When Willow met Casper

Welcome back to Willow’s Puppy Pen!

Willow is continuing to do brilliantly in her training, with the help of volunteer puppy trainer, Clare. They make a super team!

Willow recently had a very exciting encounter with a qualified working hearing dog, called Casper!

Casper shared some secret tips and tricks with Willow!

Clare looked after and trained Casper when he was a puppy and so it was lovely for Clare to see how much he is now helping his deaf partner. Willow certainly looks in awe of her new friend! One day, Willow will also help to change a deaf person’s life in the most incredible way. This is thanks to your support, and we are so excited for what the future holds.

Willow has recently been practising walking nicely on a lead…

An important part of Willow’s training is making sure she feels comfortable and relaxed walking on a lead as this is something that hearing dogs do regularly with their deaf partner.

At the moment, Willow is walking on her lead in areas which are not too crowded, but as she moves through her training, she will gradually begin practising in busier environments too.

Willow saying a nice hello to some horses on a lovely countryside walk

Great job, Willow!

Willow has also been practising her settling skills…

Settling is an important part of a hearing dog’s training and it is when our pups learn to quietly lie down at their partner’s feet and not get distracted by what is happening around them. So far, Willow has been practising this skill in quiet cafés, but as she progresses through her training, she will also practise settling at shopping centres, restaurants and on public transport.

A settle can sometimes turn into a snooze!

That’s it for today. We hope you’ve enjoyed catching up with wonderful Willow. One day, Willow is going to change a deaf person’s life in the most incredible way. We are so proud of her. Her training would not be possible without your kindness.

Until next time, from everyone at Hearing Dogs, thank you for sponsoring Willow.