Typically we train English Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, Miniature Poodles, Golden Retrievers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, although we also train a small number of Labrador and Cocker Spaniel crosses to ensure there is the right match for every applicant.
The Charity has its own breeding scheme and puppies are also donated for training by breeders. We also take puppies from rescue centres as and when suitable recruits are identified. The key factors in our selection criteria are the breed, age and personality of the puppy.
We never train a dog to be a hearing dog if we are not certain that he or she will be happy and successful in the role. As registered Assistance Dogs, hearing dogs often lead a very busy life in their work for their recipient including meeting lots of people and going to busy environments where they will come across many different sights, noises, smells and experiences.
Each hearing dog receives no end of praise and reward when working for his or her deaf recipient, and they are all loved and valued beyond measure. The inspirational bond between each partnership is testament to the life-changing difference a hearing dog makes – giving new levels of independence, confidence and companionship to their recipient.
We are constantly inundated with messages from our deaf recipients each telling us what a difference their hearing dog has made to their life. Not only do the dogs provide a life-transforming level of independence and security by alerting their recipients to household sounds and danger signals, but they also provide increased confidence through the companionship they bring.
Currently we aim to introduce around 200 puppies a year into our training scheme in order to meet the growing demand for hearing dogs.
Could your puppy become a hearing dog?
If you have a puppy that you think has what it takes to become a hearing dog and change the life of a deaf person and you would like him/her to be considered for training, please email our dog supply team or call on 01844 348100.
