Arya's first train journey

Arya's had another 'first' - her first train journey!

Here's the story of how it all went.

First, it's a nice little bit of heelwork as her Volunteer Puppy Trainer Liz walks to the station.

Arya is perfectly happy just padding along. The high street can be a busy, loud place, and quite intimidating for a deaf person (or even a hearing person sometimes), and especially for a dog. However, Arya has been so well trained, and given so much positive praise when exploring new places, that it doesn't bother her at all.

Also, you might notice how she's changed colour! This is since her trim. She never quite seemed to get the dark colouring back. She's still very pretty though, obviously.

A slight detour now. This is an amazing mural painted on part of the old station at High Wycombe. It has absolutely nothing to do with Arya's training but it's such a fantastic painting, Liz decided to share it, and we're glad she did! It's very impressive. Arya doesn't seem that interested. Perhaps she doesn't appreciate the finer points of trompe l'eoil.

In the station now, and it's that moment we all know well, when you step confidently into the ticket office then realise you don't know which train or platform you're supposed to be getting. No problem: Arya will just wait patiently, as always.

Now we've got the tickets, and it's time for a bit of a fuss!

It's wonderful that Arya feels comfortable and secure enough to focus on Liz. Perhaps she gets some confidence from her 'I'm learning to be a hearing dog' burgundy coat? A lot of deaf partners tell us that they feel they have two dogs: one assistance dog that knows when it's 'working' because it's wearing its coat; and one affectionate, silly, soft friend when they get home and the coat is off. This is why hearing dogs are so fantastic because they help deaf people practically and emotionally.

Just got time to nip to the shop, and again, Arya is completely fine with it all.

This is a great example of a 'settle'. While Liz talks to the assistant, Arya just plonks herself down. She knows that she doesn't need to jump around or get attention. If she's a good girl, attention (and maybe treats) will come!

And now on the platform. Arya looks deep in thought. She also looks very cute!

At last, we're on the train, and Arya is such a good girl again.

See how she's just content in her own space? No bother, no fuss, it's just calm, confident Arya, all the time focusing on Liz. You wouldn't believe this is her very first time on a train. Eventually she'll be able to help her deaf partner on trains, buses, planes... we even have hearing dogs that have flown on helicopters!

And now the last bit - just getting down the slightly tricky stairs.

There's no rush! Here you can see how patient Liz is with Arya. She wants Arya to negotiate the stairs in her own way, and in her own time. That's how she learns best.

And finally, home again home again.

"How did I do?" Arya seems to be saying.

You did brilliantly Arya! As always!

We hope you enjoyed this latest insight into her life. Until the next Pupdate, thank you for sponsoring Arya!