Out and about with Iggy

Iggy continues to grow, developing into a fine figure of a Cockapoo, as well as progressing further along his training as a hearing dog.

He’s already into his soundwork training at our Buckinghamshire centre. This is where we teach our clever canines to recognise important sounds and tell deaf people about them. It takes about a year to get them this far, during which time they live with volunteer socialisers. Iggy had a wonderful time living with his volunteer socialiser Cathy, but also learned a lot about obedience and some basic soundwork. Now, he ‘works’ at our training centre during weekdays, but lives locally with another volunteer called Hannah, an arrangement we call ‘Bed and Breakfast’.

Unsurprisingly, Hannah has also fallen for Iggy’s charms. “Iggy is a real sweetie”, says Hanna, “And truly a lovely dog to live with. He’s also one of the cuddliest dogs I’ve ever met, he’ll often just wander over for a snuggle and a cuddle.”

This is a wonderful trait for a hearing dog to have. It’s very important that they bond readily with people. One day, Iggy will have snuggles and cuddles with a deaf person, which will help them overcome the isolation that deafness can sometimes bring. It’s the ‘companionship’ we refer to when we say ‘independence, confidence, companionship’.

Hannah continues: “We have taken him to a few places. He’s been to football matches and tournaments, and came and watched me do the Windsor Color obstacle run. He’s also a huge hit with my five-year-old niece who will throw a ball for him endlessly, instantly making her a firm favourite! My children adore him, and play ball and tug-of-war all day. Iggy will quite often go and find one of his toys and place it at their feet and then look expectantly, with his head cocked to one side at them, until they come to play.”

Cue photos of Iggy having fun with said tennis ball…

Hannah is making sure Iggy continues to have plenty of experiences out and about. “We walk regularly at West Wycombe, around the golden ball and through Bradenham Woods. I love watching him charging around and leaping through the long grass.” Anyone who lives near our Buckinghamshire centre will be familiar with these beautiful locations – click the links to see where Iggy has fun!

How would Hannah sum up Iggy? “He is super bouncy!!!! I would describe him as a fun, bouncy, affectionate loving dog!!” That’ll do for us.

Thank you again for supporting Iggy. We have high hopes for his training, and in his next printed update we’ll tell you all about what he’s been getting up to with his soundwork.