How to Live With a Deaf Great Dane

Every year, many white Great Dane puppies are killed at birth because they may be deaf and some breeders assume the most responsible way to deal with this is by culling possibly "defective" puppies. As with any dog that carries the genes for white, Merle or Harlequin coloring, deafness is a risk, especially if the breeder is careless about the genetics and breeds two Harlequins together. White dogs, particularly those with white ears, are often deaf and because of the popularity of the patchy, dramatic Harlequin and Merle coloring in Great Danes, offspring of these dogs often have too much white coloration and are deaf. Living with a deaf Great Dane is no different than living with any dog, as long was you modify training techniques. In some cases, deaf Great Danes can be even easier to live with.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Deaf Dane puppy

   Use consistent hand signals to communicate with your Dane puppy. Although speaking to a dog seems the most natural way for us to communicate, dogs pay more attention to our body language than many realize. Just like using voice commands, be consistent and clear, using the same hand signals to teach commands like come, sit, down and stay. Make sure everyone in the household uses the same signals.

2. 
    
   Deaf Dane adult

   Potty train your Dane puppy using a crate and a proper pottying schedule to encourage elimination outside. Since a deaf puppy cannot hear words of praise, use petting, signals and small treats to let him know whenever he has done something right.

3. 
    
   Great Danes are gentle dogs

   Be gentle petting your Great Dane and never, ever punish him by swatting or smacking. Since most communication is done with hand signals, you want him to associate all hand movements and touch with positive feelings instead of punishment. Most Great Danes have soft, sweet temperaments despite their size, and punishment can easily make him nervous or unhappy. Redirect him or ignore bad behavior, and reward good behavior, to most effectively raise a confident, well behaved Dane. Socialize your Great Dane by taking him with you to parks, friends' houses, on walks and anywhere else he will have positive interactions with other people and dogs.

4. 
    

   Get your Dane's attention by stomping on the floor as a signal, using lights and flashlights, or by gently touching him when asleep. Great Danes can even be clicker trained, using a flashlight instead of a clicker (see Resources below for eHow on clicker training). Use large, sweeping arm movements and signals so he can see and understand you from a distance.

5. Understand that deaf dogs are often quieter and less reactive to the doorbell, noises outside, thunderstorms and fireworks. They tend to sleep well, and like any dog, should have a secure, comfortable place to sleep in peace.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your deaf Great Dane on leash unless in a secure, fenced area. While deaf dogs are not disabled, they do have the limitation of not hearing cars coming or people calling them.
• Find a knowledgeable mentor, understand genetics and do all health testing if you plan on responsibly breeding Great Danes. Breeding dogs should never be done carelessly.

Resources

• Deaf Dog Connection
• Clicker Training Basics

[MacDonald]

on 12/17/2008 Thank you guys! I wrote this article for someone I know who rescues Danes and has several deaf ones. She wanted to get the word out. Danes are really, really sweet dogs.

[hlthychoclitnut]

on 12/16/2008 This is a GREAT article for any deaf dog. I LOVE great Danes.Everyone I've met are so sweet. They try to wrap them selves around you. I say Chihuahuas think there great Danes and great Danes think their Chihuahuas. One of these years I hope I can have one.

[zadsdonna]

on 12/1/2008 What a great article, I have a several great danes in the past ( am dogless now) but they have been the most loyal and gentle breed I have owned. Miss mine. 5stars