How to Train Hearing Service Dogs

While dogs may be man's best friend, service dogs can be an invaluable aid for people with disabilities. Hearing service dogs assist their owners by notifying them of situations that they may not be able to detect on their own. Hearing dogs can alert their owners to anything from a ringing telephone to a fire alarm. Service dogs receive specialized training and learn to respond to a variety of instances to suit their owners needs. Hearing dogs learn sign language commands and are taught to lead their owners to specific places according to the noise that they are detecting. You can learn to train a dog to become a certified service dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Noise making device
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1
      Dogs with good temperments are more successful as service dogs

      Consider the type of dog. Training any dog is challenging, but a service dog needs more disciplined training as their responsibilities are greater. Service dogs interact with the public, so you will need one that is obedient and of a good nature. The Hunting Dog website states that "Golden Retriever, Labrador, Setter, or Spaniel breeds" are great choices for hearing dogs. These dogs are often trained from the time they are puppies, but if you already have an established relationship with an adult dog, you can teach them to assist you.

    • 2
      Service dogs can be trained to lead their owners outdoors when a fire alarm sounds.

      Train your dog to identify certain noises. Hearing dogs must be able to recognize at least three different noises and respond to the owner to be considered a service dog. Begin by creating a noise such as a doorbell ringing, alarm sounding or phone ringtone and teach the dog to respond to it. Show the dog the response you are awaiting. If a fire alarm sounds, the dog should be taught to alert the owner and take him outside. If a doorbell rings, the dog should alert the owner and bring him to the door. Award the dog with a treat when they respond correctly.

    • 3
      Hearing dogs can be taught to respond to sign language.

      Train your dog to respond to sign language. These hand signals must be clear and unlike any other gesture you would commonly use. Similar and undefined hand commands will confuse a dog. Research common sign language commands for hearing dogs. The first sign you should teach a dog is an affirmative sign meaning good job. Once the dog learns more signs, he will be validated with this sign. Repeat this sign and reward the dog with treats.

    • 4

      Seek outside assistance if necessary. Training a service dog is a lot of work, and if you need extra help there are many organizations that train and oversee service dogs. You can hire a personal trainer to work with you and your dog or you can take your dog to an established training facility. There are also books and videos available to aid in home training.