Deaf dogs make wonderful pets and family members. People who have deaf dogs say it's not that much different from having a dog who can hear. They simply communicate with their dogs using signs and body language instead of words.
With a bit of thought, consideration, and training (for both dog and human), deaf dogs can lead normal, long, rich, and happy lives.
Although it was once believed that deaf dogs could not be trained, many people that love and care for them say deaf dog training isn't difficult.
Separation Anxiety is when deaf dogs are left alone unattended and they become destructive. If you leave your deaf dog alone and your deaf dog proceeds to urinate, defecate, barks non-stop, digs up floors and rugs, chews up furniture, or tries to escape his crate, then there is a strong possibility your dog has SA.
At the end of the day, it's important to remember that hearing loss does not have to hinder your pup's quality of life. As Webb puts it: "Deaf dogs can live happy, healthy, long lives and make great companions.
It's important to remember that deaf dogs sleep very deeply, so always wake them gently to avoid startling them.
Although they require a shift in technique, they aren't much more of a commitment than any other dog. You need to teach them basic obedience, just as you would with a dog who can hear, and with a few other lessons like focus and startle resistance, your deaf dog can understand and obey you with ease.
Deaf dogs may bark less than other dogs, and the voice may sound odd. They frequently develop behavior problems because of their inability to understand human communication, and because they may be easily startled or frightened by the unexpected.
To keep your deaf dog safe around other animals, you'll need to establish a “heads-up” prompt to alert your dog when other dogs are approaching. You should also watch each dog's body language for signs of discomfort, fear or aggression.
Some of the most commonly affected breeds are Dalmatians, Bull Terriers, Australian Cattle Dogs, English Setters, English Cocker Spaniels, Boston Terriers, and Parson Russell Terriers. Congenital deafness has been found in over 80 different breeds, but it may be found in any breed.
Senile deafness develops gradually, typically occurring at about 13 years of age. Many older dogs lose their hearing but never become completely deaf; however, the loss that has already occurred is permanent. Temporary deafness is often the result of buildup within the ear canals.
Sometimes you can get your deaf dog's attention via vibrations. Tapping or stomping on the floor may make create a vibration large enough to attract your dog's attention. Once your dog looks at you, mark and reinforce that attention. In addition, waving hands or arms at a distance can gain your dog's interest.
In fact, a dog without hearing can be even more loving, as he has learned to rely on his other senses. He will stick closer to you so that he can see your movements and snuggle up close so that he can feel your closeness. Never let deafness in your dog discourage you.
Owning a deaf dog is a very rewarding and unique experience.
Since deaf dogs rely so much on their other senses, they are extremely in tune with their owners. Deaf dogs rely on their owners to communicate with them via body language, hand signals, and even facial expressions!
Deaf dogs have an excellent sense of sight and a much better sense of smell than dogs who can hear. Deaf dogs are alert, so they should have no problems knowing when there is danger around them. Dogs are social creatures and greatly rely on their sense of hearing to communicate with other dogs.
Living with and training a deaf dog can be very rewarding. Set realistic expectations, be patient, and always remember to celebrate victories - no matter how small. Deaf dogs may bark a little louder than other dogs, since they cannot hear themselves. They just bark the only way they know how, which is sometimes loud.
Loss of hearing, cognitive dysfunction, central nervous system disorders and medical conditions can all contribute to your dog's excessive vocalization. He might whine or howl if he feels the urge to eliminate more, if he's overeating and wants you to give him more food, or if he's in pain.
As your dog loses his hearing, you might find him “ignoring” your cues, such as not sitting when asked or failing to come when you call him. Or he may seem confused by his surroundings or by your requests.
Their hearing capabilities are slightly different to ours; our hearing frequency being 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz whilst a dog's is 40 Hz to 60,000 Hz. This means that they can hear sounds at a higher pitch, a prime example being a dog whistle; undetectable to humans but excruciatingly clear for dogs.
Dogs that carry the piebald gene (affects the distribution and amount of white color) are often affected by deafness. Piebaldism is the result of the absence of melanocytes, the cells that create the pigment melanin.
There are many benefits to owning a deaf dog, including the fact that noises aren't a distraction to them! While deaf dogs can pick up on the vibrations in their environment, they simply don't have the sound sensitivities that can afflict hearing dogs.
One of the benefits is that deaf dogs don't get scared of loud noises such as fireworks or gunshots. Since deaf dogs are unaffected by loud noises, they can be easier to train and less distracted during training sessions. Deaf dogs tend to be less anxious than dogs who can hear, so they make great support dogs.