For those whose hearing is impaired, the world can be a quiet place.
Imagine. You can hear the telephone ring or the kettle whistle. Life
can also be very dangerous. You cannot hear someone warning you
about a truck backing out. You cannot pick up the sound of a fire
alarm.
There are many technical ways to overcome a lack of hearing. There are
devices that can help you cope with both partial and total deafness.
You may also prefer a more “natural” solution. This is a hearing ear
dog.
Definition
A hearing ear dog is a special breed of canine. Ths canine is not
unique in its breeding. He or she is not particularly 1 or the other
breed of dogs. This canine companion is rather a specially trained dog.
The hearing ear dog is taught to respond to specific sounds. As a
result, he or she acts as the ears for the hearing-impaired individual.
Duties
A hearing ear dog listens and responds to certain sounds. These are
learned at a center devoted to training specialist dogs. The training
ensures the dog recognizes sounds and noises related to the aspects of
the individual partner’s life. Among the most common triggers are door
bells, telephones, timers and kettles. Also among this amazingly
skilled dog’s repertoire are baby cries, the beeps of trucks reversing,
the noise of prowlers or unidentified callers, and the sound
recognition of the owner’s name. During the training period, the dog is
provided with the hearing recognition skills required of the
companion-to-be.
When the dog hears and comprehends the desired sound or sounds, he or
she responds. The canine wakes the person if it is an alarm clock. When
the dog recognizes other set noises, he or she may poke their nose into
the leg of their partner. The dog may also nudge the partner before
sitting or pointing in the direction of the sound’s origin.
Dog Characteristics
Typically, the breed selected for this purpose is small to medium.
Terriers and poodles are common. The larger Labradors and standard
poodles also are being used as hearing ear dogs. Mixed breeds of
various sizes also qualify.
What is important is the nature not the breed of the animal. A hearing
ear dog needs to be active. This is a demanding dog. Hearing ear dogs
also must be both friendly and willing to work.
Training Program
Dogs are selected as puppies. They may be bred at their specific
center. They may also be rescue animals. For their first year, the
animal will live in a foster home. This helps to properly socialize
them.
After this initial period, the dog is returned to the center. He or she
is assessed in terms of personality and suitability. The animals take
medical and aptitude tests. If the dog is a successful candidate,
training will begin. It will last a minimum of 6 months. At this point,
the dog will receive training for sound recognition. The focus will be
on the more general requirements. This all takes place in an
environment that duplicates that of a typical home.
If the dog is matched with a partner, further training will take place.
The animal will receive instruction matching the requirements of the
partner. The two will also engage in a 2-week training program. This is
a means of judging the actual suitability and viability of the pairing.
Variables For Matching Dog and Human Partner
There are certain variables implemented to match dog and human. These
include the dog’s size and activity level. The human is assessed in
terms of lifestyle and such medical factors as allergies. If they are a
match, the dog returns to the new home. The canine now has a purpose;
his or her partner now has an increased sense of independence and
confidence.