How to Get a Hearing Dog for a Deaf Person

Hearing dogs are trained to alert their hard-of-hearing or deaf partners to sounds like a ringing telephone, a crying infant or a knock at the door. Hearing dogs meet strict requirements in addition to following basic obedience commands. Most placement facilities are non-profit organizations, and dogs are often offered free of charge. Read on to learn how to get a hearing dog for a deaf person.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Know What a Hearing Dog Does

1. Know that a hearing dog is trained to alert a deaf person through touch within 15 seconds and lead the person to the source of the sound, such as a doorbell, oven buzzer or smoke alarm.

2. Be aware that hearing dogs are trained to follow basic obedience commands, as well as identify at least three sounds before becoming qualified. They will learn more sounds while they are with their partners.

3. Know that hearing dogs are often rescued from shelters as puppies and socialized by trained personnel before learning special skills. They must respond to 90 percent of their trainer's commands before becoming qualified.

4. Know that hearing dogs are trained according to standards established by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). Learn more about hearing dog standards on the ADI website. See the Resources section below for a link.

Find a Hearing Dog for a Deaf Person

5. Decide whether a hearing dog is right for you. If you like dogs, have the ability to care for one and time to spare for training, a hearing dog may be a good fit for you. Placement services often require progress reports throughout the first several months.

6. Get a hearing dog for a deaf person through organizations such as Dogs for the Deaf or Canine Companions. See the Resources section below for a link.

7. Know that ADI requires placement personnel to make regular follow-up visits. ADI requires personnel to have a basic knowledge of sign language.

8. Know that ADI requires clients to provide veterinary care and vaccinations, a safe environment for the dog, proper grooming and continued training. Get more information about client requirements by clicking the "dog partners" link on the ADI website.

Tips & Warnings

• Know local laws governing assistance dogs.
• Know that hearing dogs are often restricted from homes with other dogs.
• Familiarize yourself with the various client requirements of each dog-placement organization before you get a dog for a deaf person.

Resources

• Regulations for Hearing Dogs and Clients on the Assistance Dogs International Website
• Information About Hearing Dogs on the Canine Companions for Independence Website
• Information About Hearing Dogs on the Dogs for the Deaf, Inc. Website

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