deaf dogs

Re: deaf dogs

funkyfish — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 09:22:29 GMT

Dogs rely on body language and scent much more than hearing, so its not a problem for the dog, and it can be easier to train a deaf dog as we can't confuse them with our body language telling them one thing and our words telling them another.

It can be a safety issue for the dog as we cant quickly call them back from potentially dangerous situations and getting their attention can be hard. There is a pager collar that vibrates that can be useful to teach dog that vibration on neck = look at handler for further instructions (same as using a normal dogs name). You have to work on teaching the dog to check in on you regularly but that is easy.

Re: deaf dogs

hobbits — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:34:52 GMT

we had someone bring in a dog to be PTS over the weekend as he thought it was deaf. He himself had a mental illness - we think schizophrenia or something, he was trying to explain that he wasnt stable on meds etc. There was no one else with him. Luckily we persuaded him to leave the dog over the weekend while he got himself sorted/someone else to help him, and he picked the dog up sunday pm much happier and very relieved he hadnt had her put down as she was happy and healthy in every other respect.

Re: deaf dogs

Lor12 — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 15:23:35 GMT

My previous dog lost her hearing as she got older, I re-trained her using hand signals & this worked really well. Had to be careful when out & about with her off lead but my other dog looked out for her & was her ears I guess. She was a very happy girl.

I know have the same issue with my current dog, she is only 7 & I noticed her hearing was declining over the last few months. She has a ruptured ear drum from unknown cause. Again I'm very careful when we are out & stick to her like glue, but she is a crazy spaniel & certainly doesnt let it affect her one bit.

Hand signal training works really well & they usually pick it up quite quickly. I've also know a collie who has been deaf since birth & lives a norm life.

PTS is not the right option here considering their other senses are so strong & they lead normal happy lives.