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Los
Angeles Hearing Dogs
What is a Hearing Dog?
| Hearing Dogs are specially trained to alert
people who are deaf or hard of hearing to common household sounds such as doorknocks, telephone rings,
and smoke alarms. Hearing Dogs have the same legal access rights as a Guide Dog for the blind, so they
may accompany their person into public places, such as grocery stores and restaurants. Out in public
situations, a Hearing Dog is providing environmental awareness to his partner by naturally paying attention to surrounding sounds. |
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How
do we work?
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Young
adult dogs are adopted from animal shelters and humane societies
in the Los Angeles area following an evaluation by a trainer.
Excellent candidates are friendly, confident, and demonstrate
an interest in toys and treats. They are checked for good
health by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, and given necessary
vaccinations.
Dogs in training are socialized in public places, learn basic
obedience commands, and are taught to respond to household sounds
over a period of 4 to 5 months. Once they near graduation as a Hearing
Dog, they are matched with people who can provide the companionship and
loving homes these dogs need, while benefiting from the skills Hearing
Dogs can provide. Our trainers guide each new recipient through a 3 to
5 day orientation with their dog to learn how to maintain the training
they have received. Follow up support is ongoing and always available
to the working teams.
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Who
is Eligible?
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Anyone
with a profound to total hearing loss and wanting the companionship
from a dog is invited to place an application. We realize
that everyone has a unique life situation and a dog might
not always be the right choice. Therefore, we carefully evaluate
every application before determining if an in-home interview
should be the next step. It is important that we create a
mutually respective relationship with everyone accepted to
our waiting list for a Hearing Dog to ensure a successful
adoption.
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Is
a Hearing Dog the Right Choice?
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.
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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 and practice.
- A new Hearing Dog is young and active and might
need help learning not to dig, jump, bark, or get in the
garbage.
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What can a Hearing Dog do for you in a public place?
A Hearing Dog is not formally trained to respond to sounds
in public.
| He can pay attention to the environment naturally but will not
alert you to sounds as he does in the home. The more time you spend with your dog in public places, the more attention
you give to your dog. You will notice that you look in the direction of sounds that your dog turns to hear. |
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People
will find it confusing to understand how a Hearing Dog is helpful
in public places.
| It is easy for someone to understand that you may need
your dog when you travel and stay in motels or at your work place. Dogs need regular socialization and practice at behaving well.
A Hearing Dog needs to learn how to behave well in all situations…not just the motel. You will need to take your dog into public
at least 2-3 times a week to keep your dog professional and well mannered |
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- To accompany a Certified Hearing Dog in public,
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.
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What can a Hearing Dog do for you in your home?
A Hearing Dog responds to household sounds that can 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, Phone, Name Call,
Doorbell/knock, Smoke Alarm, alarm clock, and (sometimes) baby cries. Some dogs will pick
up other sounds once they are in a home, such as the dryer buzzer and microwave. It does
take time and effort to have a reliable working dog. If you do not practice the sounds you
want your dog to respond to, he can become undependable. |
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What does a Hearing Dog cost?
| Los Angeles Hearing Dogs is a program
supported and funded by the Sam Simon Charitable Foundation. If you are selected
to receive a Hearing Dog, your cost is keeping your dog happy, healthy, and safe.
This means that you will need enough finances to give your dog yearly vet care,
food, toys, bedding and treats. Please check back regarding more information on
this topic! |
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What are
the requirements for adopting a Hearing Dog?
- At least a profound 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.
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Please
contact our office or email us to receive information on how to apply for a Hearing Dog!
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