the treatment; the sooner a patient starts treatment for cancer the higher their chances of survival become.
Dog trainers from around the world have already completed medical studies regarding the potential use of dogs to detect cancer. A few examples of studies done would be for; Lung, Breast, Ovarian and Prostate Cancer. The success rates for sensitivity (Correctly finding cancer samples) and specificity (Correctly ignoring healthy samples) were amazingly high and in many cases outdo the current screening methods rates available. If you would like a closer look at some of the studies I will have them posted on my "Medical Studies" page.
The high accuracy rates are only one of a few reasons why the idea of using dogs as an additional method for screening cancer is so exciting.
The samples required for training, and thus later for testing, are none invasive in nature. The dogs need only a; Blood, Plasma, Saliva, Sputum, Urine or Breath Sample. This is a major improvement from some of the uncomfortable or even invasive nature of some screening methods such as; Mammograms, Prostate exams, and Biopsies. This means that there is no need to fear doing more damage to a possibly healthy patient in order to determine if they in fact have cancer.
The single most amazing factor that the dog's ability brings to the table is early detection. Most current screening methods require a later stage development of the cancerous tumors before being able to make a positive identification. The dogs do not. Because of the nature of their training and natural capabilities a dog does not differentiate between Stage 1 or Stage 4 cancer. This enables them to detect the problem much sooner. In fact the In Situ Foundation is so named because the dogs can detect cancer "In Situ" or "Stage 0". The significance of early detection lies in the treatment; the sooner a patient starts treatment for cancer the higher their chances of survival become.
The InSitu Foundation
Everything has a beginning, and for this page that beginning is the InSitu Foundation of Chico, California and a wonderful woman by the name of Dina Zaphiris.
When I first started looking into the world of Cancer Detection Dogs I found it surprisingly difficult to locate any information on the subject. While I admit that I am not the best at Google searches I was still surprised at how little I could find on the internet. The best source of information turned out to be from a webpage called the "In Situ Foundation". I combed through its content and found the page simple, informative and welcoming; which was refreshing after dead ends every time I clicked on a link.
Have a look at the page here: http://dogsdetectcancer.org/
From there I found the corresponding Facebook page and was thrilled at all of the videos where I could actually Watch the dogs detecting cancer! Dina posted many interesting topics and cute pictures that left me scrolling down and down for more, but within the content was also hidden treasures of information that I tried to glean about Cancer Detection Dogs. Finally I took a shot in the dark and messaged Dina personally, and was delighted to have her actually respond to me! (Or rather I think Todd did...) At the time she was too busy to answer questions on the subject of training dogs, but they offered something much better. I learned that the In Situ Foundation was organizing a certification program hopefully to be made available in 2017. I was thrilled!
Check out her page here: https://www.facebook.com/getsniffed/
In the fall of 2016 Dina and the InSitu Foundation were officially ready to start teaching and I was desperate to be in that classroom! Although I had no idea how I would be able to raise the tuition fee, late alone travel expenses, I just knew I had to go and so I signed up for her second class on impulse and faith. What remains remarkable to me to this very day is how patient Todd and Dina were with me scrambling to make the money in time, allowing me to make payments and being so very encouraging. Her desire to share her knowledge with others is Such a blessing!
Once I got there (with some much appreciated help) the course was intensive and covered a mountain of information as well as hands on training with both in-experienced and experienced dogs. It was a fun, eye opening and life changing in the classroom and in the evenings with my fellow students. The InSitu Foundation gave a starting point for literally any hundreds of directions one might chose to take with Bio-Detection and offered support each step of the way, building a collaborated mentality between students across States and Countries.
I cannot be more vocal on how amazing it is that Dina is so passionate about the goal of Cancer Detection Dogs that she would offer her experience and knowledge to others openly. It is a precious gift for someone, like me, who would otherwise be Years away from achieving even a start within the field and a significant boost to the science becoming a reality.
When I first started looking into the world of Cancer Detection Dogs I found it surprisingly difficult to locate any information on the subject. While I admit that I am not the best at Google searches I was still surprised at how little I could find on the internet. The best source of information turned out to be from a webpage called the "In Situ Foundation". I combed through its content and found the page simple, informative and welcoming; which was refreshing after dead ends every time I clicked on a link.
Have a look at the page here: http://dogsdetectcancer.org/
From there I found the corresponding Facebook page and was thrilled at all of the videos where I could actually Watch the dogs detecting cancer! Dina posted many interesting topics and cute pictures that left me scrolling down and down for more, but within the content was also hidden treasures of information that I tried to glean about Cancer Detection Dogs. Finally I took a shot in the dark and messaged Dina personally, and was delighted to have her actually respond to me! (Or rather I think Todd did...) At the time she was too busy to answer questions on the subject of training dogs, but they offered something much better. I learned that the In Situ Foundation was organizing a certification program hopefully to be made available in 2017. I was thrilled!
Check out her page here: https://www.facebook.com/getsniffed/
In the fall of 2016 Dina and the InSitu Foundation were officially ready to start teaching and I was desperate to be in that classroom! Although I had no idea how I would be able to raise the tuition fee, late alone travel expenses, I just knew I had to go and so I signed up for her second class on impulse and faith. What remains remarkable to me to this very day is how patient Todd and Dina were with me scrambling to make the money in time, allowing me to make payments and being so very encouraging. Her desire to share her knowledge with others is Such a blessing!
Once I got there (with some much appreciated help) the course was intensive and covered a mountain of information as well as hands on training with both in-experienced and experienced dogs. It was a fun, eye opening and life changing in the classroom and in the evenings with my fellow students. The InSitu Foundation gave a starting point for literally any hundreds of directions one might chose to take with Bio-Detection and offered support each step of the way, building a collaborated mentality between students across States and Countries.
I cannot be more vocal on how amazing it is that Dina is so passionate about the goal of Cancer Detection Dogs that she would offer her experience and knowledge to others openly. It is a precious gift for someone, like me, who would otherwise be Years away from achieving even a start within the field and a significant boost to the science becoming a reality.
VDCT Cancer Work
I am going to deliberately add this part in and leave it unfinished; I will slowly update this section with all the progress that I will, eventually, make.
I took a first step early last year when I purchased Rakki, a scent dog potential. His initial training has given me a great deal of experience to help work with my clients, but it is his scent work that brings me pride. He shows great love for the game of detection and I have enjoyed advancing his training after returning from school. It is my belief that as he continues to progress Rakki will make a wonderful Cancer Detection Dog.
In November 2016 I obtained Certification as a Bio-Dog Medical Scent Detection Trainer from the In Situ Foundation; a very important step.
It is my desire that this is gift is not restricted to the private sector but rather becomes available to everyone via their own doctors, and for that reason I will need the help of many, many people. Thus my current work is primarily building awareness, within my community and as far as I can reach. The more people that become involved in this process the more help there will be in; spreading awareness, gathering sample candidates and building an Non-Profit Organization dedicated to training dogs to detect cancer within the medical community.
I took a first step early last year when I purchased Rakki, a scent dog potential. His initial training has given me a great deal of experience to help work with my clients, but it is his scent work that brings me pride. He shows great love for the game of detection and I have enjoyed advancing his training after returning from school. It is my belief that as he continues to progress Rakki will make a wonderful Cancer Detection Dog.
In November 2016 I obtained Certification as a Bio-Dog Medical Scent Detection Trainer from the In Situ Foundation; a very important step.
It is my desire that this is gift is not restricted to the private sector but rather becomes available to everyone via their own doctors, and for that reason I will need the help of many, many people. Thus my current work is primarily building awareness, within my community and as far as I can reach. The more people that become involved in this process the more help there will be in; spreading awareness, gathering sample candidates and building an Non-Profit Organization dedicated to training dogs to detect cancer within the medical community.
The Dream
Can you imagine the world we live in if the science of Cancer Detection Dogs moves from being a research project to mainstream screenings? I can, and I like what I see.
1. Teams of trainers working to produce teams of dogs with the ability to detect and actually diagnose cancer.
2. Bi-yearly screenings that are as simple as peeing in a little cup and going on with the day, no fussing, no painful surgeries, no avoiding the doctor until it is too late.
3. A cheaper and efficient method that saves money for the hospitals to use in other ways.
4. Early detection providing lifesaving, early treatment for patients across the country.
5. Dogs that Love going to work sniffing out cancer, day after day, generation after generation.
This is just a dream. I cannot make anyone that promise yet. It is a hope, for those of us who know the potential of the dog's nose. But one day it may just be reality. With a lot of work, and the love of our dogs.
1. Teams of trainers working to produce teams of dogs with the ability to detect and actually diagnose cancer.
2. Bi-yearly screenings that are as simple as peeing in a little cup and going on with the day, no fussing, no painful surgeries, no avoiding the doctor until it is too late.
3. A cheaper and efficient method that saves money for the hospitals to use in other ways.
4. Early detection providing lifesaving, early treatment for patients across the country.
5. Dogs that Love going to work sniffing out cancer, day after day, generation after generation.
This is just a dream. I cannot make anyone that promise yet. It is a hope, for those of us who know the potential of the dog's nose. But one day it may just be reality. With a lot of work, and the love of our dogs.
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