Let's catch up with Cooper

So, what has Cooper been up to?

He's been visiting supermarkets!

He wasn't very impressed with the vegetables...

... but seemed a bit more interested in the prepared meals section.

Don't you think he looks great in his 'I'm learning to be a hearing dog' burgundy coat?

When he's matched with a deaf person, he'll wear a full 'Hearing Dogs' coat. This will be a very powerful signal to people that the person Cooper is with is deaf. It can completely change situations around: instead of frustration and annoyance, there is understanding and help. Also, our dogs really do seem to know when they're 'working' - simply pop their coat on. 

Cooper has been visiting supermarkets so that he can happily go wherever his future deaf partner will want to go. This could be supermarkets, or cafes, or restaurants, or any of a number of places where well-behaved hearing dogs are welcome. This includes...

... church! 

And when Cooper has settled himself down, he really does settle.

He's learned that visits to these kind of places are really an opportunity for him just to relax. He's not needed right now, so there's no need to bother people for attention.

Where else has Cooper been?

Well, he's visited garden centres and checked out their merchandise...

... and he's also met another exceptionally handsome black Lab who seemed to do all the same things Cooper did, at the same time! They could be twins!

Again, this is all about learning: Cooper has now been on a lift, took it all in his stride, no problem, job done. 

As well as learning 'out and about', Cooper also attends puppy class at our training centre in Buckinghamshire. This is an opportunity for him to explore his senses and grow in confidence.

We encourage our dogs to have confidence in all sorts of situations, including when there are lots of different coloured objects around. They can have a good old sniff and play with them. They enjoy it!

Well, Cooper does - you can tell by his waggly tail.

Cooper even shows off his settling skill in puppy class, which is quite something when there are other dogs and people around.

Well done Cooper!

And well done you, for supporting him this far. He's a lovely dog, and we all adore him. One day, he'll change a deaf person's life. Right now, he's loving his training journey, which wouldn't have been possible without your kindness. So, once more, from all of us at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People... thank you for sponsoring Cooper! You're pawsome!