Deaf Dog

[DumBlonde]

Hi, anyone out there have any personal experiences of deaf dogs?
We're considering re-homing one from our local rescue centre as we have already have a wee dog (who can hear) and he seems lonely.
They're both corgi/terrier crosses.
Any advice or stories appreciated.
Cheers

[lankeela]

Not personally, but this is an extract from a Border Collie Rescue site:

How do you cope with a deaf dog? Well there is nothing magical or mysterious about it. You treat them as you would a deaf member of your family. Training is done to hand signals (dog signing - universal commands) which are recommended or your own devised ones. Blake responds to a mixture of both. Over time you will find that if you start with universal signs you will eventually devise your own unique versions that suit you both. Sit, Down, Stay, Etc. all work and Blake is a very obedient dog - like any that is well trained.
BUT you always have to bear in mind that a deaf dog is only as good as it is when loose in a controlled environment. Free in an open environment carries risks. It can be difficult to get attention when the dog is facing away from you. This means �lead� work is normal in public places and there are limitations. A deaf dog cannot do everything and some restrictions apply, but Blake responds to this without question.
So that is the down side (if you can call it that). The PLUS side is devotion and loyalty, a super companion - far superior to our previously loved pets (and they were great). There is something additionally special about the bond you form with a deaf dog.
Blake rarely barks (only when very excited) but makes a bit more noise when out walking as he cannot hear his loud panting and grunting ( although I can!). Apart from the obvious concessions to his impediment, we treat him as a normal dog and he behaves like one.
On his ID tag it says �This is a deaf dog�, address Etc. � but he shows no apparent symptoms of being deaf so most people would not know.

[lankeela]

I thought the idea of putting that he was deaf on his tag was a good idea.

The refernce to 'dog signing - universal commands' was a website, but it did not come out as a link. I will try to find the site.

[lankeela]

This is the link to full article


Deaf Dogs - Living with a deaf Border Collie
Training is done to hand signals (dog signing - universal commands) which are recommended or your own devised ones.
http://www.bordercollierescue.org/breed_advice /Disability/Deaf/living_

[shervie5]

My gorgeous 12 yr old fox terrier has gone completely deaf. But to compensate his eyesight seems to have got better. Providing we can get him to look in our direction he seems to know what any of our hand signals mean, and we get by pretty well.

I also think that because you already have a dog he will tend to respond to what your hearing dog does and copy what he does also.

Good luck

[kita1]

Don't have any personal experiences of deaf dogs, but if you go to the forum on http://www.takingthelead.co.uk they have a section on Disabled dogs, and there are 3 'questions' on there with alot of good advice for owners of deaf dogs.

They talk about using a 'pager' type device that vibrates to get the dogs attention.

Good on you for considering taking on a deaf rescue, I am sure the rescue centre will offer some support and advice as well.