Libby’s Loving Leashes

LLLeashes LLC specializes in training Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs) to signal when a diabetic’s blood sugar is out of range (either high or low). The training approach involves full immersion of the dog in daily life, with the program tailored to the specific family and their home environment. Dogs are raised and trained within a home setting, not in kennels, and are prepared for city environments by attending various public activities.

The process for obtaining a DAD involves several steps: completing an application, taking an online course about DAD training, an in-person meeting, a home visit, contract finalization, and transition training. During transition training, the DAD visits the handler for several weekends, and the team must pass the MD Dogs Public Access Test before final placement.

After placement, clients are required to attend at least two local dog training classes, which can include obedience, agility, or rally obedience, to further strengthen the team’s working relationship. LLLeashes is also open to training dogs for other disabilities causing dangerous glucose levels or for dual purposes, such as allergen detection or hearing alerts.

Libby’s Loving Leashes (LLLeashes LLC) has merged with the nonprofit MD Dogs Inc. This small business is dedicated to providing Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs) to children with type 1 diabetes. They also offer consultations to assist individuals who are training their own Service Dogs.

LLLeashes’ DADs are uniquely trained by being completely immersed in daily life, with their training tailored to the specific family and their environment. The dogs are raised in a home environment, not in runs or kennel facilities, and are treated as members of the family. They attend various outings, lectures, labs, and club meetings in city environments to ensure they are prepared for diverse situations.

Owner Libby Rockaway began her journey with a dog boarding business as a child, then transitioned to dog training, successfully training over 50 puppies that were placed across North America, Brazil, and Dubai. The business further evolved to specialize in Diabetic Alert Dog training. Libby’s goal is to help families manage type 1 diabetes, one dog at a time, by providing dogs that alert to high and low blood sugar levels and become a confidant and best friend.

Accomplishments

Libby Rockaway, the owner of LLLeashes LLC, has a notable background in dog training. She trained over 50 puppies that were successfully placed in homes across North America, Brazil, and Dubai.

LLLeashes LLC has merged with the nonprofit MD Dogs Inc., indicating a significant collaboration in the service dog community. One of their trained Diabetic Alert Dogs, Franklyn, achieved two qualifying scores (“legs”) in AKC competitions, one towards her Beginner Novice obedience title and another towards her Rally Novice obedience title.

Libby is also actively engaged in further education, having studied in Belfast, Northern Ireland, from September 2019 to September 2020, where she trained a Working Cocker Spaniel for potential DAD or other working dog roles.

How to Get Started!

To get started with LLLeashes LLC, clients must complete an application. This is followed by an online course that explains how Diabetic Alert Dogs are trained and what they entail. The process then moves to an in-person meeting and a home visit. Once these steps are completed, a contract is signed and finalized. The next phase involves transition training with the dog, where the dog visits the handler for a few weekends, and the team must pass the MD Dogs Public Access Test. The final step is the dog’s placement in the home.