This month in training: April 2021
Posted by Matt Sadler
Reaching training milestones, practising in makeshift cafes and even making friends with cats - our clever hearing dog pups have been busy working from home. Find out what they've been up to in their latest classes.
1. Suki has graduated to the final stage of hearing dog training
Congratulations to the lovely Suki, who has passed her 'Puppy Three Star' and is now into the final stage of hearing dog training.
Next up for miniature poodle Suki is to focus more on learning the sounds she will alert her future deaf partner to.
2. Orchid is a soundwork superstar
This photo was taken after cocker spaniel Orchid performed a brilliant alert to a smoke alarm.
Orchid is such a clever girl, and we know she is going to make the most incredible hearing dog.
3. Nelson is proving to be a very clever boy
Cheeky, playful and very clever - miniature poodle Nelson has raced through the first stage of his hearing dog training.
Nelson has shown that he knows his basic cues like 'sit' and 'down', and that he is a very happy playmate.
Well done Nelson.
4. Jazz and Kiki visited their very own cafes
Hearing dogs in training Jazz (first photo) and Kiki have been practising their settles in makeshift cafes at home.
Jazz and Kiki will return to training in public places when the time is right to do so, and these experiences will help them feel relaxed in those environments.
5. Cocker spaniel Riley is looking very smart in her burgundy training jacket
Riley has been getting used to wearing her burgundy training jacket, as she also prepares to return to practising in public places.
It's incredibly important our dogs feel relaxed in their jackets, as we want them to feel as comfortable as possible at all times.
6. Mollie has been spending time with Yoshi the cat
As well as focusing on her soundwork, the gorgeous Mollie is also currently learning about cats.
Some hearing dogs are matched to deaf people who have pet cats, so it's important that our pups are comfortable and relaxed around them.
The relationship between hearing dogs and cats was explored in the last season of Hearing Dogs TV, and you can watch that episode here.
7. Kes takes on 'Temptation Alley'
Now this is impressive!
Hearing dog puppy Kes was asked to wait while his favourite treats were laid out on the floor, before he practised his recall and walked past them without a second glance.
Well done Kes, we hope you enjoyed your very well-deserved rewards.
8. Winnifred is going to be a wonderful hearing dog
The best possible news as Winnifred has passed her final assessment to be a life-changing hearing dog.
Congratulations Winnifred and a huge thank you to the wonderful team that have made all this possible.
We couldn't be any prouder.
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