It is not every dog that can demonstrate the unique ability that a Hearing Dog must possess and it is a significant decision to train your own Hearing Dog. Training requires a firm commitment, strong resolve, patience and the ability to work hard.

Though the decision to train your own Hearing Dog is a challenging one, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your lifetime. Once you have resolved to train a dog, Golden Ears will teach you and your dog as a team.

The first step for individuals who are interested in training with us is to request an application. The applicant must demonstrate a significant hearing loss by providing us with a current audiogram. If you are accepted into our owner training program, there may be training fees for our services. There is a nominal application fee, and applicants will also need to provide their own equipment such as leashes, halters or collars, training treats, and are responsible for their dog's updated shots and all other medical care for their dogs.

If you already have a dog that you would like to train, contact us about testing it to see if it has the potential to make a good Hearing Dog.

If you do not currently own a dog, we can work with you to help you find a candidate. Over the years, we have successfully paired numerous rescue organization dogs and Humane Society Dogs with their Deaf/Hard of Hearing partners. Some of these wonderful dogs may have otherwise have been euthanized. We do promote rescuing dogs for training.