Willow Service Dogs L.L.C.

The training program begins with an application and phone consultation. Owners either select a puppy or submit video footage of their existing dog for scent and behavior evaluation. Training is delivered via weekly 1-hour Zoom sessions, covering scent detection, obedience, socialization, and public access skills. Clients record training videos for review. The program includes benchmarks for progression, such as mastering known and blind controlled searches, public product checks, and meal checks. Training continues until the dog reliably performs detection tasks and public access behaviors in diverse environments. Dawn provides continuous troubleshooting and support throughout the process.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed. Clients must contact Dawn for a consultation to receive an application and discuss program costs. Fees include access to the virtual training program, gluten and allergen detection tests, public access evaluations, and ongoing support. No fixed packages are advertised.

Policies

Video submissions for evaluations must be unedited and recorded in full. Evaluations are rejected if editing is suspected. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated, but clients are expected to commit to regular Zoom sessions and consistent video recording for progress tracking.

Willow Service Dogs L.L.C., founded and led by Dawn Scheu, is a specialized dog training business focused on training gluten detection, allergen detection, and medical alert service dogs. Dawn is a pioneer in the field, having trained the first gluten detection dog in the United States, Willow Kai, after being diagnosed with refractory celiac disease. She developed the Controlled Search™ method, which trains dogs to give both an “Indication” and an “All Clear” behavior to improve accuracy and reduce false alerts. The business offers a distance learning program via Zoom, guiding dog owners through scent detection, obedience, public access, and task training for their own service dogs. Dawn’s methods are force-free, fear-free, and LIMA-compliant, emphasizing trust and reliability. She also provides training for medical alerts (seizure, POTS, mast cell, diabetes), mobility tasks, and counterbalance. The program includes video-based assessments, structured benchmarks, and ongoing support tailored to the handler’s needs.

Dawn brings nearly 30 years of experience in scent detection, including work as a Search and Rescue trainer and pet therapy volunteer. Her background in emergency medicine and personal health struggles give her deep empathy for clients managing chronic conditions. She works with puppies and adult dogs, helping owners select suitable candidates and conduct odor testing. Training is conducted remotely, with clients recording videos for review and feedback. Dawn also offers gluten and allergen detection tests, public access evaluations, and internship opportunities for aspiring trainers.

The business is not a boarding or facility-based training center; instead, it empowers owners to train their own dogs at home with expert guidance. Dawn is actively involved in professional associations and continues her education in behavioral science and scent detection.

Clients report long-term relationships with Dawn, describing her as a mentor, advocate, and trusted resource who supports them through every stage of their dog’s training journey.

Accomplishments

Dawn Scheu trained the first gluten detection dog in the United States, Willow Kai, and named her business after her. She originated the Controlled Search™ method (2015) and the Concealed Blind Controlled Search™ (2017), and authored the first Gluten Detection Dog and Allergen Detection Dog Training Standards in 2015. She has trained over 75 gluten detection dogs. Dawn is a certified Canine Communication Professional (#8XGN2X94), SAR-U/W certified (1991), and holds credentials from Dunbar Academy, AKC CGC and Trick Dog Evaluator, BAT, and Low Stress Handling. She is a co-founder of O.D.O.R Service Dogs Inc. and a webinar presenter for E-Training for Dogs.

How to Get Started!

Interested clients email Willow Service Dogs to request an application via Google Form. After submitting the form, they schedule a phone consultation to discuss goals, dog suitability, and program details. If the client does not have a dog, Dawn assists in finding a reputable breeder and evaluating puppies for scent detection traits. If the client has a dog, they submit video footage of behavior and public settings for review before beginning training.