Loving Deaf Dogs

Thousands of deaf dogs are needlessly euthanized each year simply because they can’t hear, and a dog that can’t hear can be a tough sale at a shelter. Most people in the market to adopt a dog don’t realize that deaf dogs are completely trainable, and many people believe the host of myths that surround deaf dogs.

Contrary to urban legend, deaf dogs aren’t more easily startled and aggressive, they can socialize easily with children, they aren’t more likely to be hit by cars, they don’t need a “hearing dog,” and they’re not difficult to train.

A deaf dog does not mean an unsocial one. Believe it or not, dogs “talk” to each other primarily through body language–sniffing, facial expression, and posturing. Training methods for teaching a deaf dog are different than those for dogs that can hear, but much of the process is the same. Here are some tips courtesy of the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund:

1. Purchase an American Sign Language pocketbook. It will open up a world of words for you and your dog. Your deaf dog is going to surprise you. All that’s happening is that she is learning signs (and facial expressions) instead of words. The first word signs you should concentrate on are sit, down, stay, come, no and stop.

2. Keep your dog on a leash when walking. The leash, and a fenced yard or stake and lead are necessities with the deaf dog. Buy a dog tag stating, “(dog’s name) is deaf. Please hold and call (your name/phone)”.

3. Put a bell on your dog. Hunting dog bells are good, but if you think too bulky, use one of those loud Christmas bells women wear as necklaces during the holidays. This allows you to hear your dog when he is on the move. Good luck when he falls asleep somewhere out of the way and you can’t find him.

4. To get your dog’s attention, thump on the floor with your fist or foot or wave. Some people use a flashlight or a laser light. If your dog is outside at night and you want to call him in, turn your porch light off and on.

For the complete list of tips visit the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Sheri D.

5:12AM PST on Feb 1, 2012

Great suggestions--thank you.

send a green star

caterina c.

6:12AM PDT on Aug 7, 2011

Maria L.

6:24PM PDT on Mar 31, 2011

Deaf Dogs are the Best!! and Yes, they do bark!!

Jody W.

10:38AM PDT on Mar 19, 2011

Deaf animals are very smart and they're just 'put down' because people think they're damaged goods- it's not right!

KS G.

1:16AM PST on Feb 27, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Bon L.

5:36AM PST on Nov 27, 2010

Thanks for the info.

Kymberlee F.

3:21PM PDT on Oct 26, 2010

Yes they do bark but perhaps not for the reasons you may suspect. They can alert when they "feel" something and they certainly joy bark. They may also bark when bored. Not all the different than a hearing dog. All dogs are worth every ounce of love we have for them. It is our own worth that may pale in comparison!

Emily M.

8:27AM PDT on Oct 26, 2010

okay so i was thinking about adopting a deaf puppy, im glad i read this, i was just wondering if they still bark!?

Past Member .

7:44AM PDT on Oct 9, 2010

Any deaf and blind dog can be trained and are equally loving as seeing and hearing dogs.

liz j.

4:43AM PDT on Oct 8, 2010

Absolutely so true. My parents many years ago rescued an abused poodle. He went on to live to a great age and was blind and deaf towards the end. When he went deaf it was the first bit of peace we had in the house as he hadn't a clue when the doorbell rang! I have had numerous rescue dogs and train them all by sign language. They just have to look at my face to know what I want them to do and it didn't take them long, cause they are truely smart. Well maybe Alice the afghan was not quite the full potato,I just kidded myself that she was too beautifull to be ordered around!