Meet Frank: The Chief Cat Tester

Frank, a confident Siamese cat from High Wycombe, has taken on a unique role in helping train hearing dogs for deaf individuals. Living with his owner, Julie Shute, Frank spends time with trainee dogs to assess their compatibility with cat owners. His calm demeanor and love for dogs make him the perfect candidate for this unusual yet impactful job.

How Frank Helps Train Hearing Dogs

At the Buckinghamshire training hub of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Frank plays a vital role in the training process. Trainee dogs are introduced to Frank gradually, starting with observing him through a transparent glass door. Later, Frank interacts more closely, resting on his owner's lap while the dogs approach him. This process helps trainers evaluate whether the dogs can live harmoniously with a cat owner.

Rachel Broadley, a dog training instructor, shared: "Frank is proving to be a great addition to our training team. His confidence and love for dogs make him an ideal partner for this task."

Frank’s Body Language: The Key to Compatibility

Julie Shute explains how Frank’s body language is crucial in determining a dog’s compatibility with cats. "When a dog approaches Frank, I can tell by his posture if he feels comfortable. If he relaxes, the dog can come closer to sniff him. However, dogs that bark excessively, show too much interest, or back away may not be suitable for cat owners."

Throughout the interaction, Frank is free to leave the room if he feels uncomfortable, ensuring his well-being during the process.

Frank’s Reward: Roast Chicken Pieces

At the end of each training session, Frank is rewarded with his favorite treat: roast chicken pieces. This positive reinforcement keeps him motivated and happy in his role as the "chief cat tester."

How Frank Got Involved

Frank’s journey into this role began by accident. Julie Shute volunteered as a puppy trainer and brought home a Cockapoo named Gizmo. The two quickly bonded, eating, sleeping, and playing together. Observing this, Julie’s trainer suggested introducing other hearing dog puppies to Frank to assess their compatibility with cat owners. Since then, Frank has embraced his role and earned the title of "chief cat tester."