What makes a great all-round hearing dog? Kai does, of course!

What makes a great hearing dog?

As well as learning how to alert deaf people to important sounds, there's a lot that goes into making a great hearing dog - more than most people realise.

From being patient while their leads are attached, to coming back when called, to padding happily along on their leads, they're superbly trained and a genuine pleasure to be around. They also know how to have fun, which can bring such joy to their deaf partners.

Here, Kai shows all these skills in abundance. He is a superstar, there is no doubt. So, sit back, relax, and watch the amazing things Kai can do - quite apart from soundwork!

First up, see how calmly he gets out of the car. No running about or jumping. He's just happy to clamber out and have his lead attached. Maybe getting a treat as a reward has something to do with this...?

And now we're on our way. Notice how well Kai walks to heel, which we call 'heelwork'. The lead isn't too tight or too loose. Kai acknowledges things around him, but he isn't startled or distracted. He knows that he needs to walk alongside the person he's with. In fact, he's very happy to do so! Look at that tail! 'Good boy', he's told, when he gets it right. Well, he is a good boy!

What is this life if full of care, we find not time to, er, sit on a bench? Taking the weight off the feet and just watching life go by can be such a pleasure, especially when you have such a well-behaved furry friend to share time out with. Joggers and cyclists go by, but it's really no problem for Kai. He's been so well brought up, taught to be confident, rewarded for doing the 'right' thing, that 'being good' is automatic to him. That's quite apart from it being in his nature anyway. He's so calm and collected.

Back to walking now. Kai's tail continues to be most definitely up. He's so content just being around people. Here comes a car - is that a problem? Nope. And the other dog a bit ahead? Nope. No problems for Kai.

Talking of which, how about a really, really loud noise? This would bother most people, let alone dogs. But not Kai. Again, this is so great: he's a cool customer!

Talking of being a cool customer, Kai's also a perfect example of a well-behaved hearing dog in shops. Again, it will all be part of what's expect of Kai when he's partnered with a deaf person. They'll want to visit shops, supermarkets, libraries, cafés, all sorts of places where there will be interesting sights, sounds and smells. They'll also want to visit them with their canine companion looking after them, not being distracted, and not being anything bother. Notice also how Kai's trainer is wearing a facial covering: we have specifically been training our dogs to be fine around people wearing masks during the pandemic.

Now for some down-time! Everyone likes a refreshing stroll in the park. However deaf people in particular will need to know that their friend is close by. It's fine for them to play with other dogs or say hello to people, but it's better if they're not too far away. Kai, as you can see, is always within sight - happy, but making sure the person they're with is happy too. Everyone's happy!

And what happens after a bit of a run-around? Recall. That's the name we give to our dogs' willingness to come back when called, by voice or whistle. Kai can do both!

What was that? FOUR TREATS? Hmmm, carrot! Yum!

Finally, if this Pupdate has mostly shown you Kai from behind, then here he is from in front, looking every inch the happy, confident, intelligent and incredible hearing dog in training. He's definitely smiling in this photo - and he looks like he might be about to find out what ducks are too.

These are exciting times, as Kai's training all comes together. We hope to give you wonderful news before too long. Until then, thank you for sponsoring Kai!