Scout: Recalls, run-arounds and relaxing

Welcome to your new Scout Pupdate! Let's jump straight in - or, in Scout's case, run straight back!

Did you see that? It's called 'recall' - the way our dogs come running whenever they're called, by voice or by whistle. And Scout really does come running!

It's really important that Scout has this skill. Deaf people can feel quite vulnerable, which is why a faithful furry friend by their side is so very reassuring. So, if that furry friend proves to be less than 100% faithful, and finds it more interesting to disappear with other dogs, or sniff around woodland, and not come back when called, then their deaf partner will be left all alone. So, it's wonderful that Scout just comes back like a bullet!

Not just Scout though. She's living with another hearing dog in training called Parker, who also has a brilliant recall. Scout won this race though!

They really love playing together...

That's one of their favourite games. The rules are quite simple really: you run around the garden, in a large figure of 8 - or sometimes two large figures of 8, with a 3 and a 6 thrown in - and then the first one to the paved area wins. That means the 'winner' gets to run to the very end of the garden, then back, then out to the hedge, then back again, as a reward. Makes total sense.

Actually, it's great that Scout has Parker, and Parker has Scout. It can be challenging to keep dogs mentally and physically stimulated during lockdowns and social distancing, so the two of them can entertain each other!

Another great way of doing this is to 'hide' food in bowls or mats, that Scout then has to snuffle around in to find. This can also slow down feeding times, which can be especially useful if you have a dog that wolfs its food down! Here you can see Scout has the luxury of both a bowl...

... and a snuffle mat (oh, and the added luxury of then being able to fall asleep in the snuffle mat for a post-lunch snooze).

Back to training, and Scout has managed to move along her training journey even during lockdowns. In direct contrast to the high-energy displays above, how's this for focus?

Again, this is a vital skill. There can be a lot going on around a puppy. Imagine being at their eye-level, with people moving around, trolleys, children, and lots of distracting smells and sounds. It could be very distracting or even overwhelming for a small dog - but Scout's been so very well brought up, she's confident and happy. More than that - she's able to focus on the person she's with, and if asked to 'stay', that's exactly what she'll do. So, her eventual deaf partner will feel secure in the knowledge that Scout will be a well-behaved companion, able to go anywhere and everywhere with them, no trouble, no fuss.

Even this is part of Scout's training...

It's a perfect settle - and yes, she really is 'learning' while doing this! When deaf people go to places such as cafés, restaurants or libraries, they'll need their hearing dogs just to relax and keep themselves to themselves. Scout's been taught that, if she does this, she'll get a fuss and a treat. So, when there's a bit of downtime, she's more than happy to comply!

Oh, and doesn't she look smart in her burgundy 'I'm learning' coat? This is another important point: when she gets to wear her full 'Hearing Dogs' coat, this will be a powerful signal to other people, that the person Scout's with is deaf. It can completely change a situation, making other people more considerate and accommodating.

As you can see, Scout's life is very full, of love, care, attention and training. But has she really changed that much...?

Over to you for the answer on that one!

Until your next update, thank you so much for sponsoring Scout.