How to Live With a Deaf Dog

Deaf dogs make wonderful and rewarding companions. In order to bond with deaf dogs and fully appreciate them—here are some things to know about living with them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Love and patience

1. 

   Stomp on the floor or shine a light to get your deaf dog’s attention. It stands to reason that their lack of hearing puts them very in tune with their other senses.

2. Touch your deaf dog gently in the same spot (away from the head) each time you wake him up. This will not be felt as threatening and your dog will come to recognize his guardian’s touch.

3. 

   Teach your deaf dog hand signals based on American Sign Language. Learning only a handful of signs will help you communicate effectively. Use treats and petting to show praise while training.

4. Make training part of your regular daily activity. If your dog is lying quietly, smile at her from time to time and give a signal to let her know she is behaving.

5. 

   Use the sign for your dog’s name and make full eye contact when talking to him in order to get his attention.

6. Flash a porchlight or use a flashlight to call your deaf dog back from playing in the yard after dark.

7. Keep your deaf dog on a leash anytime she is not in a confined area, because if she runs away, you can’t call her back and she won’t hear danger approaching. Leashing will condition her to return in case she accidentally gets loose.

8. Leave on a light and the TV if you have to crate your deaf dog, as well as his favorite toy to keep him occupied. Deaf dogs are more likely to experience separation issues and panic in a crate, because they can’t hear surrounding noises. That's why it's very important to make them comfortable.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that deaf dogs look to your face and hands for instruction since they can’t hear your voice. Remember to work your face muscles and use animated expressions.
• Having a hearing dog in the household is helpful to a deaf dog. The deaf dog will look where the hearing dog looks and often go to sleep touching the hearing dog. If the hearing dog moves slightly, it will stir the deaf dog and help alert him to his surroundings.
• If there are children in the household, teach them the basic hand signals and let them know to remain calm and not move rapidly around the dog, since deaf dogs startle easily. Make a few areas off limits to children, so the dog will have his own safe place to fall asleep.
• Never physically correct or coerce your deaf dog. Since hands and touch are your main means of communication, physical correction will only serve to cause confusion and distrust. A fearful dog might snap at you out of self defense.

[diggitydogg]

on 12/20/2008 I'm so glad that it's gonna work out for you...she already sounds better behaved than most dogs! Best of luck...that's great to hear.

[ladyjanevintage]

on 12/20/2008 We just discovered that our 8 month of Pug, Ruby Jayne, is deaf. At first we thought it was her being a "naughty puppy" and just not listening to us, but then we started doing different "tests" for her hearing. That is when we discovered her deafness, and had our vet confirm it. Either the breeder didn't know it herself, or never disclosed that information to us when we got Ruby at only 9 weeks old. In any event, we wouldn't trade her for the world and will learn everything we can to make her life with us comfortable and happy. She is a joy to everyone who meets her and is great with children, other dogs and even cats!:)

[MidniteWriter]

on 6/16/2008 I had a deaf cat once, it was quite the challenge. Wish I had your article back then. Stomping did help. They are much louder than their hearing counterparts. Thanks for your article!

[Desula]

on 5/25/2008 My friend has a deaf dog named Edison, and he's a sweet boy.