How Susie the rescue dog learns sign language

Igor has hearing and speech impairments, so London brings in an interpreter named Jack to pass along everything she says. Igor's dog is Susie, a little white rescue dog with black ears and a green collar. He adopted her and named her himself.

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London's goal is a big one. Someday Susie should be a service dog who lets Igor know when the doorbell rings or his phone goes off. First they need the basics, and London wants Igor to understand how a service dog behaves, so the lessons start with him.

The first tool is a clicker. London shows Igor how to press it with one finger, and explains that each click tells Susie two things. A reward is coming, and she did the right thing. Igor does not really hear the click. "I feel it," he says. "There's a snapping feeling."

Then Igor tries it with Susie. She sits, her head coming up as her rear end goes down. He waits, clicks and gives her a cookie. Now they just need to practice so they can do it faster.

Next come the hand signs. Dogs usually have good eyesight, which helps. "It's another level to be able to sign with your dog," Igor says. "I really saw her get it." Lay down is next.

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London has worked with deaf owners and their dogs before, and she says the commands are the easy part. The bigger challenge comes later, when Susie learns to alert Igor to the sounds she hears.

For now, it's basic obedience. Before she goes, London has one more tip. Igor should hold his hand a little closer to Susie's nose, so she thinks he has a treat. Then she leaves the pair with homework and says she will be back in a week to start advanced training.