Hello
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Living with our Deaf Dogs
Hello!! I am so very glad that you came to visit. There is so much to say about loving and living with a deaf pup that I can only begin here. What I know for absolute certainty is that I would not trade my life with my deaf pups for anything in the world. –
The best advice I can give anyone with a deaf pup, child, friend, or relative is to establish a solid method of communication.
COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS. My dear husband, Jim, bought me a pocket-sized book on American Sign Language. I did not know ASL prior to adopting my male, Hogan. I chose human sign language because there are a great number of folks who know at least a bit of sign. Also, when I had to leave the pups with a sitter or the vet, I merely had to leave the handbook or make copies of the important ones. That made it possible for them to talk with my pups without a great deal of instruction - critical in sudden situations. My pups were also never left in a totally "silent" environment - someone could always talk to them. I also had a deaf female, Georgia, and they both (along with my hearing black lab) understood many signs and short sentences. (I used over 60 signs with them.) Having them understand what I was saying to them and having a connection was wonderful. You could see them watching my hands and face for messages, and they loved to be signed to. They were so intent.
Keep it simple and always use a sign for what you want.
Deaf pups are smart - most pups are - and they learn. They are physical in nature and naturally watch for signals and body language.
Repetition was how I trained my pups to understand signs - instead of using the spoken word, I used the sign for the word and then had my pups do what I wanted or needed them to do.
I started with sit along with cookie. Believe me, once your pup puts together cookie and a delicious reward, you will be off and running.
My pups loved to ride in the car and when I signed car. they ran for the door. Kiss was fun and going for a walk met with approval. Potty is great. I used the sign for toilet which is simply the letter "T." I signed it every time I took them out to go potty, and they knew I meant business, especially if it was late and I wanted to go to bed.
Be gentle, patient, and very positive.
Reward. Never punish. The more you reward, the more the pup will respond. This is how I did all my training.
Socialization is also extremely important - and never stops. It must be continuous. Let others give treats. This will make meeting someone a wonderful experience for your pups.
Desensitization to scary situations (such as being startled or awakened suddenly) is crucial for trauma as well as safety. This training must be done with care, patience, and a slow pace.
Praise is crucial, touch is essential, and massage works wonders.
AND . . . remember that a tired dog is a good dog!!