Hearing Dogs

Hearing Dogs at home...

are trained to alert people 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. By providing sound awareness and companionship these dogs increase employability and provide greatly increased freedom and independence.

Hearing Dogs in public...

Many people are curious about what Hearing Dogs can do for people who are deaf or hard of hearing when they're in public. The most important thing a Hearing Dog provides a person in public is an increased awareness of his or her environment. A Hearing Dog isn't specifically trained to alert to sounds, such as a siren or honking horn, in public. But, when a person who is deaf or hard of hearing takes his or her Hearing Dog into public, he or she will gain an awareness of the environment 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's happening as well.

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.
• We train our Hearing Dogs to respond to seven sounds: fire and smoke alarms, the telephone, oven timer, alarm clock, doorbell/door knock, 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. Hearing Dogs can be taught to alert people to any repetitive sound that can be set up and practiced regularly. If a sound is inconsistent or too difficult to set up and practice, it is hard for the dog to learn to work it.

Placement:

• When ready for placement with an approved applicant, the trainer travels to the client's home for one-on-one training with the client and all family members.
• Placement training is generally three to five days in length.

Follow up:

• Dogs for the Deaf provides follow up training for the life of the team. Follow up training includes guidance and suggestions consisting of verbal contact, written contact, and in home visits.

What does it cost to get a Hearing Dog?

There is a $50.00 application fee. When an applicant has been approved to receive a Hearing Dog and is ready to be placed on the waiting list, we require a $500.00 Good Faith deposit, which is returned after the person and the Hearing Dog have been together for one year. Once the dog is placed with a person, the client is financially responsible for the on-going care of the dog.

How do I apply for a Hearing Dog?

Before you decide to apply for a Hearing Dog, please read about our Application Process, Application Requirements, and Points to Consider.

You can download and print our Hearing Dog application packet by clicking HERE. Fill out the application completely and mail, along with your $50.00 application fee, to:

If you would like us to send you an application, please contact us using the webform below or call us at 1-800-990-3647.