Hi,

We have rehomed a 23 week old dog and are concerned about his hearing, not sure if it selective hearing or otherwise.  Question is, can you do tests yourselves (had to do it once with one of my children, go round a corner and whisper do you want some sweets!), can the vets do tests, or is it a specialist thing?

Hi! There is only one definitive test for hearing, which is done in a few centres in the UK. This is the BAER test, and details about it can be found on this link. (The site is a dalmatian one, but the test is done on any breed.) No other test (dropping keys or clapping your hands) is reliable, as the dog can react to the movement of air, visual stimuli, etc. Details of the centres and contacts can be found at the bottom of the link.