overview

For individuals who already share a bond with their canine companion and aspire to harness their potential, Paragon offers an Owner Trained Hearing Dog Program.

Owner Trained Teams undergo a six-month training journey guided by our trainers in a comprehensive, hands-on approach, meeting the same exacting standards as ADI-certified Service Dogs.

what is a hearing service dog?

A Hearing Dog alerts individuals who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing to specific sounds, such as a smoke alarm, baby crying, or doorbell ring. A Hearing Dog Team may be trained for the right to have Public Access, which, in the U.S., includes the right of a person with a hearing disability to be accompanied by their hearing service dog in all public accommodations. 

who we work with

At Paragon, we consider working with Handlers and Hearing Dogs striving to meet the above definitions as part of our Owner Training Program with the following stipulations:

• At least 18 years old and completing this application on my own or with minimal assistance
• Live alone, with dependents, or with others who are d/Deaf or have bilateral and profound hearing loss (homes with other hearing adults may be considered on a case-by-case basis IF extenuating circumstances apply)
• Do not have another dog in the home (exceptions are typically granted for retired Paragon hearing dogs)
• Are able to complete an initial evaluation (1-2 days) and later team training (10-11 days) onsite at Paragon north of Denver at my own expense, and I will be able to work independently during these days (Paragon provides certified interpreters)
• Are able to walk a dog on a leash for 30 minutes daily, without an assistive device and without falling
• Can legally drive and/or have 20/40 vision in at least one eye (when corrected)
• Are financially, psychologically, cognitively, and physically able to provide a hearing dog's care, exercise, and ongoing training for 10 or more years

OWNER TRAINED HEARING DOG PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

phase 1 - application & evaluation

Complete applications that are submitted reviewed by our Applicant Review Committee, which will conduct additional follow up via email, phone, and virtual meetings.

An evaluation will be conducted by a Paragon trainer(s) and will consist of three meetings: an initial meeting at our facility and two public outings. Dogs must be accompanied by their individual client-handler. During the evaluation, our staff will be determining if our specialized program is likely to be a good fit for you as a team. The evaluation fee is $200. This fee will be put toward Training Phase 2 if the dog/handler team is approved to move forward. 

Moving Forward - We are here to support you every step of the way, but Paragon cannot guarantee that Owner-Trained teams will meet the standards necessary for the dog to be achieve the ability to perform sound alerts and be certified as a full hearing service dog with public access. We will discuss progress as we move through the process together. 

Paragon trainers will identify clear goals for each week's work, including clear plans for homework to reinforce training and skills. The client-handler should be able to demonstrate the required proficiency from the trainer’s perspective of where the dog and/or client-handler should be at each step of the training process. For example, a rating scale may be used from no goals were met to most or all goals were met. 

phase 2 - cues, socialization, public access

Depending on the age and ability of the dog and handler, Phase 2 will typically run for six months. During this Phase the handler and dog will meet with the trainer two times weekly; have reading and homework assignments to complete, generally in our online Google classroom; and will meet the trainer for training at the Paragon facility, in public venues, and at the handler’s home. The dog/handler team will be expected to successfully pass the Canine Good Citizen test prior to the end of Phase 2.

The Phase 2 fee is $2,500. This fee is not refundable if the work is not completed because the handler is not meeting the requirements for training – attendance (90+% required), practice sessions, completing assignments etc. This fee, prorated based on the point in the training process, is refundable if the training is discontinued prior to completion because the Paragon trainers determine during the Phase Two process that the dog is not appropriate for the service work. Again, it’s possible that a team might not be successful with this model, in which case we’d discuss with you options for the dog’s future.

phase 3 - specialty task training

Phase 3 focuses on the Specialty Task Training necessary for the dog to be able to fulfill its Service Dog role. Phase 3 will typically run for a few months. The trainer will work with the dog and handler, meeting two to three times weekly, to master the sound alert behavior. The dog/handler team will become proficient with a minimum of three sounds and will learn the training process necessary to add additional sounds down the road. Upon completion of Phase 3 the dog handler team will be expected to successfully pass the Public Access Test and the Sound Alert test required to become a certified Assistance Dog International (ADI) service dog and earn all the benefits associated with the attainment of ADI service dog status.

The Phase 3 fee is $1,500. This fee is not refundable if the work is not completed because the handler is not meeting the requirements for training – attendance (90+% required), practice sessions, completing assignments etc. This fee, prorated based on the point in the training process, is refundable if the training is discontinued prior to completion because the Paragon trainers determine during the Phase 3 process that the dog is not appropriate for the service work.

phase 4 - ongoing support, training & re-certification

Once a dog/handler team has successfully completed Phase 3; has successfully tested for Public Access and Sound Alerts; and has received their initial ADI Certification; that Dog/Handler Team becomes a “Forever Team” with Paragon. The Team will be eligible for ongoing check-ins; phone and in-person support from the trainers; access to the Monthly Team Chats – a monthly Zoom meet-up for all active clients to share triumphs and tribulations; and six-month and annual recertification necessary to maintain ADI status. There is no fee for Phase 4