This month in training: February 2025

Posted by Matt Sadler

Clever Eden has been on her first trip to a supermarket, Marlon was very relaxed on his bus journey, wonderful Wendy was all smiles at a cafe, and much more. Find out what our clever pups have been learning in their hearing dog training.

1. The lovely Eden did so well on her first visit to a supermarket!

As hearing dogs accompany their deaf partners to many different places every day it's important they feel comfortable and relaxed in all those environments.

Supermarkets have many potential distractions, such as tasty items on shelves, shopping trolleys and a large number of people, so it's important our dogs keep their attention on the person they are with.

Eden did just that and was an absolute superstar.

2. Marlon might just be the paw-fect passenger.

In the third stage of his hearing dog training, Marlon is doing a super job travelling on the bus and keeping his focus on his volunteer trainer.

There are lots of strange sounds, smells, and unusual movements on public transport so it's important Marlon feels comfortable for when he travels with his future deaf partner.

3. What a smile from the wonderful Wendy

Our clever Cocker Spaniel popped into Costa Coffee, but not to pick-up a tasty treat!

Wendy is in the third stage of her training to become a hearing dog and she's been exploring busy public places with her volunteer trainer that she might visit with her future deaf partner.

4. Reuben also been paws-ing for coffee

Miniature Poodle Reuben followed in Wendy's footsteps and showed off his super 'Sit' and 'Settle' and was the perfect customer during his visit to a cafe.

Settling is an important skill for any hearing dog as they'll use it in the many different places they visit with their deaf partners.

5. I'll just lie here and watch

Hugh did a brilliant job on his visit to the rock climbing centre as part of some bespoke training he's been doing in the final part of his hearing dog training.

Hugh has been matched with a deaf person who frequently goes rock climbing, and once he has been partnered with them he will accompany them to the centre.

Taking in all the unusual activity and sounds, Hugh was happy to hang out by the side and keep an eye on everything. This type of bespoke training is key to making strong and successful partnerships.

6. Fantastic Farrell has some fabulous to tell you...

He has passed his assessment to be a life-changing sound support dog!

Our very clever cockapoo has done such a great throughout his training and we are incredibly proud of the wonderful boy he has grown into. A huge congratulations to Farrell and the amazing team he has behind him every step of the way.

Sound support dogs are partnered with people with deteriorating or moderate hearing loss and alert them to life-saving and important sounds in the home.

They don’t alert to sounds in public spaces or wear the burgundy jacket like hearing dogs do, but provide the same incredible friendship and emotional support.

Sponsor a puppy and change a deaf person's life

These cute puppies are training to become life-changers. Sponsor them from £5 a month and follow their journey as they learn how to help a deaf person.

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About the author

blog hearing dogs

Hi everyone, I'm Matt and I look after the Charity's social media, blog and e-newsletter.

I spend a lot of my day talking about our hearing dog superstars - it's a hard life!

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