Frequently Asked Questions

 

Question: What breeds of dogs can be used to detect Bed Bugs?
Just like with bombs or drugs, many different breeds of dogs can be trained to detect mold.  Hunting breeds are great tracker dogs -  particularly effective are Labs, Border Collies, Jack Russell Terriers, Aussies, Beagles and other combinations of these breeds.

Question:  What are the general characteristics you look for when choosing to train a Bed Bug Dog?
Bill looks for dogs that are friendly, energetic, intelligent and have plenty of drive.

Question:  How old are the dogs you train?
Bill looks for dogs that are 10 months to 3 years old.

Question:  How many years will a bed bug dog be able to work?
Eight to ten years, barring any physical or other difficulties.

Question: How long does it take to train a Bed Bug Dog?
It takes between 600 and 800 hours of individual training to completely train a dog to accurately detect mold.

Question: Where does Bed Bug Dog get its dogs?
Bill rescues most of the dogs he trains from the Humane Society of North Pinellas in Florida. However, Bill will also train owner pets provided the pet meets certain personality and instinct criteria.

Question: What kinds of mold will the Bed Bug Dog find?
A Mold Dog is specifically trained to alert (sit) on at least eighteen different kinds of the most common toxic molds. If a dog alerts, there is a mold issue which signals a moisture problem, i.e.: leaky pipe, etc.

Question:  Do Bed bugs have distinctive smells?
Yes. It's the same with arson dogs and lamp oils listed as odorless - human's can't smell the oil, but dogs are able to smell it.

Question: Does a Bed Bug Dog need ongoing testing and evaluation to essentially stay “calibrated”?
Yes.  Upon completion of the initial training period, the dog is certified to detect and pinpoint at least eighteen different kinds of the most common toxic molds.  Thereafter, each Bed Bug Dog receives quarterly testing and annual recertification. 

Contact us today via E-mail or call us (727) 798-1950

 

 

 

Bed Bug Dog trains, certifies and sells bed bug-detecting dogs and offers a free web-based information and referral service for insurance and real estate professionals and homeowners.

(727) 798-1950

 

Whitstine's dogs are sniffing for insects in at least 30 states and as far away as Canada and Finland, and this spring he'll send some to Japan..

TRAINING, CERTIFYING AND SELLING

If you would like to consider having a Bed Bug Dog, be sure to contact us and we can help with all of your needs..
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