Cancer Detection Training (veterinary, train, rescue, cross)

[Sharon R.]

I'm sure some of you are aware that dogs are proving very effective in sniffing out cancer. I have been searching the Internet and have found lots of info and articles, but nothing on training. Is anybody here familiar with any organizations or individuals who train dogs for cancer detection?

Thanks!

[ShelbyGirl1]

I was under the assumption it was a level training process. In other words...one doesn't just go into "Cancer training". You start out at the bottom in training and move up.

[grannynancy]

I don't know anything about "level training process" I do have a detection dog [human remains] but am afraid I don't know anything about training of cancer detection dogs. All detector dog training is very similar though.

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by grannynancy

I don't know anything about "level training process" I do have a detection dog [human remains] but am afraid I don't know anything about training of cancer detection dogs. All detector dog training is very similar though.

Thanks GrannyNancy for jumping in.....I'm looking for the article I read about it now...but so far have had no luck
How did your dog "start" his training....I know there are levels...for instance...he did not start out on human remains?

[ShelbyGirl1]

Here is one article...but it is an older one and not the one I was thinking of. This one states no scent training was needed...where as the other did...and that was the level training I was speaking of.

Cancer Detection by Dogs - VeterinaryPartner.com - a VIN company!

[ShelbyGirl1]

I'm sorry...I'll be darned if I can find that article. I think it may have been a Dog Fancy article. I guess I spoke out to soon...sorry
Every thing I can find is outdated.

[grannynancy]

Originally Posted by ShelbyGirl1

Thanks GrannyNancy for jumping in.....I'm looking for the article I read about it now...but so far have had no luck
How did your dog "start" his training....I know there are levels...for instance...he did not start out on human remains?

Uh, yes, that is how you train them. I am on a Search and Rescue team
I guess the thing is any detector dog - bombs, narcotics, cadaver, termites, bedbugs, endangered turtles, arson, agricultural products, food, etc.....they are all trained the same way - major difference is whether a dog has an active alert or a passive alert. I really don't know anything about cancer though - the main thing being the materials you have to expose them to and those you have to proof them off [things you don't want them to respond to]

[leorah]

Auburn University was testing dogs for their ability to detect cancer. Perhaps someone there could help steer you to other programs.

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. - The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine - 14(1):61

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by grannynancy

Uh, yes, that is how you train them. I am on a Search and Rescue team
I guess the thing is any detector dog - bombs, narcotics, cadaver, termites, bedbugs, endangered turtles, arson, agricultural products, food, etc.....they are all trained the same way - major difference is whether a dog has an active alert or a passive alert. I really don't know anything about cancer though - the main thing being the materials you have to expose them to and those you have to proof them off [things you don't want them to respond to]

I guess what I'm trying to get across is: For instance...I have a friend who has a bomb detection/drug dog. He didn't start out on bombs! He had a level of training...in first...was he was put through multiple tests to see if he was even qualified...meaning the strength and stamina and "interest" in this type of training. He worked on finding all kinds of objects in all types of situations, before he was ever introduced to a bomb.

[Katie1]

Imaginis - You’ve Heard of the CAT Scan? Now, Here’s the Dog Scan: Canine Helps With Cancer Detection