More of Daisy's life and times

Time for more Daisy!

Before we continue, let's just admire how cute she is...

I mean, all our puppies are cute, all the time, and all our dogs are handsome and beautiful and magnificent, but sometimes a photo comes our way and we just think, 'Awwwww! Cute!'.

Actually, this is quite cute too - Daisy getting excited about a cake tin (with some Hollywood production values thrown in by her Volunteer Puppy Trainer Peter for good measure):

At least Daisy now knows all about cake tins (they're not scary really...)

As well as looking cute, Daisy continues to learn how to be a nice, well-behaved little dog, confident in her surroundings and focused on the person she's with. The video below shows this perfectly. It's Daisy walking along a busy high street with Peter, and just watch how well she does.

There's a lot going on in that video! When it starts, Daisy has just heard a car alarm. She momentarily stops, but quickly thinks 'Oh, it's fine, let's just carry on'. Peter gives her a treat to confirm to her that she's done the 'right' thing. And so they continue together, with Daisy looking ever so spry and happy with her tail wagging. All her focus is on Peter, which is brilliant because it means that, when she's partnered with a deaf person, all her focus will be on them. She just knows she's doing well because of the treats Peter gives her. 

At several points things happen that might startle a puppy. A car parks. People are standing chatting. A bus's brakes make a loud 'hiss'. Daisy isn't upset by any of them! She gets a 'Goooood!' from her trainer who is taking the video, and a treat from Peter, and everything is absolutely fine. She's rock solid. Her lead is just right, not too tight or too loose, and she's happy just to trot alongside Peter, having an occasional sniff, but always, always attuned to him.

And that's how we form the foundations of a great hearing dog!

Peter's wife Hazel has also played a huge part in training Daisy. Below, you can see how Daisy is happy just to let Hazel browse the shop - no worry, no fuss, just staying near her.

Again, this just shows how Daisy will slot into her deaf partner's life and let them do all the things they want to do. Oh, and don't you think she suits her burgundy 'I'm learning to be a hearing dog' coat? This is also really important, because her coat will tell people about her partner's deafness. It can totally change a situation, from people thinking her deaf partner is being rude or ignorant, to being really helpful and understanding when they see that her partner has this 'invisible disability'.

It's not all work, work, work though. Peter and Hazel take Daisy on mini breaks with them, as government restrictions allow. This involves leisurely walks along canals (and getting used to another form of transport!)...

... riding along in her tailor-made buggy behind Hazel's bike (people love seeing her in the buggy, it brings a smile to everyone's faces!)...

... and magnificent sunsets spent just contemplating life together.

Daisy's doing brilliantly, thanks to the efforts of Peter and Hazel, so generously giving their time to introduce Daisy to the world and train her so well. She's also come so far along her training journey because of your support! So, once again, it's a massive thank you for sponsoring Daisy.