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Can my dog be trained to detect cancer?
We currently offer training to experienced dog trainers so that they may train their own medical detection dogs. At this time we do not train or certify “individual dogs” for sales or use outside of our organization.
Can I own a cancer detection dog?
Cancer detection dog teams should consist of 5 or more dogs. By using only one dog, handlers have nothing to compare their results to. In contrast, if all 5 dogs on a team are alerting to cancer, then you have a better chance of being accurate. One dog is not recommended if the goal is to establish and maintain accurate results.
Is there a certification program for the dog? For the handler/trainer?
In May, 2016 we just launched our Training and Certification Program. Training is offered to experienced dog trainers and Certification enables trainers to become part of our international Medical Detection Dog Training Team. The first classes will be held in October 2016 in Chico, California.
When and how can I get my breath screened for cancer?
At this time In Situ Foundation is not able to legally screen a person’s breath, blood, plasma, or any other bodily fluid unless it is done so under an approved a clinical trial.
What type of dogs can detect cancer?
In Situ uses high drive dogs, such as German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Shepherd / Lab mixes, Beagles, Belgian Malinois, and most mixed breeds containing any of these combinations. Occasionally, we will test a dog who is not one of these breeds, who detects cancer with flying colors. The temperament and drive of the dog is what matters.
How does In Situ find it’s dogs?
In Situ’s mission is to start in the shelters and rescues, choosing dogs that don’t have homes. In Situ rehabilitates, and then trains these dogs to detect cancer.
Who qualifies to own a cancer detection dog?
At this time, In Situ Foundation only trains cancer detection dogs for our own organization and to a select few universities which we work directly with. We do not train and/or supply dogs to any other outside organizations or institutions. In addition, we do not train dogs for persons who have or believe they have cancer. All research is done through sample screening and testing, not on actual people.
How do I train my dog to detect cancer?
Strict protocols are followed, using hundreds of samples, collected by doctors, in order for each dog to be trained. We train our dogs to ignore healthy samples, and we train our dogs to ignore other diseases, which may have similarities to cancer.
Is cancer detection similar to narcotics and explosives detection?
The way we reward our dogs for finding the target odor is the same, but the methods (specifically the samples and how we expose the dogs to them) is an intricate process. With bomb dogs, you are training the dog on ONE substance. With cancer detection, you’re dealing with 4000 volatile organic compounds in the human breath, with only some of them combined to make up “cancer scent”. This is why hundreds of samples are needed in order for the dog to imprint target odor.
If I have a cancer sample, can I train my dog to find it?
No. You would simply be training your dog to find one specific person’s breath, not cancer. The dog needs to understand the “common denominator” in weeks and weeks of sniffing different peoples samples. Otherwise, you’ve just trained your dog to find a specific person, NOT cancer.
How can I get involved?
You may make a donation, or donate a breath sample. Information will be available soon on how to host a fundraiser or an awareness breath drive in your area.
More questions? Contact us.
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