Deaf dogs are just as capable and intelligent as dogs that can hear. They just need a little extra time and patience. You will have to learn and teach your fur-baby the different hand signals. And just like humans that are deaf, their other senses are more sensitive.
Training a deaf dog takes some additional patience but is quite similar to training any other pup once you get the hang of it. There are a few other challenges that owning a deaf dog can pose in your day-to-day life. Deaf dogs startle more easily.
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.
Some deaf dogs sleep longer and more deeply than hearing dogs; so it's paramount to wake your dog gently (especially new puppies).
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.
In the vast majority of cases where a deaf dog has behavioral problems, it is due to the lack of leadership on the humans' part and/or the humans' emotions that are being directed at the dog.. A human may be able to hide their true feelings from another human, but we humans can never hide our emotions from a dog.
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.
Show Physical Affection
If your dog lies down, and you pat them on the head, this is a sign of approval. Eventually, they'll figure out that a pat on the head means a good job and will repeat the good behavior more often. Treats, snuggles, and pats are all great ways to let your deaf dog know that you care.
But, how do you begin to work with a deaf dog when the default or “go-to” form of communication is verbal? Owners and trainers “speak” to dogs, teaching them to comprehend intent and meaning. With a deaf dog, the verbal avenue is not an option. Communication needs to focus on the visual sense instead.
Being deaf in both ears causes more significant problems and most owners notice that their dog does not respond to noises - the opening of doors, the fridge, food packages, calling their name etc. and fail to respond to noisy people, animals and machinery.
They may not understand certain concepts and dangers that hearing dogs do. For example, your deaf dog can't hear cars or honking, so aren't able to use these scary sounds to act accordingly. Deaf dogs can get startled easily. Wake them up gently and give warning signs before sneaking up on them.
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.
Some otherwise deaf dogs can hear certain frequencies such as a shrill dog whistle. If your dog is lucky enough to have this degree of hearing make sure you use this whistle and reward his response. You never know when it will come in handy. Lastly is the issue of identification.
I go outside and do short recalls with the deaf dog by just using a 6-foot leash. I let the puppy or dog become distracted by whatever is going on outside and then wiggle the leash, and when the dog turns in my direction and makes eye contact with me, I give the come sign.
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.
Home tests for deafness
Clapping your hands is a great way to detect deafness in your dog, but it's best to do it whilst standing further away. Because dogs rely on air movement and vibrations to detect any sounds around them, they may be able to pick up on air movement and in turn, respond to your clapping.
This specialized layer of cells, and the cells that determine hair color, come from the same stem cell source. Without this stem cell, the dog's body won't be able to make this specialized layer of hearing cells and will likely be white in coloration. Dogs that carry the piebald gene are often affected by deafness.
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.
Deaf dogs can be easily scared, so it's important to approach them and adjust their care to help them feel as safe as possible. Always give your dog plenty of time to see you before touching or stroking them, so they know what to expect.
Separation Anxiety – Deaf dogs may have separation issues because they cannot hear. For example, if you leave a dog in a crate she or he may panic about being alone because it cannot hear activity in the next room. Recall – If your deaf dog runs away from you, how will you get her or him to return to you?
Deaf dogs do not need a hearing companion as a guide. The personality of the individual dog will determine whether another pet in your home is desirable.
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the individual dog's personality. However, some people believe that deaf dogs may be more clingy because they cannot hear their owners' voices and may feel isolated.
It is common for older dogs (9+ years) to start to experience hearing loss that progresses to near deafness in some very old dogs. But that is not because of changes in the ears.
Cochleosaccular is the most common cause of deafness and is associated with coat color patterns. It is usually seen in dogs with the piebald color genes or merle color gene. It can cause deafness in either one or both ears and is seen more in association with blue eyes and a white coat.