RICHARD
09-08-2009, 07:28 PM
Deaf puppy learns sign language
A tiny eight week old puppy is learning sign language in Australia after it was discovered that she is profoundly deaf.
Pixie the border collie is currently being taught to recognise hand commands by trainer Liz Grewal in Coffs Harbour.
Liz has been an owner of deaf dogs for six years and so far she has taught the clever youngster to sit, drop and come forth.
"Dogs understand your body language, your hand gestures, they read all of that. They know," Liz comments.
"Consistency is the key to training any dog but you have to emphasise it more with a deaf dog. You've to train them in a different way, they train quicker than a hearing dog as there are no noise distractions."
In order to get the attention of her four deaf dogs, one of the techniques that Liz uses is to squirt them with a little water bottle.
She adds: "I want these dogs to have a fantastic life, and I know they can do it."
--------------------------------
LOL, The old squirt bottle trick!
I had a ShiTzu Terrier mix that didn't know sign language, per se-but he did know the 'come here' sign, I have no more treats sign -I'd make like I was wiping my hands - I want you by my side signal........and other little signals.
Dogs are infinitely smart and can be trained that way!
Great story!
A tiny eight week old puppy is learning sign language in Australia after it was discovered that she is profoundly deaf.
Pixie the border collie is currently being taught to recognise hand commands by trainer Liz Grewal in Coffs Harbour.
Liz has been an owner of deaf dogs for six years and so far she has taught the clever youngster to sit, drop and come forth.
"Dogs understand your body language, your hand gestures, they read all of that. They know," Liz comments.
"Consistency is the key to training any dog but you have to emphasise it more with a deaf dog. You've to train them in a different way, they train quicker than a hearing dog as there are no noise distractions."
In order to get the attention of her four deaf dogs, one of the techniques that Liz uses is to squirt them with a little water bottle.
She adds: "I want these dogs to have a fantastic life, and I know they can do it."
--------------------------------
LOL, The old squirt bottle trick!
I had a ShiTzu Terrier mix that didn't know sign language, per se-but he did know the 'come here' sign, I have no more treats sign -I'd make like I was wiping my hands - I want you by my side signal........and other little signals.
Dogs are infinitely smart and can be trained that way!
Great story!