To tell if your dog is deaf or ignoring you, test their response to sudden, unexpected noises (like a pot bang or key jingle) when they can't see you; a deaf dog won't react at all, while an ignoring dog might eventually look up or show a slight head turn, but a lack of response to normal household sounds (doorbell, name call, food bag rustle) and difficulty waking them suggests hearing loss. Signs of deafness include not reacting to familiar sounds, seeming confused, increased startling from behind, lack of ear movement, and changes in barking, while ignoring often stems from stubbornness, distraction, or past negative experiences.
First and foremost, if your dog starts ignoring commands, it could be a clear sign of hearing loss. Dogs with deafness begin to lose the ability to hear high-pitched sounds first, so if it doesn't respond to a whistle, try attempting other sounds like claps or clicks while facing away from your pet.
A red flag dog behavior signals deep fear, stress, or potential aggression, going beyond normal misbehavior, and includes intense growling/snapping without cause, sudden aggression in a calm dog, persistent hiding, resource guarding (food aggression), freezing, destructive behavior linked to separation anxiety, or signs of extreme anxiety like trembling, lip-licking, and tail-tucking, indicating underlying problems needing professional intervention.
There are several reasons why your dog might ignore you. It could be due to distractions, health issues, lack of training, or even a sign of independence. Understanding your dog's behavior and addressing any underlying issues can help improve the bond between you and your furry friend.
A few simple tests can check a dog's hearing at home: rattle your keys, squeak a toy, clap your hands behind the dog, ring a bell & whistle. It is important to do these when your dog cannot see the source of the noise as they may respond to the visual cues and give a false result.
Age-related hearing loss in senior dogs typically occurs around 13 years of age. They usually start out no longer being able to hear higher frequency sounds, which means they may still seem to hear or react to sounds with a lower pitch.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
Avoidance or Ignoring You
Dogs often disengage when they feel stressed, scared, or unsure. It could also be that they're tired, not feeling well, or simply overstimulated.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
"Silent killer" in dogs usually refers to deadly diseases that progress with few early symptoms, primarily Heartworm, Hemangiosarcoma (a type of cancer), and sometimes Leptospirosis or Canine Parvovirus, all characterized by vague initial signs, rapid progression, and severe organ damage, making prevention and early detection crucial.
Signs Your Dog is Stressed and How to Relieve It
Cobbing in dogs is a gentle nibbling behavior, often with the front teeth, resembling a human eating corn off a cob; it's usually a sign of affection, grooming, or a way to get attention, stemming from puppyhood bonding, but can also signal boredom or anxiety if excessive, and is generally harmless unless it becomes intense or painful.
You can tell if a dog is sad by noticing changes in behavior, body language, and energy, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, hiding, lack of interest in play, a low or tucked tail, flattened ears, excessive licking/pacing, or increased inappropriate urination, all signaling potential depression or unhappiness that often requires a vet visit to rule out medical issues.
Our body language is not natural if we don't speak. We are stiff and awkward and your dog will pick up on that. Never stop talking to your deaf dog, ever. Even if you aren't giving cues and you're just sitting around watching tv, if they're close enough they can feel vibrations of you speaking.
Deaf dogs can get startled easily.
Tap your foot to get their attention and use their other senses to your advantage. There is a myth that deaf dogs may be more aggressive as they can be scared more easily, but this isn't true.
When your dog is in discomfort, uncomfortable, or ill, they may appear distant. It is not always clear when a dog is in pain, but a high proportion of behavior problems or unwillingness to engage can simply be because the dog just doesn't feel great. It's pretty much like you're feeling under the weather.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
What To Do When Your Dog Ignores You
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog. If you didn't know about this rule, chances are your friends don't, either.
BAER Test: A Method Of Measuring Hearing Loss in Dogs. To test hearing in animals, owners and veterinarians can test a patient's response to high-pitched noises, such as whistling, or loud noises, such as clapping hands or banging an object. Though simple, this is the most practical way to know if an animal can hear.
Dogs that become deaf can have a change in their bark. Startle reflex: Your dog may startle more easily, or their startle response may be more exaggerated. For example, your dog may jump when you stroke them while they're resting. Sleeping more: Deaf dogs may sleep more than usual, or more deeply.
Breeds Prone to Ear Infections and Signs to Watch For