Deaf dogs are dogs that are unable to hear or have impaired hearing (complete or partial loss of hearing). This can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, injury, or illness. They are just as loving, loyal, and capable as dogs with normal hearing, but they require some special considerations when it comes to training, communication, and safety.
Here are some important things to know about deaf dogs (and if you’d like to meet my deaf dog Chalkie and what he taught me, scroll down for the video).
Causes of Deafness in Dogs
- Some breeds are more prone to deafness than others, including Dalmatians, Australian Cattle Dogs, and Jack Russell Terriers.
- Deafness can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life due to factors such as old age, injury, infection, or exposure to loud noises.
Signs of Deafness in Dogs
- Deaf dogs may not respond to their name or verbal commands.
- They may be less alert to sounds around them, such as the doorbell or other dogs barking.
- Some dogs may have difficulty sleeping, because they cannot hear their owner’s voice reassuring them. We use a thumbs up hand signal and I put a blanket on top of my deafie, so he knows he can sleep. I also never leave the house without telling him!
Training and Communication
- Sign language can be an effective way to communicate with a deaf dog. You can use hand signals or visual cues to convey commands and praise.
- Positive reinforcement training, using treats or toys as rewards for good behavior, can be a great way to train a deaf dog. And of course games-based concept dog training. Also rewarding regular check-ins with a thumbs up and teaching a “look at me”.
- Deaf dogs may require more repetition and consistency in training, since they cannot hear verbal cues.
- Avoid using shock collars or other aversive training methods with deaf dogs, as these can cause fear and anxiety.
Safety
- Deaf dogs should always wear identification tags and be microchipped, in case they wander off or get lost. Also I found that a DEAF DOG collar made a real positive difference!
- Deaf dogs require extra safety precautions. They should always be kept on a leash or in a secure, fenced area to prevent them from wandering off and getting into dangerous situations. They should also wear a collar or tag with information about their deafness in case they become lost.
Some more things to consider:
Communication: Deaf dogs require special communication techniques. They can learn sign language and other visual cues to communicate with their owners. Training sessions should be conducted using visual cues and hand signals instead of verbal commands. Also, my boy reads my body language and orients on other dogs for clues.
Socialisation: Deaf dogs can be socialised just like any other dog. They need to be exposed to new environments, people, and other dogs to help them develop good social skills. However, they should always be monitored and kept on a leash, as they may not be able to hear approaching dangers. Another thing that I highly recommend you pay attention to is that they cannot hear a growl and might miss certain signs of dog communication.
Training: Deaf dogs can be trained just like any other dog. Positive reinforcement training techniques, such as using treats and praise, can be very effective in teaching them new behaviours. It’s important to keep training sessions short and to focus on one behaviour at a time.
Medical issues: Deaf dogs may be more prone to certain medical issues, such as ear infections and injuries due to their inability to hear approaching danger. Regular vet check-ups are important to catch and treat any potential health issues. But tbh mine never had any issues – except some allergies in spring when he was first ‘exposed’ to grass (he’s a desert dog).
Adoption: Deaf dogs can make great family members for the right family | person. They require a patient and understanding guardian who is willing to put in the extra effort to communicate with them and keep them safe. The extra effort is often more on the human side though, as we have to change our thinking and how we do things. Many animal shelters and rescue organisations have deaf dogs available for adoption – or seek out a specialised rescue.
In summary, deaf dogs require special care and attention, but they can make loving and loyal companions. With proper training, socialisation, and safety precautions, deaf dogs can live happy and healthy lives.
And it’s good to keep in mind that Deaf Dogs are ‘normal’ dogs who simply cannot hear. They are amazing!
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