I don't have a trained 'migraine alert dog', but when I got my Labby as a puppy this was a function I hoped she'd perform.  I never did any formal training (no idea how), but was hoping maybe she'd pick up on something.  While she does not currently alert for every migraine, she has (completely on her own at about 6 months old) started alerting me to incoming storm fronts (a MAJOR trigger for me).

The first time I noticed this behavior, it was late evening and she was already in her crate in my room as I readied for bed.  She cried and got very agitated, and wouldn't settle down.  I tried everything from scolding to bribing, and she wouldn't stop, so I finally said, 'I'm getting ready for bed, and if you don't settle by the time I'm ready for bed, you're going to be sleeping in the kitchen!'  Because I had already checked the weather and knew a major front was coming in (and was starting to feel the effects), I was already planning to take migraine meds.  When I got my 'migraine kit' (a small blue camcorder case where I keep my meds, queezy pops, emergency info for ER trips, etc), and got my meds out and took them, my puppy IMMEDIATELY stopped crying and layed down and went to sleep!

Ever since then, she has faithfully told me (by becoming agitated and clingy like I've never seen her do in any other situation) that a storm is coming.  Also, she's normally very energetic and playful, but when I have a migraine, she becomes very calm, and will come over and put her head under my hand and stay completely still for 5-10 minutes at a time.  She's a sweetie!

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Now for something that might begin to be useful:  I would contact agencies that provide seizure alert dogs and similar service animals and ask them where to go from there.  Unfortunately, most places have a considerable waiting list.  If you run into a few nay-sayers in the process, don't get discouraged!  I was told everything from, "suck it up!" to "you can't train a dog to alert to migraines."  This was part of the reason I stopped pursuing a 'service dog' and opted for a pet instead, but my pet trained herself to alert to certain triggers!  (Not that you can tell, but I'm very proud of my smart dog!)

Good luck to you!

Its great hearing about Labby and I think we all could benefit from furry assistance.   I too had a great dog, but he didn't alert about storms.

I didn't ever think about having a service animal, let alone one for migraines.  Up until about ten years ago, I thought I had the migraines under control.  Anyway, I was given a very intelligent German Shepard (he was about four months old) who could 'alert' me to oncoming migraines.  He would often not leave me alone and stayed very close, watching every move I made.  After a while, all he had to do was get my attention in that certain way and I would tell him thank you and he would wait patiently.  He also kept everyone out of my room by laying against the door.  We were bonded very closely for his 14 years.

What is more amazing to me is the fact that my Appaloosa mare, also alerts to any oncoming migraine!  If I am riding her, she will stop dead in her tracks, refusing to move at all until I dismount.  The first couple of times I thought it was coincidence, but after the fourth time, I knew she could sense it coming on, probably based on growing imbalance issues.  Others have witnessed this too.  If I have a migraine and am with her, but not on her, she gets very calm and attentative and moves at a slower pace for me.  She has helped be back into the barn more than a few times!!

And therapy horses are around too, and most are not limited to just physical challenges. See if there is a group nearby and go visit.  They are usually run by volunteers.  You may be surprised at what a few rides can do for you.

Take Care Everyone,

twyxt

Mike from Pgh

9/11/10 9:15pm

My latest dog, a one year old long haired chihuahua, has learned to alert me of an on-coming migraine. she can detect it upto 1-1/2 hours before it starts. She will walkover and lick my eye. At first I didn't know what she was doing, until the 5th or 6th time she did that, I got a migraine. I now know when I will be getting one and can take my Zomig to stop it cold. When I would get them, I can not function, can't see correctly and get virtigo with it. She is a great help and hate when I have to leave anywhere without her. I wish help dogs were more accepted so I wouldn't have to.