Did you know that roughly 30% of dalmatians are born with congenital deafness in one or both ears?
But this does not mean they are “broken!” It is just as easy to train a deaf dog as any other dog, it’s just done differently. See how to work with a deaf dog.
Did you know with the right training, your deaf dog can do anything including competing in obedience, agility, flyball, scent work and other events? It’s true, many already do!
Training a deaf dog involves hand signals (instead of words), vibrations, consistent touches and even vibration-only collars (NOT shock collars) along with lots of patience and positive reinforcement. Much of the same that is used with a hearing dog! Learn more about training a non-hearing dog below.
Always involve the entire family in training
for the best consistency.
K9 Deafness: American Sign Language + Your Dog
Need help with easy-to-remember hand signals? Deaf humans rely on American Sign Language (ASL) every day! Learn some simple signs that can be done with one hand to communicate with your deaf dog. Use the free videos offered by Dr. Byron Bridges (who is deaf). Keeping it simple will make it much easier to learn and remember!
Deaf Dogs Sign Language (or DDSL)
on the Deaf Dogs Rock website.
K9 Deafness: “Pay Attention or Watch Me!”
The first challenge is effectively and consistently getting your deaf dog’s attention. Find what works best for you and the dog with one or more of the following:
- Calmly wave your hand in front of their face
- Gently blow on their back or head
- Send a signal to a vibration-only collar (acclimate your dog to the vibration first on his leg, hip or another area before using it on the neck and only after the dog is comfortable)
- Gently touching them in the same body location
- Thump your fist or foot on the floor (creating a vibration)
Each dog is different, so find – and keep using – the same signal(s) for getting their attention. Always be calm and gentle with all hand signals (especially in the beginning and especially with a hyper-sensitive dog) to avoid startling or scaring your dog and creating unnecessary fears.
Avoid using a laser pointer to get your deaf dog’s attention. Laser lights can create potential abnormal Compulsive Disorder behaviors in some dogs with obsessively chasing shadows and lights.
K9 Deafness: “Good Boy!”
Next, establish a signal that means “good boy” when they do something you want. Some trainers use an enthusiastic “thumbs up” along with a high-value treat to condition their dog. Again, find what works best for you and your canine.
Congratulations! You are ready to begin basic obedience training.
K9 Deafness: Basic Obedience
Most basic obedience skills are trained using some type of hand gestures even with dogs who can hear. The 5 basic obedience skills include:
- Come
- Sit
- Stay
- Down
- Loose Leash Walking
Again, keep all hand signals simple with one hand so you can also hold the leash if necessary. If you use basic sign language, use the first letter of an obedience skill to make it easy, like “s” for sit or “d” for down or “w” for walking.
Always use plenty of patience, high-value rewards and positive reinforcement just like you would for a hearing dog.
Remember, training a deaf dog is not difficult, simply different. Keep all training sessions short, fun with lots of positive reinforcement just like you would with a dog who can hear!
Did you miss our first blog on the causes of Dog Deafness?
Click here to go to Part One now.
(Brandy, embed the link under the highlighted text above)
Did you know East Valley K9 Services works with both
deaf dogs and deaf humans
with dogs?
WE do! Just send us an email!
East Valley K9 Services has got all your dog training, doggy daycare
and dog boarding.
Serving Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe and East Valley areas of Arizona!
Additional Reading:
Fetch by WebMD: Training & Caring for a Deaf Dog
DEAF Dog: Training Tips
Deaf Dog Education Action Fund Website
Best Vibration Collars for Deaf Dogs in 2020
Image Credits (Shown in Order of Appearance):
Courtesy: East Valley K9 Services
