
Why a Hearing Dog Guide?
Hearing Dog Guides assist Canadians (16 years or older) who are deaf or hard of hearing and are unable to detect important sounds. These Dog Guides are specifically trained to respond to seven sounds in the following ways:
- Alert (touch their handler) and bring them to many household sounds like a kitchen timer, someone at the door (doorbell and door knocking), someone calling their name, and a telephone ringing.
- Alert (touch their handler) to indicate the alarm clock is activated.
- Alert (touch their handler) and spin to indicate that a fire alarm has been activated.
Before you apply, please read the Discovery Package to ensure you meet the qualification criteria. Applying is an intensive and emotional journey you will be required to participate in if you wish to move forward. It is important to understand all you can before making this important decision.
We are excited to share that the Hearing program has opened its waitlist. Please take the time to review the updated Discovery Package document before you submit an Expression of Interest. Currently, we have 20 spaces available on our waitlist. If we receive more expressions of interest than available spots on the waitlist, we will randomly select a limited number and process those expressions of interest only. Those who are not selected will need to wait for the next time the waitlist reopens to reapply. Please note that we have limited spots available for those who require hypoallergenic dogs. If you’re unable to complete the Expression of Interest online, please contact our client services team for support at client-services@dogguides.com.
Application and Training Process

Step 1
Discovery
Welcome to the start of your journey with Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides! A lot goes into training each of our dogs, but an assistance dog isn’t right for everyone. The Discovery process will allow you to learn everything you’ll need to know to help you decide if you’ll move forward with this journey.
During Discovery, you will have the opportunity to spend some time reviewing informative material about our organization, the program best suited to you, and what it takes to work with a Dog Guide. These pieces will help build a foundation of understanding for the journey ahead, including the responsibility of working as a Team and what life may look like with a Dog Guide.

Expression of Interest

Application

Step 4
Dog Team Matching

Step 5
On Campus Training
