Colorado Training Facility Transforms Rescues into Gluten-Sniffing Service Dogs

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By Jefferson Adams

May 7
By Jefferson Adams • May 7

Colorado Training Facility Transforms Rescues into Gluten-Sniffing Service Dogs

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Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

Dog trainers rehabilitate and train dogs, including rescued and abandoned pets, to be gluten-sniffing marvels. Here's the story.

Caption: Image: leasureranchk9.com

Celiac.com 05/07/2024 - An eastern Colorado dog training facility, led by Michelle Abel, is giving rescued canines a fresh start by preparing them for a remarkable new career as gluten-sniffing service dogs.

Abel, with 34 years of experience in dog training, is founder of the Leasure Ranch K9 Academy. Since May 2021, she has collaborated with Scroungy Dogs and Pretty Pups Rescue to rehabilitate and train dogs, often rescuing abandoned pets.

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While initially focused on training service dogs for various needs, Abel's journey took an unexpected turn when she received a unique challenge: teaching a dog to detect gluten. Prompted by a friend's celiac disease diagnosis, Abel recognized the critical role such dogs could play in safeguarding celiac sufferers from inadvertent gluten exposure.

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, can cause severe health issues even with trace amounts of gluten. Recognizing the urgent need for gluten-detection dogs, Abel's training methods emphasize teaching dogs to sit if an object is safe and lay down if it's not.

The response to Abel's gluten-sniffing service dogs has been overwhelming, highlighting the significant demand for these specialized canines. Abel has witnessed a surge in interest, with several individuals eager to welcome these dogs into their lives.

These gluten-detection dogs undergo rigorous training tailored to their future roles, ensuring they seamlessly integrate into their owners' lives. From discerning gluten in food to maintaining composure in public settings, these dogs are trained to meet the diverse needs of their clients.

Abel's dedication to transforming rescues into lifesaving companions underscores the profound impact of canine assistance in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with celiac disease. Through her efforts, Abel is not only changing the lives of rescued dogs, but also providing invaluable support to those managing celiac disease.

Read more at siouxlandproud.com
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Grlybrainiac 8

Posted May 15

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One of my friends has another celiac friend (acquaintance?) that has a dog trained to detect gluten (she trained it herself, I think she’s a vet) and apparently she rarely gets sick now!.

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About Me

Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University. His articles, essays, poems, stories and book reviews have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and websites, including North American Project, Antioch Review, Caliban, Mississippi Review, Slate, and more. He is the author of more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His university coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously devised health and medical content for Colgate, Dove, Pfizer, Sharecare, Walgreens, and more. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of numerous books, including "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

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