This month in training: January 2023
Posted by Matt Sadler
Our clever hearing dog puppies are back to their training classes after a Christmas break. Find out what they have been learning so far in 2023.
1. Waffle and Wilma have a whale of a time
Playing is a huge part of a puppy’s early learning and we focus on making everything as fun as possible for our future life-changers.
Waffle and Wilma’s first puppy class was all about exploring new objects, and they had a fab time.
2. A spot of shopping for Ingle
Miniature poodle Ingle is doing a great job training in public places, and he showed lovely focus during his visit to a garden centre.
As hearing dogs accompany their deaf partners to many places every day, it's vital they are comfortable in these environments.
3. All aboard for terrific Turner
The lovely Turner has been learning all about trains, and our clever Labrador waited patiently at a station before enjoying a short journey.
If Turner's future deaf partner uses public transport then we want to make sure that Turner will be comfortable and relaxed with the experience.
4. Congratulations Sylvie!
Cockapoo Sylvie has passed the first stage of her hearing dog training.
The very clever Sylvie has been working on her basic cues like 'sit' and 'wait', and has shown that she can play nicely with other puppies and people.
Next up for Sylvie is her 'Puppy Two Star' and two areas she will focus on here are her walking behaviour and impulse control.
5. Kimmy has been learning about wheelchairs
Clever Kimmy is in the very last stage of her training, where she is learning about the soundwork that will change the life of the deaf person she'll be partnered with.
As part of this specialised training, Kimmy also has also been learning all about wheelchairs so she will know they are nothing to be wary of. This means Kimmy will feel relaxed when they meet a person in a wheelchair in the future, or if her deaf partner uses one.
6. Hamlet is a settling superstar
Handsome Hamlet has been doing a fab job practising settling in public places.
Settling is a key skill for any hearing dog as these is what our clever pups do when visiting public places with their partners. Hamlet will continue to gain experience throughout his training, with the venues getting busier as he gets older.
Well done Hamlet!
7. Harry has passed the third stage of his hearing dog training
Harry has passed the third stage of his hearing dog training and is moving up to 'big school'.
This is the final part of training and will be where our clever cocker spaniel masters his soundwork, as he gets ready to change his future partner's life.
Keep going Harry!
8. Learning to alert to a danger sound
Hearing dogs alert to most sounds by nudging their partner with their nose before leading them to the source.
However, if they hear a danger sound like a smoke alarm, then they will lie down rather than lead their partner towards a potentially dangerous situation.
Here is the wonderful Bracken practising her alerts to a smoke alarm and fire siren.
Sponsor a puppy and change a deaf person's life
These cute puppies are training to become life-changers. Sponsor them from £5 a month and follow their journey as they learn how to help a deaf person.
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