AS PART OF INTERNATIONAL DOG DAY we are posting a series on THE ROLES OF DOGS WHO ASSIST HUMANS And the Differences Between Them 3. HEARING DOGS Hearing Dogs assist the deaf and hard of hearing by alerting their deaf handler to household sounds that are necessary for everyday safety and independence. They are trained to make physical contact and lead their person to the source of the sound. The most important thing a Hearing Dog provides a person in public with is an increased awareness of the environment. A Hearing Dog isnt specifically trained to alert to sounds in public, but the handler will gain an awareness by paying attention to whatever the Hearing Dog is reacting to. When the dog turns to look at something it hears, the person will notice and turn to see what is happening as well. Hearing Dogs are generally acquired from animal shelters - as a result, many of the dogs used are mixed breeds. Personality and temperament are important for a Hearing Dog. They must be energetic and ready to work in an instant when a sound occurs. They must be friendly and people oriented. Younger adoptees are raised and socialized by volunteer puppy raisers before training.Training generally takes four to six months of temperament evaluation, obedience training, socialization, and sound training. The dogs are taught to work for toys and affection. Hearing Dogs respond to basic sounds: fire and smoke alarms, the telephone, oven timer, alarm clock, doorbell and name call and sometimes the baby cry. Once placed with their deaf partner, the dogs easily learn to respond to additional sounds such as the microwave, tea kettle, and washer/dryer. By providing sound awareness and companionship these dogs give the deaf handler greater independence, increased security, reduced stress, increased social interaction, improved employability and provide greatly increased freedom and enhanced self-confidence. With thanks to Dogs for the Deaf, Hearing Dogs (NZ) Assistance Dogs International and Wikipaedia.
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 14:00:00 +0000
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