Chrissie: Impulse control superhero

Welcome to another Chrissie Pupdate!

Can you guess what's going on here...?

It's called 'impulse control', and it's how our wonderful puppies learn not to obey their immediate instincts.

The last thing a deaf person needs is for their hearing dog to be impulsive - to chase birds or run across the road just because they want to. So, our volunteers teach them that, if they're patient, they'll get a treat. And so Chrissie's Volunteer Dog Trainer Sandra has taught her to wait for a cue... and wait... and wait... and when she gets the cue, she can eat the treat. We count 35 seconds for Chrissie, which has got to be some sort of record, especially for a Labrador!

And now, another 'mystery video'!

In that video you can see one way in which Sandra is helping keep Chrissie stimulated, especially during lockdown or social distancing. 

Puppies have plenty of energy to expend, so one technique is to hide treats - in the garden, or a 'snuffle' mat, or even in a toilet roll - so that they have to find them. They love it! And, as you can see, Chrissie is no exception. 

Another aspect of Chrissie's training is learning to be around other animals, not just dogs (or humans!). Again, it's so that we know she'll be cool, calm and collected with her deaf partner. Imagine they go for walks together and come across exciting, fluffy sheep...

... or big, scary horses.

They're both strange and new for a puppy at first. But Sandra has made sure that Chrissie has 'seen it all before'. So, Chrissie continues to find out about the world, and now she knows it includes sheep, and horses. 

Oh, and talking of impulse control again...

OK, so it's just carrots and parsnips, but dogs are often partial to a crunchy carrot or ten. This is a perfect example: Chrissie, as an assistance dog, will have access to places such as supermarkets, and so she needs to understand that she can't just snaffle food. She knows that, if she's a good girl, she'll get a treat and a fuss. She's so clever!

Also - don't you think she looks great in her 'I'm learning to be a hearing dog' burgundy coat? We think so. This is another really important thing about a hearing dog. When Chrissie accompanies her eventual deaf partner, her coat will be a signal to other people that her partner is deaf. It makes this 'invisible disability' very apparent, and can completely change the dynamics of a situation: instead of people thinking her deaf partner is rude or ignorant, and being annoyed, they'll understand that they're deaf, and instead be very helpful and understanding.

And finally, one of our favourite shots of lovely Chrissie. A happy, fun-filled dog just letting loose!

We couldn't resist including that one. It doesn't show you what she's up to with training, but it does show you what a happy dog she is! 

Sandra has done such a great job of bringing up Chrissie - and you've done a great job in supporting them both! So for now, until next time, thank you for sponsoring Chrissie.