Volunteers needed to train pups

THE first hearing dog for the deaf for south Manchester and Cheshire has arrived.

Abney, a cocker spaniel is the first pup to start training as part of a new puppy socialisation training scheme run by the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

But the organisation needs more volunteers to care for and train hearing dog puppies.

The pups will live with their hosts for up to 14 months, getting used to the sights and sounds of everyday life.

Volunteers will get support from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and will learn to teach the puppies obedience and socialisation skills

Victoria Leedham, volunteering manager at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: “We are delighted to be launching our puppy socialising scheme in Cheshire and south Manchester.

“The new project will enable the charity to train more puppies to change the lives of deaf people, and we are now appealing for dog lovers in the area to come forward and find out more about this exciting role.

“Volunteering is an extremely rewarding experience, and puppy socialising is a great opportunity to learn or improve your dog-training skills – and meet lots of new friends along the way!”

Puppies will be placed with volunteers at around eight weeks old and will work with them at home for around 14 months, before they return to the charity for further training.

Abney is currently settling in with volunteers Mark and Lesley Thornton in Hale.

Volunteers should be over 18, have enough time to socialise a puppy on a daily basis, own a car and have access to a secure garden.

For more information visit www.hearingdogs. org.uk/puppysocialising or email volunteer@ hearingdogs.org.uk.