Alarm / smoke detector alert
Intermediate — more complex
Hearing Alert Dog
Multi-Task Service Dog
About this task
Dog alerts handler when a smoke detector, CO detector, or other alarm sounds.
How it helps: Provides critical safety alert for deaf or hard of hearing handlers who cannot hear alarms.
Required foundation skills
Doorbell alert. Solid recall.
Training steps
- Introduce alarm sound at low volume as a cue for reward
- Dog should orient to the sound, then go to handler
- Increase volume gradually
- Teach dog to alert handler AND lead them to an exit or safe area
- Practice with actual alarm sound (test detector)
- Practice when handler is sleeping
- Proof in multiple settings
Proofing criteria
Once your dog reliably performs this task at home, proof it in these environments and situations:
- Alerts to smoke alarm reliably at home
- Wakes handler from sleep when alarm sounds
- Leads handler toward exit
- Maintains alerting until handler is safely out
- Does not panic at alarm sound
- Alerts in an unfamiliar space