THE SUPREME ASSISTIVE DEVICE

THE HEARING DOG
Frequently Asked Questions

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Canine Working Companions, Inc.
Administrative Office
P. O. Box 2128; Syracuse, NY 13220-2128
(315) 656-3301

WHAT ARE HEARING DOGS?

Hearing Dogs are specially selected and trained dogs that alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds in the home or work environment. These sounds can be the ringing of the telephone, alarm clock, doorbell, someone knocking on the door, calling the persons name, or even a baby crying. Hearing dogs can alert the person to emergency situations by signaling the smoke alarm. They can be trained to signal for other sounds such as; timers, security buzzers, or tea kettle whistles.

HOW DO THEY SIGNAL?

The dogs alert their partners by making physical contact. For a small dog, this would be jumping on the person, for a large dog, touching with paw or nose. If a person is asleep the dog will wake them, then lead them to the source of the sound, whether it is the door, the telephone, or another person. When the dog is at the source of the sound the dog will sit. If its partner has not followed, the dog will return, touch them again, and repeat the sound response sequence.

WHAT KIND OF DOGS ARE USED?

This type of work requires an energetic, sound curious dog. CWC uses dogs from the humane societies and animal shelters, where they are tested and screened for the aptitude for Hearing Dog work. CWC also uses Labrador Retrievers from it’s own breeding program. They must be very friendly and playful. They cannot be aggressive with other dogs or cats and prefer human company. We have found, through experience, there is no significant difference in the

ability of a male or female Hearing Dog. All CWC dogs are spayed and neutered before placement.

The testing and screening procedure is very strict and often only 1 in 10 passes. It is important to select a dog with the right attitude. Rescuing strays and unwanted pets for this work gives these dogs a second chance for a good, useful life as a help and loving companion to a hearing impaired person.

A selected dog is examined by a Vet, given vaccinations, wormed, groomed, and placed in a foster home for 4 weeks before beginning advanced training. During foster care the dog is evaluated with children, adults, house manners, other animals, noisy situations, and city life.

During the 4 to 6 months of advanced training the dog learns all commands, sound responses, and manners necessary for a Hearing Dog. The dog will learn to love and work with people and be responsible.

WHAT ARE THE ACCESS RIGHTS?

A hearing impaired person and their Certified Hearing Dog has the same access rights as a blind person and their Guide Dog. These rights include access to any public buildings, stores, restaurants, offices, etc. Hearing Dogs have access to transportation on buses, trains, planes, etc. A person may have their Hearing Dog accompany them to work, school, or anywhere else they go. A person with a disability cannot be denied public housing or charged extra for his or her dog. Almost every state has an access law granting access to people with disabilities and their Hearing Dogs, Service Dogs, or Guide Dogs. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a Federal Law covering the same access rights.

A person with a Hearing Dog, in return, is responsible for his or her dog’s behavior in public places. The Hearing Dog should be unobtrusive, quiet, and under control at all times. Most commands are taught with hand signals so the dog can work with either verbal commands or hand signals.

People should NEVER pet or distract a Service, Hearing, and Guide Dog in public.

HOW ARE HEARING DOGS IDENTIFIED?

The visible symbol of a Hearing Dog is the orange and yellow leash and collar with the words HEARING DOG on it. New York State issues a special tag to every Guide, Hearing, or Service Dog. CWC also issues each dog a bright orange vest with HEARING DOG on it. The partner of a Hearing Dog will have a photo ID card and on the back of the ID card a copy of the New York State access law. This can be shown to anyone who is not familiar with the Hearing Dog access rights.

ARE THEY GOOD COMPANIONS?

In addition to their sound alerting these little dogs can fill another purpose, the loving companionship enjoyed with a Hearing Dog eases the frustration and loneliness that often accompanies a hearing disability. Their happy, playful nature brings joy and activity into the life of someone who may live alone. The dogs freely offered, non-judgmental love is a constant source of comfort and friendship.

Learning to be fair, yet assertive, with a dog can be a valuable lesson to someone who may apply the same principles to their relationships with other people. Asking for something, being persistent, then giving praise in return are useful lessons for us all.

CAN THEY HELP WITH OTHER DISABILITIES OR PROBLEMS?

A Hearing Dog may be trained to perform other tasks to assist in the case of other disabilities. They can pick up objects, for example, thus helping someone with a back injury or arthritis. Bringing a wireless phone would enable a person living alone, who fell or became ill, to call for help. They can be taught to set off alarms in a similar emergency. Having an alert dog on the job is a very definite deterrent to intruders.

HOW CAN A HEARING DOG AFFECT A PERSON’S HEALTH?

Still another benefit offered by a Hearing Dog is the outdoor activity gained in exercising, practicing skills, and playing with the dog. This increases the activity level of many people. Fresh air and exercise helps improve well-being and outlook on life. Caring for another creature and having responsibility creates a sense of self worth. Studies at the University of Pennsylvania have also shown that stroking a dog actually lowers blood pressure and that people who have a dog recuperate from illnesses faster. The Hearing Dog is a friend to care for and care about, giving life more meaning and purpose.

HOW DO THEY AFFECT SOCIAL LIFE?

Hearing Dogs are wonderful icebreakers in public situations. They are beautiful, friendly, and very well behaved. People will smile, approach, and speak to someone accompanied by such a dog. The owner is complimented on their dog and it becomes a source of pride, as well as independence. Human to human contact, even though brief, is established. Good, positive feelings are experienced with the help of a dog. For someone living alone the dog is something to care for and care about, giving life a new meaning and purpose.

HOW CAN SOMEONE GET A HEARING DOG?

A person wanting a Hearing Dog can contact Canine Working Companions, Inc. for an application and information packet. Questions can be answered by CWC staff or graduates who are available to speak with a person who is considering a Hearing Dog. When the application and documentation are returned, with the $25.00 application fee, the paperwork is reviewed, and then the applicant is contacted to set up an appointment for the first interview, conducted at the Waterville, NY training facility. As part of the Training Facility interview the applicant will participate in a mini-training session with a dog currently in training. The next step is an in-home interview, explained below.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR THE IN-HOME INTERVIEW?

A Hearing Dog will be brought to the in-home interview to demonstrate what the dog can do. At that time the representatives of CWC will want to meet everyone who lives with the applicant. They will want to see the environment where the dog will be living and working. This will tell them if there are any environmental problems that the dog can be trained to handle. This information also helps make the correct match between the applicant and a dog.

HOW IS TEAM TRAINING CONDUCTED?

Team training is a minimum of 60 hours or 13 days, whichever is less, with your new partner, which is conducted at CWC’s training center in Waterville. There will also be a one-day follow-up training, approx. 30 days after placement, at the Waterville facility. The last day of training is conducted in the student’s home for any specialized training, if necessary. Students work with the dogs to develop the special bond and working relationship that will last a lifetime. A team effort between student and dog is necessary, to accomplish the tasks they will master.

Students will learn dog psychology and behavior; how to correct, discipline, reward, exercise, and practice with their dogs. They will learn how to feed and care for their dog. They will take field trips to stores, restaurants, motels, colleges, etc., to insure their ability to handle and work with the dog in public. It is difficult and tiring work. Fatigue level must be considered.

IS THERE HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE?

No, you will have to make arrangements at a local hotel if you need to stay in the area and not travel home each night. You will need to make arrangements for attendant care and/or interpreters, if needed. The cost of your hotel, food/meals, attendant care and/or interpreters, transportation, etc., is your responsibility.

It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements.

Travel, Housing, Attendant Care, and Interpreters accommodations MUST be set up well in advance of scheduled interview or training.

WHAT IS THE FOLLOW UP?

A temporary certification ID card will be issued at the conclusion of team training. The three-year certification will be made after the person has sent in 6 monthly reports. By this time, the dog and the person will have developed a good working relationship and bond. Ownership is then transferred to the graduate contingent on compliance of contract. Follow up reports are then sent in annually. If there are any problems we are notified immediately.

Formal graduation is celebrated in May, with all teams finishing their training during that year, graduating together.

CWC offers a lifetime of follow up support and assistance.

The teams are re-certified every three years.

WHAT DOES A HEARING DOG COST?

Breeding, raising, training, placing, and conducting a lifetime of follow up on a certified Hearing Dog costs CWC approximately $14,500.00. The financial responsible for an applicant is explained with the application. To receive an application, call the Administrative Office at 315-656-3301.

WHAT OTHER TYPES OF DOGS DOES CWC TRAIN?

CWC trains Service Dogs. Specially selected, bred, raised, and trained to assist people who have physical disabilities. They can open doors, pull the wheelchair, pick up dropped items, carry belongings in a backpack, retrieve objects, and perform many more physical tasks.

CWC also trains Therapy Dogs, which have been selected for their gentleness and social skills. They visit Nursing Homes, providing the residents with the stimulation and affection of a canine friend. Therapy involves a health professional establishing goals and objectives and working with the dog to meet these objectives.

WHAT IS CANINE WORKING COMPANIONS, INC.?

Canine Working Companions, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization, under Federal 501 (c) (3), dedicated to providing specially trained dogs to assist people with disabilities. We serve all of New York State, except for the Buffalo and New York City area. CWC gives educational programs to inform the public about the people, dogs, and their rights.

CWC is able to place Service, Hearing, and Therapy Dogs due to the generosity of the general public. Memberships, sponsorships, bequests, donations, and volunteers are always needed to help us fulfill our mission.

This partnership of a person with a disability and specially trained dog is an extremely worthwhile but expensive project.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Your participation through donations, volunteer work, fostering dogs, or giving presentations is most needed and appreciated. You can make a difference!

Contact CWC at 315-656-3301 for presentations to interested groups.