Name alert
Beginner — basic task
Hearing Alert Dog
Multi-Task Service Dog
About this task
Dog alerts handler when someone calls the handler's name.
How it helps: Alerts deaf or hard of hearing handlers when someone is trying to get their attention.
Required foundation skills
Attention. Doorbell alert.
Training steps
- Have a helper call handler's name loudly
- Dog touches handler and then looks toward the sound source
- Reward dog for alert and lead behavior
- Practice with different callers and different volumes
- Practice in different environments
- Teach dog to look toward caller and back to handler (indicating direction)
Proofing criteria
Once your dog reliably performs this task at home, proof it in these environments and situations:
- Alerts when name is called at home
- Alerts and indicates direction of caller
- Alerts in public settings
- Reliable across different callers
- Does not false alert to similar names