Signal Dog Program

Support Dogs, Inc. has begun a Signal Dog Program to serve those in the community that are deaf or hard of hearing. These dogs are trained to alert to a minimum of three to five sounds, which include the doorbell, smoke alarms, telephone, and alarm clock, among others.

Support Dogs, Inc. will use dogs to alert their human partner to a sound by nudging or pawing to get their attention and then lead them to the sound. These dogs will be certified for public access if the individual wishes, after the completion of a certification course and testing.

Once the dog is ready to be placed, the new signal team will train at the Support Dogs, Inc. facility, as well as in the individual’s home. Practical experience will provide the best environment for the human and dog to learn in. Support Dogs will be available to assist with training issues if they arise once the dog is placed.

To qualify for a signal dog, the individual will have to complete an application process, be 18-years-of-age or older, be able to commit to the training, provide care for the dog once it is placed, and agree to follow-up criteria which is in place for all dogs placed through Support Dogs, Inc.