“Training hearing dogs is the best thing I’ve ever done”

Karen has been training hearing dog puppies as a volunteer for over a decade. Here, she shares why Miniature Poodles have stolen her heart and how helping our pups has not only transformed the lives of deaf people, but her life too...

Becoming a Volunteer Dog Trainer with Hearing Dogs has changed my life. It’s just been the best thing I’ve ever done – to have a dog, to learn a skill, meet lots of people, get out and about, and make a difference to someone else’s life. 

My husband Russell and I became Volunteer Dog Trainers 10 years ago. So far, we’ve looked after and trained five hearing dog puppies, all Miniature Poodles. They’re so clever and they’re each full of unique character. That’s what I love about them. I’ve also met so many wonderful people – all through these little dogs. I’m so happy to have them in my life.  

It was my mum who really inspired me to get involved with Hearing Dogs. She’s been deaf since childhood and I’ve seen the struggles she’s had to face. I’ve witnessed her being pushed out of the way when she hasn’t heard someone asking her to move. She’s been accused of being drunk before because sometimes her deafness can cause her to have balance issues. I’ve also seen her withdraw in group conversations. It used to really upset me.  

My mum doesn’t have a hearing dog herself but she’s gained so much confidence just from the puppies and dogs I’ve looked after. Now, if she doesn’t hear someone, she’ll ask them to repeat themselves and tell them she’s deaf. The dogs have got her talking to total strangers, which she would never have done before.    

What I’ve achieved in training these dogs has really boosted my own confidence, too. I never thought in a million years I could train a dog to be an assistance dog and the feeling is off the scale. I’ve found my niche and I love it. 

Although it can’t always be plain sailing, you have a tremendous amount of support from the staff at the charity and the other volunteers. If you’re worried about something, everyone rallies round. Once a month, the charity holds a drop-in session where you can go to chat with other Volunteer Dog Trainers. We have a natter and it’s very supportive. I also joined the buddy scheme where I can help a first-time volunteer if they’re having any teething troubles. 

Our first puppy was a black Miniature Poodle called Jessie. I originally wanted a Spaniel but the minute I saw her, I fell in love and that was it, I was a complete Poodle convert! Our second dog, Peach, was another black Miniature Poodle. Then we had Sonny. You love them all, but I fell hook, line and sinker for Sonny. After that, we had Ziggy. He had impeccable soundwork and recall but also could be anxious, so now he’s an ambassador dog for the charity.   

Our last puppy Merlin was a superb dog. We’ve just recently heard that he passed his training with flying colours and has now gone to live with his deaf partner who adores him. Two days after Merlin left, the lady he went to sent a video of him playing with the toys I’d bought him as a birthday present. That meant so much!

Hearing dog Merlin

Being a Volunteer Dog Trainer is a commitment, but it’s a very enjoyable one – often you’re training them without realising! For example, when you go for a walk, you ask them to sit at the kerb before crossing the road.  

As the dogs get older and they get their burgundy ‘I’m training’ jacket, it becomes a little less structured and just fits in with whatever else I’m doing during the day. You can take them to so many different public places because it’s all part of their training. We’ve taken them on holiday, camping, to pubs and restaurants. I just love it!  

When I’m out with a dog, I can never just nip to the shops. So many people want to chat to me, which is what it would also be like for the dog’s deaf partner. It opens up so many doors. 

When I speak to prospective volunteers, the first thing they say is ‘I’d love to do it, but I couldn’t give them up’. Of course you miss the dog you’ve been training, but a lot of the emotion isn’t sadness, it’s happiness. To give this life-changing gift to someone you don’t know is an amazing feeling.  

On a sadness scale of one to ten when the dog leaves, I’m a 20...so I always say if I can do it, anyone can! Every time I say goodbye to a puppy I think ‘I can’t do this again’ and then three weeks down the line I can’t wait to get my next one. 

I was actually sat on a bench thinking about Merlin when I had a call to say his partnership had been successful. I cried like I hadn't cried since he left because I felt so happy and relieved – a lady asked me if I was ok. I said, ‘Believe it or not, I'm really happy’ and I told her about Merlin, the journey we'd been on and that it had a very happy ending as he ‘got the job’. I think she was as thrilled as I was! 

We can all do things to change people’s lives. Training hearing dogs is one of those things and I love every single minute of it.