Dogs trained to cope when epilepsy strikes

By ANGELA GREGORY health reporter

Dogs are being trained to help calm and protect their owners when they have severe epileptic seizures.

The Auckland branch of the Epilepsy Association is the first to try the system, based on American experience, in this country.

The trial will last two years.

Dr Elizabeth Walker, chairwoman of the Epilepsy Assist Dog Trust, said the dogs had been highly successful overseas.

They were taught how to protect people who were having epileptic fits from dangers such as falling into swimming pools.

They could also move objects out of harm's way, set off alarms or send telephone calls for help.

Dr Walker, a neurologist, said the dogs were trained from puppyhood to meet the needs of their owners.

They recognised when their owners were having seizures, and could alert others in the home.

A woman in the United States had a dog trained to round up her young children and shepherd them into a room, then close the door, if she had a seizure.

An American trainer was brought to New Zealand to help select and train the first two dogs, including a labrador, one of the most popular choices.

The dogs have to be intelligent, with placid natures, and be reasonably easy to train.

The other dog in the trial is Amber, a rhodesian ridgeback-german shepherd cross, which Steven Koszegi has owned for seven months.

The Botany Downs teenager admits he was never a dog lover but Amber, who follows him everywhere, has become his new best friend.

Steven was diagnosed with epilepsy at 14 and the condition has worsened, with a series of grand mal seizures last year.

He finds Amber a calming influence and believes she has somehow prevented any serious epileptic episodes since he got her.

Amber also helps with Steven's confidence because he knows she will be there if something happens.

If the trial goes well the Epilepsy Society will seek permission from local councils so the assist dogs can be registered to travel on buses and enter cafes.

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