Most people will be aware of seeing-eye sigs and the variety of benefits that they offer for their owners. Based off of this concept, hearing dogs have risen into prominence as the next service animal. They provide people with hearing loss the ability to navigate their lives with some greater degree of freedom than they have ever experienced. As a result, numerous breeds of dogs are being trained so that they can provide services to people with hearing loss. Here we will explore the ways that these dogs can help individuals who suffer from hearing loss and the training that makes them great.
Training regimen
Each hearing dog is specifically trained so that they can alert their hearing partner to any sort of danger. The training usually takes between four and six months, where they will be taught the obedience skills that they need. Once they have shown that they are capable of interacting with people on a practical level, they will be taught seven different sounds of which they need to be aware such as smoke alarms and the door knocking.
Requirements To Obtain The Dog
There are numerous steps that you must go through in order to obtain these dogs. The first thing criterion that you must meet is being at least 18 years old in order to file an application. Next, you need to have a family member or friend that is willing to help you with the in-home training that is required to keep the dog. Aside from this, you need to show that you have a home that is capable of supporting the hearing dog safely. Finally, you need to attend canine training as well as go to follow-up, annual training exams for the dog.
Supporting The Hearing Impaired
After the hearing dog has been placed in the home and it is established that they are a good match, there is personalized care that sets the dog up for living in the home. Once the training is completed, the dog will be able to provide a full range of services in and around the house. However, it is important to realize that they are not limited to providing services within the home.
If you want to walk around town and bring the dog along, then you may encounter some sounds that your dog is not used to. This may result in your dog exhibiting body language that is unfamiliar, which will give you an idea that something is amiss. Over time, you will be able to see how your hearing dog reacts to certain sounds like ambulances, and then use that information in your daily life so that you remain safe.