Hearing dog
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A hearing dog is a type of
Training
Dogs that may become hearing dogs are tested for proper temperament and willingness to work. After passing initial screenings, they are trained in
Hearing dogs may be trained professionally in as little as three months, though many are trained for at least a year. Generally, training involves getting the dog to recognize a particular sound and then physically alert or lead their handler to the source. They may also be taught to physically alert to and/or lead away from a sound, such as in the case of a fire alarm.
While many hearing dogs are professionally trained, as described above, it is important to note that this is not a legal requirement and there are deaf or hearing-impaired individuals who successfully, and legally, undertake the challenge of training their own hearing dogs. However, such dogs might not meet the requirements as stipulated by Assistance Dogs International, and therefore might not have full access to all public spaces and places afforded by such accreditation.
Accessibility
In the
Hearing dogs often wear a bright orange leash and collar to identify them. Some also wear a cape or jacket, which may or may not be orange. Incidentally, in the United States, a hearing, signal, guide, or any other service dog is not legally required to have or wear any badge, leash, collar, or any other identifying item.
In the United Kingdom, hearing dogs wear distinctive burgundy jackets bearing the logo of the charity (Hearing Dogs for Deaf People) which trains and funds them.
In Australia, hearing dogs are trained through the Lions Club International of Australia. They wear a bright orange leash, collar, and harness to identify them, and carry with them an issued ID. They are legally permitted access to any locations that are open to members of the public, so long as they are with their handler.
In France, these dogs are trained by the Association les Chiens du Silence since 2010. They wear a distinctive blue jacket with the logo of the association, their status ("service dog" or "service dog in training" and the official guide and service dog logo. Their owner also carries an ID card. They are allowed everywhere, with very few exceptions like hospitals (for sanitary reasons), as the law of the country is quite strict on this.
Some breeds notable for selection as hearing dogs include
See also
- Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans
- Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
- Assistance dog
References
- ^ "Hearing Dogs: Service Dogs for the Deaf or Hearing Impaired". American Kennel Club. May 22, 2018. Retrieved 2023-12-15.
- ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-10-21. Retrieved 2014-10-29.
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: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Disability". U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Archived from the original on 2016-06-20.