Gluten Detected Service Dogs

07/20/2026

Today I'm sharing a training session with Luna demonstrating both gluten detection and obedience skills.

In this video, you'll see Luna confidently alert to gluten while correctly giving an "all clear" on safe items throughout the store. You'll also see how I use the leash as a gentle guide to teach and reinforce a proper heel position and a front position.

One of the techniques you'll see in this video—teaching a dog to follow leash guidance for positioning—is a method I learned from Dawn Norton Scheu at Willow Service Dogs LLC: Celiac and allergen service dogs during my internship. I'm grateful for the knowledge and mentorship she shared, and I'm excited to continue incorporating those techniques into my own training program.

These foundational obedience skills are just as important as scent detection. A reliable service dog must not only accurately detect gluten but also remain focused, responsive, and well-mannered in public settings.

Every training session strengthens the partnership between dog and handler and builds the confidence needed to work successfully in public.

What questions do you have about training a gluten detection service dog? I'd love to answer them in the comments!

All clear=step to the side
Gluten=nose touch

07/19/2026

I know it's tempting—they're adorable! But when a service dog is working, they're focused on keeping their handler safe.

A distraction that lasts only a few seconds could cause them to miss an important alert. Whether they're detecting gluten, another allergen, or a medical condition, these dogs are working to protect their handler's health.

The best way to support a service dog team is to:
🐾 Admire from a distance.
🐾 Ask before interacting.
🐾 Respect the dog's space so they can stay focused on their job.

Thank you for helping service dog teams remain safe and independent.

My name is Deb Duvall, founder of Gluten Detected Service Dogs. I specialize in training reliable gluten/celiac detection service dogs for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. Trained under pioneer Dawn Norton Scheu for over three years, I use the same proven methods and am currently accepting new clients. I can guide you and your dog (puppy or adult) through the full process from basic obedience to precise gluten scent detection and public access skills. I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you take back freedom and peace of mind. Feel free to reply or contact me directly!
Deb Duvall
glutendetected.com

07/18/2026

My name is Deb Duvall, founder of Gluten Detected Service Dogs. I specialize in training reliable gluten/celiac detection service dogs for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. Trained under pioneer Dawn Norton Scheu for over three years, I use the same proven methods and am currently accepting new clients. I can guide you and your dog (puppy or adult) through the full process from basic obedience to precise gluten scent detection and public access skills. I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you take back freedom and peace of mind. Feel free to reply or contact me directly!
Deb Duvall
glutendetected.com

07/17/2026

Congratulations to Dawn Norton Scheu from Willow Service Dogs LLC: Celiac and allergen service dogs on her new future gluten detection dog "Cocobolo" (Coco).

There are puppies available in this litter that would make great gluten detection dogs and I have opening available.

07/16/2026

I had a wonderful time yesterday with Dawn Norton Scheu of Willow Service Dogs LLC: Celiac and allergen service dogs evaluating puppies for future scent detection work!

One of the highlights was meeting CHAPEL HILL'S ALL SPRUCED UP ("Spruce") from Chapel Hill Poodles. Spruce is one of their sires, and he is an exceptional dog with an outstanding temperament. I was so grateful for the opportunity to meet him.

Chapel Hill Poodles consistently produces beautiful Standard Poodles with wonderful temperaments, making them well worth considering if you're looking for your next companion or performance prospect. I believe they currently have six puppies still available.

You can learn more about them here:
https://www.chpoodles.com/

And if you'd like a serious dose of puppy cuteness, be sure to check out this video of their latest litter:
https://youtu.be/01vLhJztrQg?si=ETjMNALHaESxS8Yg

Thank you, Dawn, for another enjoyable day evaluating puppies and discussing what makes a great future detection dog!

07/13/2026

https://www.glutendetected.com/post/gluten-detection-dog-training-faq

My name is Deb Duvall, founder of Gluten Detected Service Dogs. I specialize in training reliable gluten/celiac detection service dogs for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. Trained under pioneer Dawn Norton Scheu for over three years, I use the same proven methods and am currently accepting new clients. I can guide you and your dog (puppy or adult) through the full process from basic obedience to precise gluten scent detection and public access skills. I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you take back freedom and peace of mind. Feel free to reply or contact me directly!
Deb Duvall
glutendetected.com

If you're considering training a gluten detection service dog, you probably have a lot of questions. From choosing the right dog to understanding the training process and expected timeline, this guide answers the questions I hear most often from prospective clients. Whether you're living with celiac...

07/12/2026

It’s fascinating to watch the clicker training process with this young giraffe as he learns to place his feet on a block. This important step helps him become comfortable with having his hooves touched and eventually trimmed.

While it’s a slow and patient process, it’s incredibly rewarding when the animal truly grasps the concept. This handsome giraffe is Fin from Highpoint Haven and Katie Van Slyke telling all about the process. . They are also excitedly expecting a new baby any day!

My name is Deb Duvall, founder of Gluten Detected Service Dogs. I specialize in training reliable gluten/celiac detection service dogs for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. Trained under pioneer Dawn Norton Scheu for over three years, I use the same proven methods and am currently accepting new clients. I can guide you and your dog (puppy or adult) through the full process from basic obedience to precise gluten scent detection and public access skills. I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you take back freedom and peace of mind. Feel free to reply or contact me directly!
Deb Duvall
glutendetected.com


https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GzqUk3vuQ/

07/10/2026

Please Do Not Pet or Distract Service Dogs.
Service dogs are working medical equipment — not pets. Why you should ignore them while they’re working: Petting breaks their focus and training
They could miss a life-saving alert (diabetic, seizure, allergen detection, etc.)
Distracting a guide dog could cause their handler to fall
It puts the handler’s safety at serious risk
Working dogs need to stay focused in busy environments

The kindest thing you can do is admire them from a distance and never pet, talk to, or call out to a working service dog.Thank you for helping keep service dogs safe and effective! Gluten Detected Service Dogs

07/09/2026

My name is Deb Duvall, founder of Gluten Detected Service Dogs. I specialize in training reliable gluten/celiac detection service dogs for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. Trained under pioneer Dawn Norton Scheu for over three years, I use the same proven methods and am currently accepting new clients. I can guide you and your dog (puppy or adult) through the full process from basic obedience to precise gluten scent detection and public access skills. I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you take back freedom and peace of mind. Feel free to reply or contact me directly!

Deb Duvall

glutendetected.com