| I read an interesting article online the other day about | | | | completed the new owner and dog do have follow-up |
| what a non-profit organization in Japanis doing about | | | | with the trainer to make sure everything is going ok. |
| the problem of abandoned dogs. This organization, | | | | The new facility in Japan will also be training young |
| although they cannot rescue allthe dogs, have opened | | | | people on how to become hearing dog trainers. |
| a facility in Yokohama, Japan that will implement a | | | | It is believed that approximately 10,000 people with |
| training program for these abandoned dogs to be | | | | hearing disabilities are waiting for aservice dog, so not |
| trained as service dogs for the deaf. | | | | only dogs are needed but trainers as well. The |
| Hearing dogs for the deaf are trained to alert deaf | | | | students will undergo a six month training course, part |
| people to sounds, both inside and outside of the home. | | | | of which requires them to work with a potential hearing |
| Sounds such as fire/smoke alarms, telephones, door | | | | dog for three hours a day. |
| knocks, doorbells, oven timers, alarm clocks, etc. that | | | | Once a student completes the course they can obtain |
| we on a daily basis take for granted. Without the dog | | | | support to further their education andhopefully find a |
| a person is dependent on someone else for this. | | | | job in their related field. |
| It has been shown that a hearing dog will increase a | | | | Again not all abandoned dogs are rescued since this |
| deaf persons' feelings of security and confidence. | | | | organization looks for the above |
| Organizations involved in dog training programs for | | | | mentionedcharacteristics in potential hearing dogs. |
| hearing dogs, look for these dogs in rescue centers, | | | | The agency is hoping that this new facility will raise the |
| private homes, breeders and pounds. They are always | | | | publics awareness of the plight of the abandoned dogs |
| looking for new sources especially with rescue groups. | | | | and the use of hearing dogs. |
| They look for dogs that have a friendly disposition, | | | | Hearing dogs have legal access to all public places |
| alertness, intelligence good temperament and | | | | when accompanied by their masters. They often wear |
| confidence. Eventually the hearing dog will have to be | | | | a bright orange leash and collar to identify them. |
| reliable in all types of situations. They also look for | | | | Hearing Dogs may accompany their owner into public |
| people that can foster these potential hearing dogs. | | | | places, such as grocery stores and restaurants since |
| Like the seeing eye dog these dogs first need to be | | | | they have the same legal access rights as a Guide |
| socialized and obedience trained. | | | | Dog for the blind. |
| Although a hearing dog can be trained in as little as | | | | So who is eligible for a hearing dog? Priority is given to |
| three months, most dog training programs for a hearing | | | | candidates over 18 years of agewho have at least a |
| dog takes closer to a year. | | | | 65 decibel hearing loss(unaided). Also priority is given to |
| Obedience training and socialization is quite extensive. | | | | a personliving alone or with another deaf or hard of |
| The dogs are then normally trained in a home-like | | | | hearing person but a deaf person living with ahearing |
| environment to recognize and react to sounds that will | | | | person will also be considered. The candidate must |
| be found in the new owners home.(Telephones and | | | | also be physically able and willingto care for and |
| doorbells are different in every persons home). Part of | | | | continue the training of the dog. |
| the training will take place in the new owners home | | | | Yes dogs are truly an amazing creature. |
| with the dog and the trainer. When training is | | | | |