Meet gorgeous Labrador Derek a support dog in training to help someone with epilepsy

Derek the yellow Labrador is among the dogs currently in training.

Trainer Lottie Barlow believes he is perfect for the charity’s epilepsy alert programme, which trains dogs to be able to detect a seizure up to one hour before it happens.

Having a dog that can detect a seizure coming on can enable an individual to get to somewhere safe and comfortable, preventing them from injuring themselves during a seizure.

Lottie says: “He is so loving and affectionate – his favourite thing is to be with his people. He is absolutely obsessed with me. Within three weeks, Emily, Derek’s puppy co-ordinator, didn’t get a look in.

“He is very clingy, which is why he’s perfect for the seizure alert programme – when they go to a seizure alert programme client, they are with that person 24/7, they do not leave their side.”

Lottie adds: “He is a very quick learner, and if he gets food for completing a task, even better.”

Derek, who was named in memory of the husband of a supporter of the charity, has been successfully matched with a client on Support Dogs’ waiting list.

His skills are being tweaked before he moves over to Support Dogs’ instructors in September, who will hone his skills and tailor them to be bespoke to the client’s needs.

Lottie is currently working on how Derek handles being on public transport, and then they will cover different public spaces.

When not in training, Derek, who turns two on Monday, is looked after by volunteer foster carers, who Lottie says “love the bones of him – they absolutely adore him”.

Lottie, who has been a trainer with the charity for two years, says Derek’s favourite food is cheese, though she adds: “He will eat absolutely anything – he is very much a typical Labrador in that he loves his food.”

Support Dogs is recruiting volunteer puppy socialisers to help provide a loving home for dogs in training like Derek. Please phone 0114 261 7800 or visit www.supportdogs.org.uk for more details.