Dogs get the thumbs up

Two Blue Cross dogs have got the thumbs up after learning sign language.

Homeless deaf dogs Sissy and Chester are learning basic commands to help them communicate with humans.

They’ve been taught that thumbs up means good boy/girl, waggy finger means no, arms outstretched means come here and outward palm means stay.

Mastering these commands will really help the dogs as it will improve their relationship with a potential new owner.

Both Sissy and Chester are being looked after at our adoption centre in Tiverton.

Chester, a seven-year-old energetic boxer, is responding really well to learning sign-language and also to the rewards of fuss and treats when he gets it right!

Sissy is an eight-year-old collie cross. She has been at the centre for some time even though she is also doing really well at the training.

Both dogs are sadly getting overlooked because of their disability and Sissy is now the longest stay dog at the centre after arriving last summer.

Find out more about Sissy and Chester.