M.D. Dogs Inc

M.D. Dogs offers several training pathways. For self-training, they provide free online resources including a book and videos, along with paid virtual support options like a 6-month group class, 30-minute trainer consultations, and a 1-month customized training support package with live sessions and video analysis. They also offer fully trained Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs), training 2-4 dogs annually. These dogs are raised in trainers’ homes for 12-24 months, undergoing thousands of hours of training and passing scent and behavior tests. Additionally, they occasionally breed purpose-bred English Cocker Spaniels, providing “Neonatal Scent Imprinted” puppies, some of which are offered as “Started Service Puppies” with basic obedience and house manners training before placement.

Pricing Summary

M.D. Dogs aims to provide affordable resources, with self-training materials available for free. Fully trained Diabetic Alert Dogs have fundraising fees ranging from $10,000 to $22,000, which is less than half of their estimated value of $21,000-$52,000. Puppies suited for sport, detection, therapy, or pet homes are $3,800 at 8 weeks old. Started Service Puppies, which receive an additional two months of training, are $7,200 at 14-16 weeks old. Paid consultations and training support programs are also offered, but specific pricing for these is not detailed.

Policies

M.D. Dogs provides lifetime support for their fully trained Diabetic Alert Dogs, including free follow-up training. They offer to come to the client’s location to help with new training scenarios or allow the DAD to be sent back for re-training if needed. They encourage applicants to contact graduated teams for references.

M.D. Dogs Inc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to being a resource for service dog training, standards, and research, specifically focusing on medical detection dogs. Their mission is to demystify the medical alert dog training process and share the science behind these dogs’ skills, empowering individuals with type 1 diabetes. They aim to provide affordable resources, enabling people to train their own alert dogs or find a reputable organization to train one for them.

The organization offers free training resources, including a step-by-step training book and a video series demonstrating how to train a Diabetic Alert Dog (DAD). They also provide paid virtual support options such as group classes, one-on-one trainer consultations, and a month of customized training support. M.D. Dogs also trains a limited number of fully trained Diabetic Alert Dogs each year, which are raised in their homes and undergo extensive training.

A unique advantage is their occasional breeding program for English Cocker Spaniels, purpose-bred for medical alert work, with puppies receiving neonatal scent imprinting. These puppies are offered as “Started Service Puppies” with initial training. M.D. Dogs utilizes positive reinforcement methods, teaching dogs that specific scents lead to treats, praise, and excitement, making the training process a game. They emphasize transparency in the DAD field and provide lifetime support for their fully trained dogs, including free follow-up training.

Accomplishments

M.D. Dogs Inc was founded in 2017 by Libby Rockaway, a Service Dog trainer and researcher, who authored “Diabetic Alert Dog Training Steps” and “Puppy Steps.” The board includes Grace Long, a NICU nurse providing a medical perspective; Kathy Burgess, a former nurse and dog breeder who donates puppies; and Emily Sexton, a T1D advocate and DAD owner. The organization’s dam, Birdi, is a fully trained Diabetic Alert Dog with 6 titles, who has produced successful DADs and an Explosives Detection Dog. The sire, Viriato, is a Grand Champion imported from Portugal with multiple conformation and performance titles.

How to Get Started!

To apply for a fully trained Diabetic Alert Dog, prospective clients must complete a free online course and an application. If deemed a good fit, the process involves a 4-hour online class, a Zoom interview with a trainer, a conversation with a current DAD recipient, and an in-person training session and home visit. Applicants are added to a waitlist once 60% of the funds for the desired training level are available. For imprinted puppies, the process includes an application, interview, deposit, and puppy matching. For self-training support, individuals can register for a virtual group class, schedule a trainer consultation, or sign up for a month of training support.