[PetScribe]

I know sometimes Murph, like other dogs I've had, practice selective hearing, but my friend recently adopted a puppy who turns out is deaf.

I found some stuff online about traning deaf dogs but I was wondering if anyone here ever had experience with it they'd care to share that I could pass along to her?

Thanks in advance!

[mcmama]

Only in old age. Not a puppy.

I've known people with deaf cats - the white wall eyed ones. Cats don't listen anyway, and it is amazing how a deaf cat can train people to respond to its signals!!!

[DivasMomma]

i have had a deaf dog.

Training is actually much easier then people tend to think. Everything is done the same....but instead of words its a lot of hand motions. Very BIG hand motions. You can use "real" ones or make up your own, just make sure you stick with the same ones. Treats work wonders as well, and a lot of human touch. All dogs respond to petting and patting, but the deaf/blind dogs seem to respond even better. A dog whistle can sometimes be heard as well, try one and see if the puppy has a reaction. Thats a great way to call a dog back who has his/her back turned towards you. GL

[mcmama]

This is great, Rhianna - I hadn't thought of the dog whistle, but they just might hear that sometimes.

[DivasMomma]

I worked at a private zoo that had a pet store in the front. I got to work with a lot of really neat animals, but mostly puppies and kittens. i learned a lot working there...including how to administer meds and shots. I also helped give a baby cappuchin (sp?) stiches because his mother didnt want him anymore and tried biting his lip off I also helped my Aunt care for a baby Kangaroo who was puched out of his mothers pouch around 5 months of age...just like a human baby...they are very neat animals! The owner had 16 dogs which lived on the property and most of them were "store" dogs. They would just lay around the store and keep us company. One of which was deaf. Thats how i learned so much in that area. One also had 3 legs, but could run faster then any of the other! Best job i ever had

[mcmama]

That is a great job!!!!

That is a funny thing about some three legged dogs, they do learn to run fast, and develop strength - probably easier if a hind leg is missing than a front one, but I've seen both.

When I was a kid, our neighbors had an English setter whose leg had been injured in a hunting accident, and was amputated. That dog could still run - and missed the hunt. One day he brought home a rat he had flushed out of a nearby field - naturally the lady screamed and yelled. He got VERY offended, picked up his rat, and brought it to our house as a present!!!

Fortunately the neighbors saw him heading in our direction and were able to clear this up pretty quickly. It was so funny!

[PetScribe]

Thanks everyone! As usual the forums have proved a quite helpful place to get answers!!!



About not only deaf dogs but insights into so many other pets with disabilities. It's amazing how animals who've had limbs amputated get around just fine.

And DivasMomma...you have some GREAT tales from working at that private zoo. How cool! Thanks for sharing some of what you learned from that experience.

[oweirdo]

Dalmatians have problems, there has been such an in-breeding of them. You can teach a deaf puppy sign language, and they do well. They can learn just as much that way has a hearing dog.

[DivasMomma]

Any full bred dog has many issues...that is why most full bred dogs only have a life span of 8-10 years. The bigger ones sometimes have even lower life spans then that!

This is why, IMO, they are coming out with all the new breeds (ie: Cock-A-Poos ((cocker span./poodle)), Schnoodle ((schnauzer/poodle)), Golden Doodles ((Golden Retriver/Poodle)), and the ever so popluar Puggle ((Pug/Beagle))and sooo many more!)
Many of these breeds are actually recognized by the AKA and AKC and other boards now as well. So, in reality you are buying a mutt, paying the full bred price, but at least getting your money's worth...they will live a lot longer!

One last thing: So many dogs are mixed with poodles because they have hair rather then fur...much better for people w/ allergies to the dander in animals hair, also much better on the shedding aspect