This month in training: March 2023
Posted by Matt Sadler
Guinness has been to a city centre, Eton has been learning all about trains, and Hector has some amazing news to tell you. Our hearing dogs in training have been busy in their classes - find out what they have been up to.
1. Guinness has been sightseeing
The very handsome Guinness did brilliantly on his visit to York.
We slowly introduce our dogs to busier places, from villages to towns and then to cities, to make sure they feel comfortable.
Guinness is always relaxed and he is a credit to his volunteer trainer.
2. A trip to the station for Eton
Cocker spaniel Eton has been to a station to get used to all the new sounds and sights.
Eton will go on his first train journey soon, but making sure he feels comfortable with the new experience is a very important first step.
3. Settling is a piece of cake for Kipling
Hearing dog in training Kipling showed off his exceedingly good settle, and was so relaxed during his visit to a library that he even had a little nap.
Settling is a key skill for any hearing dog when they visit public places with their partner, and Kipling was a star.
4. Presley is the perfect customer
Cocker spaniel Presley has been to a supermarket as part of his training and he took the experience in his stride.
Presley has been learning to ignore all the interesting and tasty items on the shelves, as well as getting used to trolleys and other unusual objects.
5. Noel has been learning about wheelchairs
Hearing dog in training Noel is learning to be relaxed around a wheelchair in case his future deaf partner uses one.
Noel, who is in the final stage of his training, has been practising walking alongside the new object and isn't fazed at all by it.
6. Amazing Arthur
Congratulations to cocker spaniel Arthur, who has passed the first stage of his hearing dog training.
Arthur has been working on his basic cues like 'sit' and 'wait', and has shown that he can play nicely with other puppies and people.
Well done Arthur!
7. Hip hip hooray for Hector
Handsome Hector has some wonderful news... Our very clever cocker spaniel is going to be a life-changing hearing dog after passing his final assessment.
In this video, you will see Hector showing his different alerts to the doorbell, timer, and smoke alarm. Hector lies down to alert to the smoke alarm rather than taking his volunteer trainer to the noise, as this indicates it is a 'danger' sound.
Congratulations to Hector, and thank you so much to his incredible team, who have been behind him every step of the way.
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