This month in training: January 2025

Posted by Matt Sadler

Puppy Izzy has just started her early hearing dog training, Timmy takes a trip into London, Hugh has some wonderful news to bring you, and much more. It's time to find out what our clever dogs have been learning.

1. Say hello to little Izzy and her favourite cuddly toy

Cocker spaniel puppy Izzy has just started her early hearing dog training and she has settled into life with her volunteer dog trainer brilliantly.

Izzy has already made it very clear that she loves a cuddle - especially with her little teddy.

There's lots of investigating for Izzy to do as she's encouraged to have fun exploring the new sights and smells around her.

2. Summer is a star on public transport

Super Summer did so well on her first bus journey!

If Summer's future deaf partner travels on public transport then we want to make sure she is comfortable and relaxed with all those unusual sights, sounds and movements.

Our clever cockapoo was an absolute star and proved to be the paw-fect passenger. Well done, Summer.

3. "Here you go"

Thanks Cosette, not sure your same approach will work for the doorbell though!

Cosette has lots of enthusiasm for her early soundwork training, even if her technique still needs a little bit of work.

As she continues practising with her volunteer dog trainer, Cosette will not only be able to alert them to the sound, but when asked "What is it?", will lead them to the timer or doorbell instead.

4. Fantastic Fred!

Cockapoo Fred is looking very proud of his rosette, and rightly so.

Fred has been awarded his rosette for passing the second stage of training, which we call the Puppy 2 Star.

Fred is training to be a sound support dog, which means he will alert his deaf partner to important and life-saving sounds within the home, but won't accompany them to public places like hearing dogs do. Fab job, Fred!

5. Hooray for Hugh

Starting the year in the best possible way, as Hugh has passed his training assessment to be a life-changing hearing dog.

Not only has Hugh mastered all of his training, but our clever Labrador has also spent some time getting used to watching people rock climb, as his future deaf partner regularly takes part in the activity.

Hugh is now getting ready to meet his deaf partner and we will know he will change their life. The biggest thank you to Hugh's incredible team - he is the biggest credit to them.

6. Timmy takes on the big city

In the final stages of his hearing dog training, Timmy is putting all his skills to the test as he heads into London for a bit of bespoke training.

With all his confidence on public transport and in a busy town, visiting a city is a key step to see how comfortable Timmy might be commuting with a potential match.

Timmy did brilliantly and was right at home, so we just know he'll make the perfect match for a deaf partner who works in a city.

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.