Hearing dog puppies in training: May update
It’s been a busy few weeks for our clever hearing dog puppies, here’s what they’ve been learning as they move one paw closer to helping a deaf person to leave loneliness behind.
1. Oshi had a family reunion with Otto at a Great British Dog Walk
Brothers Oshi and Otto instantly recognised each other when they were reunited at The Great British Dog Walk at Haldon Forest, Exeter.
It’s really important that working hearing dogs get on well with other dogs, especially if their partner already has a pet or a retired hearing dog. Play dates like this mean we can make sure our puppies show all the signs of a happy, playful and calm playmate.
2. Cocker spaniel Blue passed the first stage of her hearing dog training
A round of a-paws to cocker spaniel Blue, who has passed the first stage of her training – the Puppy One Star. The next part of Blue’s hearing dog training is to learn about the world around her by going on lots of exciting walks, practising good behaviour and getting used to interactions with people of all ages and other dogs.
3. We would have given you first place Chloe
Chloe’s volunteer puppy dog trainer took her to a dog show for some practice socialising with other dogs and people. Not only did Chloe behave perfectly around all her friends, but she also took home third place. We think you were robbed though Chloe!
4. Alvin started ‘big school’
Alvin has reached a milestone in his hearing dog training as he’s started really focusing on his sound work. We call this stage of training the Puppy Four Star or ‘big school’ and Alvin will be learning all the important and life-saving sounds that his future deaf partner will need alerting to.
5. Rex took the train
Rex took the train for the first time and was a complete natural! The new sounds and movement didn’t faze him at all and he was comfortable with the experience straight away. Well done Rex.
It’s really important our hearing dog pups experience travelling on public transport before they become a hearing dog. If a deaf person gets a bus or a train to work, we want to make sure their new hearing dog is comfortable with this experience.
6. Dixon joined the Hearing Dogs team
A very warm welcome to eight-week-old yellow Lab puppy Dixon, who has just started his training to be a hearing dog. Dixon will spend the next 18 months growing, playing and learning all the skills needed to be a life-changer.
Good luck Dixon.
Source: Hearing Dogs