Originally Posted by Grummer

I happen to have anumber of books on training dogs too, as one of them IS soley specifically on hearing dogs too. That presumption is Not neccessary true, in the bulk of Hoffman's book was devoted to temperment selection and its importance was elaborated at breadth and depth; there is no way you can say the author assummes the would-be trainers, hearing dog recipents, hearing dog owners to have no intention to leave the dog home!
I didnt say family pet, that is very different. At that point I am inclined to agree that a family pet is not ideal for the strigent rules and arduous duty set upon the dog. It requires a dog or puppy to be brought up as to fit that particular role as a hearing dog. When I said responsible, I mean of course this is considered as implied, responsibilities doesnt (and shouldn't) have room for sloppy handling.

Ii is maintained before that a hearing dog should be recogised as real, with a difference I just happen to disagree that hearing PEOPLE be doing all the ruling and screening. There should be more flexiablity, and more education so deaf /Deaf people can make actual informed decision about whether they really need a hearing dog or not.

Kaitin has made some wonderfully well-resourced response about confidence, it is not something to downplay, this is real. While I also do see some immature ones but seldom there is much chance for them to bend the rules. I wasnt even condoning this at all, however it should be pointed out that tightening of controls and by-laws regarding animals across the spectrum as been publically witnessed over the recent years, had some undersirable repercusations which seemed to allow some angry people to alter the settings which otherwise would have been suitable and safe to have dogs for such excellent roles. It is sad to see more rules slapped on in response to irresponsible dog-owners or dog-abusers, even sadder that is has gotten more [hearing-dominanted]beaucracticised.

According to proper standard of service dog handling, this is not an issue, it is not unsanitary, when there working dogs are not allowed to eat, but drink water perhaps (I have been offered water for my dog, that was welcomed and caring). I think you just have get over the silly excess of zoonosis.


Yours