How often does Smudge need his coat clipped
He doesn’t shed his coat so it grows quite thick and he can occasionally look like a sheep 
It needs cutting every 2 months, he gets a short cut in the summer and a not-so-short cut in the winter.
What does Smudge eat
Smudge eats a handful of dry dog biscuits twice a day. He is very fond of toast, chicken, mushrooms, and chocolate (special chocolate for dogs).
Where does Smudge sleep
He has his own bed and blanket. Of course, he much prefers his mum’s!
Does Smudge stay at home all day like a pet
Smudge goes to work with mum, and goes with her everywhere, to the hospital, dentist, shops (yuk), the pub, restaurants, on planes and boats. He’s rarely left on his own.
Does a Hearing Dog get free food and medical treatment
A Hearing Dog gets 2 free medical checkups a year, free worming tablets and vaccinations. Mum has to pay for the flea treatments and food.
How long does it take to train a Hearing Dog
There are three stages of training.
(1) Puppy socialisation. The puppy is placed with a foster family and continually assessed for suitability as a working dog. Up to 6 months.
(2) Sound work. Intensive training at the training centre to the deaf recipient’s sounds. 3 months.
(3) Placement training. The deaf recipient continues the training until the dog passes its final assessment. Approx 6 months.
How many dogs pass the training
50% of all dogs pass the training. Some breeds are better than others. Cocker poos achieve a 100% pass rate.
What happens to a Hearing Dog when it retires
The recipient can choose to give the dog to someone as a pet, or keep the dog as a pet and take on a new Hearing Dog.
How much does it cost to train a Hearing Dog
£5,000 : £2500 for the initial training and £2500 for the aftercare for the rest of its’ life (annual visits from trainers)
Does Smudge like traveling
He’s a born traveler. He loves to sit on the car or train seat and look out of the window, and likes the aeroplane and ferry. When we walk past a parked car, if the door is open, then mum has a job to keep Smudge from climbing in! He also loves sailing.
Does Smudge have a pet passport
Not yet! He is eligible to travel around Europe on a pet passport. Mum has held off because he cries when he has an injection, and she thinks he would rather have a break from mum and a holiday of his own!
