Can you help train a dog to assist deaf people?

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People say it is expanding its puppy training programme in Woking and Farnham

A charity has appealed for more volunteer puppy trainers as demand for hearing dogs continues to grow.

The Hearing Dogs for Deaf People said its service expanding into Woking and Farnham was a "vital step" to help more deaf people live more independent lives.

It added the volunteer trainers' tasks involved taking a puppy into their own home for six to 18 months and teaching basic cues including "sit" and "wait" and to experience different sights, sounds, smells and environments.

The charity trains dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds such as smoke alarms, doorbells and baby monitors.

Kai is one of the puppies that are in training to assist deaf people

Lisa Meller, volunteering manager, said: "Volunteers can have an opportunity to train a puppy that will go on to completely transform the life of a deaf person.

"Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, and we're now looking for kind, committed individuals or families in the local area."

Hearing dogs not only provide practical assistance to deaf people, but also offer love, emotional support and help reduce isolation and loneliness, which many deaf people experience, said the charity.

"No prior experience is needed, just a love of dogs, enough time every day to dedicate to the puppy, and a willingness to learn about dog training," Ms Meller said.

The charity says the dogs provide emotional support and help reduce isolation and loneliness

Karen Hardcastle, one of the charity's puppy trainers, said: "Becoming a volunteer trainer with Hearing Dogs has changed my life.

"It's been the best thing I've ever done – to have a dog, to learn a skill, meet lots of people, get out and about, and make a difference to someone else's life."

Volunteer trainers are supported by staff members and all costs are covered by the charity, which includes food, toys, bedding and veterinary costs.