It's Archie time!

Welcome back to Archie’s Puppy Pen!

Archie would like to start today’s episode with a special trick that he has been practising just for you…

Very impressive. Not only is Archie training to be a superhero hearing dog, he also is quite the gymnast – his talents have no end.

So apart from learning how to do a perfect ‘roll over,’ what else has Archie been up to?

Archie has been continuing his training in public places. Sam recently took Archie to a motor exhibition, and he proudly walked around in his smart burgundy jacket, letting everybody know that he is in training for an important job. Hearing dogs are allowed inside public places that most pet dogs would not be permitted to enter. So, when Archie is out in public, he is learning to always be on his best behaviour.

Archie needs to be prepared to accompany his future deaf partner wherever they want to go, so it is important that he feels happy, confident and comfortable in a range of different environments.

This extends to walking routes too. Archie recently encountered a few cows on a countryside walk and we are so proud of how calm he was in their company, being sure to give them plenty of space and show them he is not a threat.

Learning to feel relaxed and happy around other animals is a hugely important part of Archie’s hearing dog training. We want Archie’s future deaf partner to be confident that Archie is never going to run off and chase after any animals, as this could potentially be dangerous.

Back at home now and Archie has also been ‘helping’ Sam with some work on the computer…

“I’m a spreadsheet superstar!”

A hearing dog’s role is not only to provide life-saving support to their deaf partner through alerting them to sounds, but also to provide them with loving companionship. One day, Archie’s affectionate and cuddly personality will help a deaf person to feel less isolated and lonely.

Archie will also make his future deaf partner smile with his playful and fun-loving character, such as how much he loves his tennis ball.

In fact, Archie’s favourite tennis ball even made it into a lovely photo with his volunteer family…

… and Archie looks super proud about it too!

Archie is doing so brilliantly in his training and one day he is going to change a deaf person’s life in the most wonderful way.

This is all thanks to your incredible support.

So, until next time, from everyone at Hearing Dogs, thank you so much for sponsoring Archie.