Welcome to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides

Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada

Hearing Ear Dogs alert people who are hard of hearing to important sounds and bring an independence and new confidence to their silent lives.

Basic Skills:

Makes physical contact with handler on hearing specific or unusual noises.
Leads handler to source of noise.
Responds to telephone ring, door bell ring or knock, voice calls, baby crying, kettle boiling, and other household sounds.
Can respond to hand signals and limited signing.

Typical Breeds
The program usually trains small to medium sized dogs who, at the age of one year, demonstrate that they are friendly, active and willing to work. The pup is either born at our Breslau Centre, or is donated to the Foundation. They are placed in foster homes to live, being socialized in different environments for their first year.

Training Program
When the dog is about one year of age, he is returned for assessment and medical examination. Dogs who qualify begin a six-month training program in a simulated home environment at the training centre. Successful applicants undertake a two-week program to learn how to work with and to bond with their new Dog Guide partner. The dog can also be trained to respond to hand signals if the new owner cannot speak clearly enough to give verbal commands.

Entering the Community
Our certified Hearing Ear Dogs are distinguished by the internationally recognized bright orange harness that is stenciled with "Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada".


How to Obtain a Hearing Ear Dog Guide From Lions Foundation of Canada