We invite all our puppy socialisers to visit the dogs they socialised in the later part of their soundwork training. Did you enjoy seeing Chance again? And how did he respond when he saw you?
We had been looking forward to this reunion with Chance for several weeks. “Would he remember us?” we asked each other as we waited for Tom to bring him out of the kennels. Chance did remember us by greeting us with a lot excitement and running circles of sheer joy around us! We enjoyed taking him for a walk with Tom.
You must feel very proud of being the people who first put Chance en route to becoming a hearing dog. Is it rewarding to see the progress he’s made?
Tom demonstrated how good Chance is at his soundwork and we felt very, very proud of him and privileged to have looked after him for 10 months.
What does your role as a puppy socialiser entail?
It entails house training, basic commands and introducing puppies to lots of different environments. We enjoyed meeting other puppies and their socialisers at fortnightly puppy classes. We also encouraged Chance to meet and greet other people and their dogs,and experience different environments with confidence to further his progress as a hearing dog.
What was Chance like as a puppy?
Chance was an exuberant bundle of fun, great company and always ready for a walk or a game. He loved being with us wherever we were and enjoyed everyone’s company – especially if they had a dog with which to play. Everyone loved him. He also relished learning new commands and showing them off!
Can you share any funny stories about Chance from his puppy socialising days?
When playing in a friend’s garden with a weed-covered garden pond, he tried to run across it not realising there was water underneath! He came out with his coat changed from black to green! He loved this so much we couldn’t keep him out of the pond after that!
During his training Chance has been to London, Oxford, a school, a deaf club... was he always such a well-travelled socialite?!
We took him everywhere: to WI meetings, on buses, supermarkets, Cambridge city centre, the Norfolk coast, country pub lunches and quizzes, and he was used by a local speaker for Hearing Dogs as an example of a puppy in training.
He was a great ambassador for the Charity as he was so lovable.
Chance was the first puppy you’ve socialised for Hearing Dogs. Did you enjoy the experience and would you do it again?
Yes! It gave us the opportunity to meet other people, both socialisers and other dog owners in our area who always wanted us to stop and stroke Chance and learn more about the Charity.
Would you recommend puppy socialising to other dog lovers looking for a hands-on volunteering role?
Definitely! Puppies are great fun, you meet other people and make new friends. You have the constant support of an expert trainer and support from the Charity. For example, if the puppy has to be left at any time such as a holiday, other socialisers or supporters of the charity are there to look after him and there is always someone on the end of a telephone to give advice when needed.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a puppy socialiser please click here
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Sponsor a puppy
If you'd like to sponsor a dog like Chance through their training program to become a life-changing hearing dog puppy we have two gorgeous pups available for you to sponsor right now. You'll receive a welcome pack with pictures of your chosen puppy plus lots of goodies, then you’ll receive regular updates as they progress through training.
This gorgeous little yellow Labrador puppy is Isaac, who is hoping that you will sponsor him as he trains to become a hearing dog.
Isaac is an adorable, chunky puppy who loves cuddles and enjoys playing with his toys. He is a fast learner and already showing signs of great potential for the future.
This adorable yellow Labrador puppy is Indie, who is hoping that you will sponsor him as he trains to become a hearing dog.
Indie loves going out for walks and meeting other dogs, and he is a fast learner, enjoying learning the basic commands.
