Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are trained at our National Training Centre in New Plymouth. Sometimes it is necessary for us to place a Hearing Dog in Training with a 'socialiser' until the dog is old enough to begin its sound- training (usually around 8 months old), or whilst it is being trained.

Socialisers look after the dog and provide basic obedience training, general socialisation and human contact to guidelines supplied by us. Socialisers also reinforce obedience and sound training carried out by the Trust whilst the dog is in their care. A dog may be placed with a socialiser for a few days, weeks or several months depending on specific circumstances. All Socialisers provide their services on a voluntary basis, free of charge.

Essential information:

1. Most dogs come from animal rescue centres and may have been neglected, mistreated or abused. All are quite young (usually less than 2 years old). Behaviours that may be exhibited by a Hearing Dog in training include:

• barking, crying, whining or howling
• 'mouthing' - play or puppy-style biting and chewing - furniture, cushions, toys, shoes and anything else they decide to chew
• jumping up at people and on furniture
• stealing food or belongings
• scratching and digging
• chasing - people, animals, bikes or anything that moves
• toileting inside (deliberately or accidentally)
• pulling on a leash
• showing aggression towards other animals or people

Of course, we actively discourage all of these behaviours but they may occur whilst with the socialiser. Forewarned is forearmed!

2. A Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand Hearing Dog socialiser:

• is likely to have had previous experience caring for and / or handling a dog
• is unlikely to have another dog younger than 2 years
• must have a fully fenced enclosed area appropriate to the size and breed of the dog
• will take part in an interview in their own home
• is willing to spend a good deal of quality time working with the dog and Hearing Dogs staff
• will ensure the dog has human contact for at least 95% of a 24-hour period
• will not leave the dog unsupervised at any time
• will permit the dog to sleep indoors
• will provide a wide range of positive life experiences for the dog eg. taking the dog with you to your place of work or on shopping trips
• will keep adequate and appropriate notes of the dog's behaviour and performance
• will comply with and adhere to our Socialising Guidelines and Socialiser Agreement

3. We provide the socialiser with the dog's bed, bedding, food, leash, toys, treats, bowls, indoor kennel (cage), medical treatments. We also provide initial orientation for each socialiser, a notebook to record the dog's behaviour and performance and a Socialiser Manual.

To discuss whether becoming a Hearing Dog socialiser might be appropriate for you, please print this form or contact us at the address below. Thank you for your interest in these wonderful dogs!

Contact us:

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People New Zealand
P O Box 8117
New Plymouth

Ph:   06 769 5000
Fax: 06 769 5400

Email: info@hearingdogs.org.nz

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