This month in training: February 2026

As part of their hearing dog training, these brothers have spent time working on their cues, like 'Sit' and 'Wait', in public places.

They've been building their confidence and focus around all the potential distractions, such as lots of people, busy shops, and new smells.

They did a super job and we're so proud of the two of them.

Ginny has also been gaining experience in public places and she waited very patiently in the busy aisles of the supermarket.

Going shopping with her future deaf partner will be an everyday task for Ginny, so it's important she feels comfortable and relaxed around the many people and shopping trolleys, as well as resisting those tasty treats on the shelf.

Nina was the perfect passenger on her train journey and wasn't fazed by those unusual movements or the new sights, sounds, and smells.

It's so important for hearing dogs to be confident and comfortable on the different public transport they might use with their future deaf partner.

Our very clever poodle took everything in her stride and we know she will do a great job when accompanying her partner.

Our little Sunny has settled into his new home with his volunteer trainer and is getting ready to start the early part of his hearing dog training.

This stage is all about exploring the world around him, being a curious pup, and having as much fun and cuddles as possible.

Good luck, Sunny.

Starting the month with some great news for Norbert, who has passed the first stage of his hearing dog training - the Puppy 1 Star.

Norbert has done a brilliant job learning his basic cues, like 'Sit' and 'Wait', and will start working on his recall and impulse control in the next part of his training.

After passing his final assessment to become a life-changing hearing dog, Pasha is now busy celebrating in style and getting ready to meet his perfect match.

Pasha has grown from a lovable pup into a very clever boy, and we just know he's going to make a world of difference to his future deaf partner.

Congratulations to Pasha and his wonderful team.

As well as alerting to sounds, some hearing dogs are also trained to do 'the call'. Hearing dog Scooby is partnered with Becky, and he has been trained to 'get mum' should Becky's children need her.

A few days ago, super Scooby put all his training into practice and came to the rescue after Becky's daughter had locked herself in the bathroom.

Becky explains:

"I had my first 'hero' day with Scooby. I had a hideous headache so had taken my hearing aids out.

"About 40 minutes later, Scooby comes racing over to me nudging me being really insistent I follow him. He raced to the upstairs bathroom where my youngest had locked the door and couldn't unlock it.

"She had knocked and shouted but obviously her cries went unheard. Thankfully Scooby is trained to 'get mum' and he did it with gusto!

"I have always felt very blessed to have been matched with Scooby, and today I burst into tears realising what a massive difference he has made to my life.

"I wouldn't have taken my hearing aids out before, and today I didn't even think about it. He adores all my children, but I think my youngest is one of his favourite people in the world."