When we consider training dogs, most of us first think of using our voices for commands. But what if your new dog is deaf? And what happens if they get out of your yard? You certainly can't yell your dog's name and expect him to respond if he can't hear you. Today we will be going over our top five tips, tricks, and strategies for anyone who has a hard-of-hearing dog to improve their quality of life, and the bond between them and their owner - you!
Teach Your Dog to Focus
Since you won't be able to grab your dog's attention with his or her name, the first thing you should do when training your new pet is to teach them how to focus. This is usually done with a specific hand signal. Once you have chosen a hand signal that works for you, start by showing your dog this signal and immediately reward him with a treat. You'll need to do this over and over again so that your dog will start to associate this specific hand signal with a treat, and therefore, look at you.
Remember, your dog needs to be looking at you for you to get his attention. It's important to continue to reinforce this "focus" command regularly so that your dog will always have one eye on you for their next treat. After you and your dog have mastered the "focus" command, the rest of their training will be much easier.
Consider Training with ASL
If you choose to train your dog without the help of a professional trainer, you do need to be aware that this type of dog training will be more difficult than training a dog without hearing issues. Just like we did when we taught your dog to focus, hand signals will be the name of the game with all of his or her training. Many owners of deaf dogs choose to use American Sign Language to teach their dogs various commands.
Teaching your dog to sit, lie down, come to you, or give their paw can all be done using sign language. If you choose to use ASL, simply look up whichever hand signal conveys the desired command, and use it every time you teach your dog that command. For example, if you are teaching your dog to sit with a hand signal, you will need to lure him or her into a sitting position, as well as show them the hand signal you want them to associate with sitting. And of course, when they sit, they get a treat!
These methods should be used for all commands you wish to teach your dog. And remember, if you're having trouble, patience is critical when working with any dog. Don't forget to bond with your dog and show them affection during the training process to keep morale up for both of you. And if you're stuck, there's nothing wrong with hiring a professional dog trainer to help you out!
Keep an “I’m Deaf” Tag on Your Dog’s Collar
Just in case your dog does get away from you, they need to be identifiable as deaf. Along with their rabies tag, name tag, and any other tags you may use, be sure to also have a tag stating that your dog is deaf. If he or she is picked up by a good samaritan or an animal control officer, this information will be extremely helpful. If the person who finds your dog doesn't know he is deaf, they could accidentally scare him with their body language, or assume that he is being defiant when he simply cannot hear whatever is being said to him.
Along with the "deaf" tag, be sure to always keep your dog's microchip information up to date with your current contact information, and be sure to always have their rabies vaccine in date, and their license with your local city hall. These steps will ensure that if your dog does escape your home, he will be returned to you as soon as possible. Remember - if your rabies vaccine is out of date, this can cause a lot of issues when reclaiming your dog from an animal control facility.
Keep Your Neighbors in the Loop
Make sure your neighbors are aware that your dog cannot hear. This is especially important if your dog manages to find a way onto their property. If your neighbors don't recognize your dog and also don't know he is deaf, mistakes can easily be made. All of your friends and family should also be aware that your dog is deaf as well, and be shown how to give commands. Just like with raising children with disabilities, deaf dogs need to be shown care and consistency by everyone in their lives, even if it's someone who only visits once or twice a year.
Never Stop Learning
There are numerous online communities for people who own deaf animals. And of course, there are books, blogs, journals, articles, seminars, and more that can help you deepen your understanding of your dog's disability. You can also reach out to find other like-minded people with deaf pets through your local animal rescue groups, shelters, or even community centers in some cases. It's always a good idea to compare notes and struggles with others in the same situation.
Connecting with a specialized veterinarian can also be a huge help for people who have never owned a deaf animal before. Just like with any new pet, they should be established with your vet right away. But for a deaf dog, a vet who has a specialty in deafness is extremely important. Your vet can be a wealth of knowledge.
Remember, having a deaf pet can be challenging. But it can also be extremely rewarding! The more you bond with your dog, the more you will realize that being deaf doesn't have to stand in the way of a long, healthy, and happy life for your pet. Whether your dog has lost their hearing due to age or a health concern, or if you adopted your new dog already deaf, he or she will always look at you as their favorite person for never giving up on them.
