Sharing your life with a deaf dog

Owning a dog that has no hearing can be both a rewarding
and educating experience. Owning a dog that has good
hearing and sight can often lead us into being a little
lazy, when it comes to establishing effective patterns of
communication between us and our pet. For the most part we
struggle through with a few voice commands and maybe the
occasional hand signal, that often change depending on the
situation. Fortunately, in a lot of situations our dogs
learn to navigate their way around our impromptu
communication style and, begin to 'catch on' to what it is
we want from them.

Owning a deaf dog however is a different story; many
owners of deaf dogs testify to how much their lives have
changed since their deaf dog come to live with them. They
often talk in terms of how different and, in many case
better their relationship is in terms of both communication
and depth.

Dogs experience deafness due to a number of reasons; many
dogs are born deaf. This type of deafness is referred to as
Congenital Deafness, it's cause is due to a defective gene.
Other causes of deafness in dogs are usually the result of
accidents, illness or old age.

If you are thinking of sharing your life with a deaf dog,
then understanding, patience and, a willingness to adapt
will put you in good stead. Amongst the most important
things to consider are keeping your new pet safe,
developing an appropriate means of communication, and
making your home a comfortable and, secure place for your
dog to live.

Dogs that can not hear are often touch sensitive and, can
also become startled much easier than dog who have no
problems with their hearing, for example, if somebody
approaches them from behind and touches them, or if roused
from sleep. When owning a deaf dog you will need to keep
this in mind and, adapt the ways in which you approach and,
handle your dog. This is especially important for those
with young children, as children can be boisterous at times
and, a child running up and touching a dog that can not see
him or her coming could cause the dog to become nervous or
even try to bite.

To help your deaf dog adjust, try approaching him head on,
stamping your feet as you approach your dog from behind can
also be very helpful, as the vibrations will alert him. If
you have children teach them to approach your dog calmly
and to touch him gently.

If your deaf dog is over sensitive to your touch, try to
help him by giving him a tasty food treat each time you pet
him. With practice, your dog will begin to associate your
'unexpected' touch with a feeling of pleasure.

Two more important things to consider when making your home
a safe and pleasurable place for your dog are, not to leave
doors or gates open, so as your dog can escape and be left
unattended, as this could be disastrous. If your new dog is
going to be left alone for some time during the day, you
may consider it wise to train him to spend time in a dog
crate. However, do keep in mind due to your dog not being
able to hear he may become restless, or even frightened at
being left alone in his crate. Deaf dogs can also be
particularly prone to separation anxiety, so do make sure
your dog has plenty to occupy himself with during the time
he spends alone.

The biggest dangers posed to your deaf dog will be when you
are out and about, especially if you live in a town or
city, where there is a lot of traffic. Keep your dog on his
leash, at least until you are in a place where it is safe
to manage him off leash. However, it is important to do
this only when your dog is performing a consistent recall.

Working on building a way of communication that both you
and your dog are familiar with is vitally important to
sharing your life with a deaf dog. As your dog will not be
able to hear you, only hand signals will do. In fact dogs
are well ahead of us in terms of being able to read body
language. You can use hand signals taken from sign language
designed for humans, for example, British or American sign
language, or use signs from these languages that have been
adapted especially for using with dogs, or alternatively
you can design your own signs. smiling and speaking your
commands, although the dog will not hear you, will also
help to reinforce your new hand signals, however, the key
is keep your hand signals consistent and simple, so as not
to cause your dog to become confused.

When it comes down to it owning a deaf dog is not
dissimilar to owning a dog that can hear. All is needed is
a little extra patience, understanding, love and, a little
work on your part and, you will come to develop a
relationship with your dog that is difficult to compare.

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I have had a keen interest in canine behaviour and training
since the late 1980's. I have studied successfully for
several qualifications relating to canine psychology and,
animal care and behaviour, up to degree level. For free
information visit http://www.toptrainingtips.com

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