When a fire alarm goes off, you know it! The sound makes you realize the1. What if you were deaf? How would you know if an alarm2, or if someone knocked on your door? If you took a walk3a busy street, you wouldn't hear the sound of a car coming at you. A signal dog could help you with all of these things!
Signal dogs are also called hearing ear dogs. They help people who are deaf by acting4their owners' "ears". They know5to do when they hear certain sounds. These dogs can learn up to eight sounds,6sounds from sirens, doorbells, and crying babies.
Babies cry at night for many reasons. They might be hungry,7, or wet. When they cry, the sound is pitiful! Even very sleepy parents will wake up quickly to help. But what if a mom and dad can't hear? That's when a signal dog can help. The dog can8wake his owner up. He might9him with his nose, or pull at his night clothes. When his10wakes up, the dog runs to the baby. The dog may sit down near the baby's bed. If his owner doesn't11, the dog does it again. The dog will run back and forth12his owner takes action. A signal dog does different things for each sound it knows.
People can train many13and kinds of hearing ear dogs. They look different and may not all move with beauty and grace, but all signal dogs are smart! Large dogs are14in public places because they won't get stepped on. Small dogs, however, can jump on your lap. Why is that important? Because signal dogs are more than just "ears". They are also15.
