Josie and Ailsa - training superstars

Josie's been training again!

Her trainer Ailsa has taking her out and about, helping her to be patient and calm - while also enjoying her expressing herself and having lots of fun. What a perfect combination.

First up, the training.

So, we're going to do a nice wait here, if that's OK, Josie?

She's doing so well, Ailsa is about to produce a treat...

... and she continues to focus on Ailsa, even with a group of schoolchildren behind her.

Well done Josie! That deserves a treat.

Yum! That tongue says it all.

At Hearing Dogs, we use what we call 'reward-based training'. In this, whenever Josie does the 'right' thing, she gets a treat, a 'Good girl', maybe even a bit of a fuss. The 'wrong' thing is just ignored. So, being such a clever puppy, Josie gets lots of treats! It's a really lovely way to train a dog because it's all positive, and makes for happy puppies, happy trainers and, eventually happy deaf partners too some day.

Right, that's a 'wait' executed nicely. Time for a different setting. Nice navigation down those stairs.

And again it's all about Josie being patient, and waiting.

The finger says it all - 'Waaaaait...'

Now Ailsa moves back, all the time saying 'Waaaait', with her finger up.

Well done Josie!

So, she can do this equally well in a high street, as on a canal path. The more places Ailsa can take her, the more her confidence will grow.

For example, in a local shop.

And there's that finger again! Josie is so well trained by now, she just waits patiently, all the while her attention on Ailsa.

Notice also how prominent Josie's burgundy coat is. When she's matched with a deaf person, this will be a very strong signal to people that her partner is deaf. This can really help them, and turn situations around so that people are very attentive and helpful.

But it's not all work, work, work. Here Josie has a bit of fun off-lead time, running around with... well... we're not sure, but they seem to have made instant friends!

And they're off! Exit stage left/right.

Now Josie, did you enjoy all that?

We believe dogs smile, and Josie is definitely smiling in that photo.

Back home again, and after another fun day, it's a pooped pooch, on her favourite wooden floor.

Well done Josie! And well done Ailsa. Training superstars.

We hope you enjoyed this latest Pupdate, and remember, this is all made possible through your kindness. So, until next time, thank you for sponsoring Josie!