Name: Maverick
Breed: Border Terrier
Program: Hearing Dog
Sponsored by: Lions Club of the City of Adelaide
Date of Birth: 20 September 2020
Delivery: January 2022
Trainer: Bella
This month Maverick has completed some big milestones in his Training as a Hearing Assistance Dog. He recently completed his Public Access Test, which is the final test he needs to pass before being allowed to leave the Training Centre to go to his new home.
In true Maverick style he calmly went through the Public Access Test which was done at Burnside Village. As it is Christmas time the shops were fully packed so Maverick had to weave his way through excited shoppers. Despite the rush in the air, Maverick still walked at his slow slug like pace with me.
He showed no signs of being nervous at any point and during the test even lay down in front of the meat section of the supermarket. He coped amazingly going up and down in the elevator, even when my own stomach flipped from the movement.
When back at the Training Centre he then had to complete the second part of the Public Access Test which is his Sound Work.
He had no issue with this and received a perfect score of 5 on his doorbell, door knock, alarm clock, mobile phone, home phone, oven timer, baby cry and the most important smoke alarm. He had to work these around corners, in different rooms and with the added distraction of another person in the Training Centre.
He also had to touch me when I was sitting, standing and laying on the bed. When Maverick completes his bed touch he acts as if the small jump up onto the bed is like climbing a mountain and then jumping off is like jumping out of a plane.
He also recently had a visit from Santa and got to have a ride in his sleigh.
He is continuing to work through his sounds and complete outings as per normal until his delivery in late January.
