Josie does a spot of shopping

Josie visited a shopping centre!

For most of us, this is no big deal, but for a puppy it can be quite a daunting experience. Just imagine, all the new sights, sounds and smells, scary things like escalators to navigate and lots of people to avoid. Then imagine all this at a dog's eye level.

The wonderful thing about Josie is how well she handled all this, because she's been so very well brought up by her Volunteer Puppy Trainer Susan, ably assisted by trainer Ailsa. That's the magic of hearing dogs: they're introduced to new experiences gently, and at their own pace, with plenty of rewards and treats along the way. As a result, they're confident in new places, even inquisitive, but always focused on the person they're with.

So, let's go shopping with Josie and Ailsa!

It all starts with a bus journey. At first Josie surveys the bus interior...

Hmmm, looks OK. Let's go in closer.

Yep, nothing to worry about here!

And so Josie just sits down, happy in herself. Good job!

This is what we call 'settling', where a puppy just learns to plonk herself down on public transport or in a cafe or waiting room. No bother, no fuss, just a patient puppy. Here's another settle very well demonstrated by Josie.

Notice how smart she looks in her burgundy 'I'm learning to be a hearing dog' coat. This is how Josie will eventually signal to people that her partner is deaf. It's really important: sometimes our deaf partners tell us about misunderstandings when people dont realise they can't hear them, because deafness is an 'invisible disability'. This can include having supermarket trolleys shoved into them, because the person behind got frustrated asking them to move. It can all be terribly upsetting for deaf people, and they can just give up going out, staying at home because it's easier.

But with a lovely little hearing dog with them, resplendent in a burgundy coat, all this changes. People see the coat, realise the situation, and become very helpful instead. In fact, it can even spark a friendly chat, especially on public transport, once they see how very well behaved their furry friend can be.

So, bus journey safely navigated, Ailsa takes Josie into the shopping centre.

This visit was mainly just to experience the shopping centre, and especially the escalators. There's no rush, so Ailsa just stands with Josie, watching it for a few minutes, letting her get the hang of it. Assistance dogs can use escalators, and so...

... Josie manages it easily! What a clever girl. That's another skill checked off, and Josie is another step along her training journey.

So, after a bit of a wander around the shops, it's back home again. Look Josie, here's the bus again!

Notice how Josie's attention is on Ailsa. She's so great, making sure Ailsa is alright. Her eventual deaf partner will feel so safe with her by their side. She also has really beautiful big, brown eyes.

Back at home now, and it's time for a well-earned rest.

Well done Josie!

Let's end this update with a reminder of those eyes...

She's such a lovely soul, and one day she'll completely change a deaf person's life. She's come such a long way already, and this is thanks to you for kindness in supporting her. So, again, from all of us at Hearing Dogs, from Josie, Ailsa and Susan... thank you.