Hearing Dogs

mookiandco · 21 January 2007 at 6:14PM

We have just had a beautiful litter of 6 chihuahuas. We were thinking of donating one to be a hearing dog for the deaf.

http://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/donate-puppy.php

I wondered if anyone had any experience of donating a puppy or could advise on whether a chihuahua would be suitable. We would only donate the most robust of the litter. Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

blixit · 24 January 2007 at 12:37AM

thanks for link

BabyElephant · 24 January 2007 at 1:21AM

I think the Hearing Dogs are wonderful and give so much to the people they are partnered with. I don't have any experience and I think it's great that you are considering doing this but I wonder whether or not they would consider a chi too small? How much will they weigh when they are fully grown?

All the hearing dogs I've ever seen have been sort of Cocker Spaniel sized right up to Labradors. That's not to say your puppies won't be suitable, I just wonder about the size.

If you do get in contact with them I'd love to hear how you get on - I think you're wonderful for considering doing this. What is the split between boys/girls and what colours are they? I love dogs so hearing about puppies is always wonderful

LizD_2 · 24 January 2007 at 10:56AM

I think Dacshunds (sp) are used by Hearing Dogs, they're not much bigger than chis.

mookiandco · 25 January 2007 at 11:20PM

Thanks for your replies. The hearing dogs for the deaf people are coming next wednesday to have a look at the pups. we have been told that we will get regular updates about the pup if he's chosen and we know he will be in safe hands as they do regulat checks. They seemed really thrilled when we spoke on the phone, so our pups will be what they are looking for.

BabyElephant - We have 5 boys and 1 girl and they range in colour from blue, to fawn to red!! Its strange because both mum and dad are white!!

Will let you know how we get on.

Thanks

Eels100 · 26 January 2007 at 3:21PM

I have met a Shih Tzu who worked as a Hearing Dog and did a great job. The owner said it was great because she could take him to work (space-saving!) and he told her when a fax was coming! I'm always amazed by how brilliant these dogs are ... well done for thinking of a great charity.

georgiadewolf · 26 January 2007 at 4:40PM

I'm deaf and have a Hearing Dog! I can tell you now there is absolutely no size limit. The skills of the dog are the main qualification and then they are placed according to size (ie my dog is a spaniel/mini poodle cross and I got her when I lived in a small 2 bed house). Obviously they also have to form a bond with their recepient; I had to meet my dog first to see if we got on.

Please do not hesitate in donating a dog to Hearing Dogs, mine changed my life. In fact she has saved my life twice now because she notified me of things I couldn't hear!

They also look for homes for retired Hearing Dogs since some people cannot keep their newdog as well as the old one so you could apply to recieve a fullytrained older dog!

They are also looking for puppy socialisers. Please do support them!

https://www.hearingdogs.org.uk

If anyone wants to ask me any questions please feel free.

Chell · 26 January 2007 at 5:11PM

I have a website about Signing, the link is in my profile. If anyone would like to share their knowledge of this charity in my forum I would be grateful.

mookiandco · 4 February 2007 at 10:46PM

Thanks for your replies.

Our chihuahua pup passed his initial test last week and has gone to his new foster home to start 9 months of training. We have been told that the training is very rigorous but enjoyable for the pups. If he completes it, which we are sure he will - we have been invited to his passing out parade. They will give us regular updates on his progress and continue to make sure he is well cared for throughout his life. We are sad to see him go but very very proud of him.