Adventures with Grace on public transport

Welcome back to Grace’s Puppy Pen!

An important part of Grace’s hearing dog training is making sure she feels happy and comfortable on all forms of public transport, so that she can confidently accompany her future deaf partner wherever they want to go. It is vital that this training is done slowly, so that Grace can build up her confidence at her own pace.

Grace’s volunteer puppy trainer, Jo, recently took her on a train adventure - and Grace was a superstar!

Watch how patiently she waits for the passing train to go by…

The sound and vibration of a passing train can be an unusual experience for a puppy, but Grace did so well and took the experience all in her stride.

Yay… Grace’s train has finally arrived…

Once on the train, Grace is very happy to sit nicely on the floor and patiently wait for their stop to get off...

Jo gives Grace lots of positive praise and treats throughout the whole train journey. Through this style of gradual reward-based training, Grace is learning that travelling on public transport is lots of fun and not scary!

The train is not the only mode of transport that Grace has been practising on… she also loves getting the bus!

“I love bus adventures!”

Grace's future deaf partner may rely on trains or buses to get around and Grace will be accompanying them wherever they go. Therefore, it is important that Grace feels completely happy and comfortable boarding and travelling on all forms of public transport.

“Are we there yet?”

What a superstar!

That is all for today. We are so proud of Grace. All of her training on public transport is helping to prepare her for when she goes on lots of adventures with her future deaf partner!

This would not be possible without your amazing support.

So, from everyone at Hearing Dogs, thank you so much for sponsoring Grace.