Bear is having a lovely time with his socialiser family, learning some of the basics like recall, heelwork and self-control, as well as the comfiest sleeping positions.
Medical Detection Dogs Charity
Bear's home is in the village of Bugbrooke in Northamptonshire, where he lives with a couple and their three children - the setting for the start of his journey to becoming a Medical Detection Dog.
Medical Detection Dogs Charity
Bear has a very laid back nature and his general training is progressing well. He attends regular training classes - some via digital means during lockdown - with his fellow assistance dogs in training and has a very good level of basic obedience.
Medical Detection Dogs Charity
We are happy with Bear's early progress and thank you so much for your support in this vital first stage of his training. We'll be back in touch to let you know how he gets on with the next, important steps to becoming a life-saving dog.
Medical Detection Dogs Charity

Illingworth Research are sponsoring a Medical Detection Dog (MDD). These specialist dogs are trained to detect the odour of human diseases such as cancer in samples of urine, breath, and swabs. The gorgeous black lab, who we have named Bear (after our mascot Illingworth Bear) is currently in training to become a Medical Alert Assistance dog.
Bear is yet to be assigned a condition as he is in the early stages of training. We are delighted to be supporting such important work regardless of the condition he specialises in and look forward to sharing regular ‘pupdates’ of Bear on his journey to becoming a fully-fledged Medical Alert Assistance dog!


Training to be a Medical Alert Assistance Dog left Bear tired after an exciting day of learning how to be a lifesaver.
Medical Detection Dogs Charity: 'Bear is having a lovely time with his socialiser family, learning some of the basics like recall, heelwork and self-control, as well as the comfiest sleeping positions.'

Bear recently turned 6 months old and is already making good progress with his training! He will soon be allocated his red 'in training' coat.
Medical Detection Dogs Charity: "Bear's home is in the village of Bugbrooke in Northamptonshire, where he lives with a couple and their three children - the setting for the start of his journey to becoming a Medical Detection Dog. Bear has a very laid back nature and his general training is progressing well. He attends regular training classes - some via digital means during lockdown - with his fellow assistance dogs in training and has a very good level of basic obedience".
Click here for the full Bear update