Young adult dogs are adopted from animal shelters and humane societies in the Los Angeles area following an evaluation by an Instructor.  Candidates are friendly, confident, and demonstrate an interest in toys and treats.  They are checked for good health, spayed or neutered, and given necessary vaccinations.   

Over a 4 to 6 month period, dogs in training are socialized in public places, learn basic obedience commands, and are taught to respond to household sounds. Once they near graduation, they are matched with a person who will not only benefit from the skills the dogs has learn, but  can provide the companionship and loving home these dogs need.  Our Instructors guide each new recipient through a 3 to 5 day orientation with their dog in their own home.  They are taught how to maintain the training the dog has received.  Follow up support is ongoing and always available to the working teams.   

Applicants for Hearing Dogs should live in California and meet certain requirements.   See “Who is eligible?”

Residents of California with at least a severe to profound hearing loss and wanting the companionship from a dog are invited to place an application.  In some situations we can place a Hearing Dog with another dog living in the home, but this is considered on a case by case basis only.  Hearing Dogs have unique temperaments, and may not be the right choice for everyone.  Therefore, we carefully evaluate every application.

Hearing Dogs require your time.

• A Hearing Dog needs daily care and exercise that includes a regular routine.
• A Hearing Dog needs to practice his skills everyday.
• A Hearing Dog will make mistakes that need your help.
• A Hearing Dog needs to be praised and rewarded often.

Hearing Dogs require your patience.

• A Hearing Dog makes mistakes that can be frustrating.
• A Hearing Dog needs time to adjust to a new home and a new owner.
• A Hearing Dog will make mistakes with his job and that means taking time to stop what you are doing and immediately practice with him.
• A new Hearing Dog is young and active and might need help learning not to dig, jump, bark, or get in the garbage.

A Hearing Dog is not “formally” trained to respond to sounds in public the same way they do in the home.  In public settings, a Hearing Dog will be paying attention to things happening around him.  Eventually, you will start to understand your dogs behavior, therefore his natural reactions to sounds in public will bring you more awareness of your environment.  You will notice that you look in the direction of sounds that your dog turns to look at. 

Dogs need regular socialization and obedience practice in public.  It is not enough to only take a Hearing Dog out when you travel.  You will need to take your dog into public places at least 3 times a week in order to maintain your dog’s professional “manners”.  If you do not wish to take your dog into public places, we may be able to place a Hearing Dog that does not have “Certification for Public Access”.  These dogs work sounds only in the home. 

•  You must be at least 18 years old.
•  You must be physically and mentally able to keep a dog professional
   and well mannered in public.

A Hearing Dog responds to household sounds that will be practiced daily.  They cannot respond to running water, a pot of boiling water, sirens, burglars, or dangers for children. 

We can train your Hearing Dog to recognize and respond to the following repetitive household sounds:  oven timer, telephone, your name being called, door knock, smoke alarm, alarm clock, and sometimes a baby cry.  Some dogs will alert you to other sounds once they are in the home such as the dryer buzzer and microwave.  It takes time and effort on your part to have a reliable working dog.  Dogs need consistency, practice and praise in order to be dependable. 

The Sam Simon Foundation Assistance Dogs Program is supported and funded by The Sam Simon Charitable Foundation.  If you are selected to receive a Hearing Dog there is no charge.  Your cost is keeping your dog happy, healthy, and safe.  This means that you will need to be financially able to provide your dog with vet care, food, toys, bedding, and treats. 

• At least a severe hearing loss.
• Love of dogs.
• Time and ability to work with a young dog.
• Patience to work through problems.
• Finances to properly take care of a dog.
• 18 years old for a public certified Hearing Dog.