Victor in training

Victor is now doing his advanced training! This takes place at our training centre in Buckinghamshire, and builds on the great work done by his volunteer puppy socialiser, taking him further on the hearing dog journey. He's now learning to alert people to important sounds such as the doorbell and alarm clock during the weekdays, but during evenings and weekends he's looked after by local people, an arrangement we call 'Bed and Breakfast'. It's a great system, because people who don't have full time to be with a dog can still look after one, while the dog continues to have a good, stable domestic life.

Victor's B&Bers are called Ian and Judy. They're loving life with Victor, and he loves them back! This is what they have to say on the subject of Victor:

"Victor arrived with us on 29 September (the week before his first birthday). True to spaniel form he had the loo roll spread out across the landing floor within an hour of arrival. Then he settled down to be probably the most loving dog that we have ever had."

We've noticed Victor's affectionate nature before. It's no coincidence he was originally called 'a hungry bundle of cuddles'! 

Ian and Judy continue: "During the week he is out for a pre-dawn walk in the fields followed by a period when the rest of the house gets up and then his breakfast. He is off for training around 8:45 each weekday morning where he meets up with all his other friends. Victor seems to know everybody and everybody seems to know him."

Time for some photos. Victor's trainer Claire has taken a couple of snaps of Victor with friends.

This is with Nelson the Labrador...

... and this is with Watkin the spaniel. Both spaniels were socialised by the same person!

More from Ian and Judy: "He really looks forward to his time at the training centre. We collect him at about 5pm and he then demands his supper immediately he gets home followed by chill-out time."

Time for another photo: here is 'chill-out time':

Ian and Judy again: "He has already had holiday care with another family in High Wycombe and they can't wait to have him back over the Christmas period. Wherever he goes, he makes friends."

And that's Victor! Ian and Judy also say that he has adapted to big school training extremely well. We'll tell you all about this in your next printed update. Until then, thank you again for sponsoring him!