Hearing ear dogs alert the handler to sounds. Many of the common sounds are door bells, fire alarms, sirens, microwave tone, phone, timers, handlers name etc. The list depends on the needs of the owner/handler.

Hearing ear dogs also may alert to a baby crying, horn honking, dropped items etc. Much depends on the needs of the particular handler. Often the dog is trained to carry an object with a message between housemates. Occasionally they are needed to check that the home is secure upon arrival. If the handler drives, it is important that the dog can signal oncoming sirens and indicate from which direction.

All service dogs must be public access certified. This requires considerable training and temperament stability so that the public is safe and the team is controlled. Most dogs that fail to become certified service dogs do so because they fail the public access criteria.