Meet The Trainer
Hi, I'm Deb Duvall, owner and trainer of Gluten Detected Service Dogs.
My passion for training animals began long before I started working with scent detection dogs. I began training horses as a child, where I learned the importance of patience, consistency, communication, and trust.
Those same principles guide every dog I train today.
My personal health journey including recovering from Lyme disease and living with Alpha-gal syndrome ultimately led me to specialize in gluten detection service dogs. Combining my lifelong experience training animals with my firsthand understanding of chronic illness has given me a unique perspective on the life-changing impact a well-trained detection dog can have.
Why This Work Is Personal to Me
My journey into gluten detection service dogs began with my own health struggles.
I have battled Lyme disease and Alpha-gal syndrome, and recovering from Lyme disease was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. There were times when I wondered if I would ever feel like myself again. Regaining my health took patience, determination, and a willingness to keep searching for answers.
Living with chronic health conditions has given me a firsthand understanding of how exhausting it can be to constantly worry about what you're eating, where your food comes from, and how even a small exposure can affect your body.
That experience changed the direction of my life.
When I discovered the incredible abilities of scent detection dogs, I saw the difference they could make for people facing similar challenges. Their ability to detect substances that humans cannot perceive offers not only an added layer of safety, but also greater confidence and independence.
Today, my goal is to help others build that same partnership with their own dog. Every client I work with is more than just another training program they are someone looking for answers, greater independence, and a better quality of life. Having walked my own difficult path, I understand how meaningful that journey can be.
My Training Philosophy
I use positive reinforcement training methods that focus on building trust, confidence, and clear communication between dog and handler.
My goal is not only to train the dog, but also to teach the handler how to understand, support, and continue building their dog’s skills over time.
Training is done virtually through Zoom, so clients can work with me from anywhere. Each program is tailored to the dog, the handler, and the goals of the team.
What I Help Clients Do
Through my training program, I help clients work toward:
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Gluten detection skills
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Alert and all-clear behaviors
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Confidence in daily routines
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Public access foundations
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A stronger working partnership with their dog
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Ready to Learn More?
If you are interested in gluten detection service dog training, the first step is scheduling a consultation.
