New Puppy is Deaf -- Need Help

**Goochina & Goochissimo** · 04-17-2002, 09:47 AM

I haven't posted in a while, but I am the mom to a 4 yr old dalmatian, Odie.

Just last weekend, we adopted a 4 month old dalmatian puppy and named him Scout. He is just SO adorable!!!! But he is deaf.

I was wondering if you have any tips for training him. I plan to use hand signals and start using treats to train him. Unfortunately I haven't found any treats that he likes!!!

Also, are there any safety tips you have? I am terribly afraid he'll get out and get hit by a car or something. I keep him kenneled in the house while I'm gone, but it is still a fear. Are there special reflective collars or anything that might help? Any recommendations?

His tag does indicate our phone number as well as complete address, and it notes that he is deaf. I am crossing my fingers that he is fairly easily trained.

Also, do deaf dogs bark any more than normal? Any less? He definitely does bark a lot now, I'm wondering if it is just puppy behavior?

**Cincy'sMom** · 04-17-2002, 10:08 AM

Greg Louganis has a book titled, "For the Life of Your Dog". One of the things he talks about in it is a deaf Great Dane named Ryan that he had. It was a while ago that I read the book and I don't remember how many tips or the like he gave about it, but I know there were some. I thought it was a worthwhile book anyway...makes you laugh and cry and really appreciate what he has done for his dogs. Maybe it would help...

i would love to see some pics of the new puppy!!!

**Albea** · 04-17-2002, 11:40 AM

You could try the American Dog Trainers Network for some tips at:
http://www.canine.org/
And also:
http://www.petvets.com
http://www.vetinfo.com/
Hope you find some useful information.

**kobieeli** · 04-17-2002, 11:45 AM

You could also visit two sites that are dedicated solely to training and caring for deaf dogs (esp. Dals):

www.deafdogs.com
www.deafdogs.org

Good luck!

**tatsxxx11** · 04-19-2002, 04:07 PM

Congratulations on getting Scout!! He sounds so adorable. I hope you will share pictures with us! I see others have provided excellent suggestions and links. I'm not familiar with training a deaf dog. My Lab picked up hand signaling very quickly though. For safety both my dogs have reflective collars....just in case! Good luck, and please let us know how it goes! Hugs to Scout. Welcome to the world!!

**delidog** · 04-20-2002, 07:43 AM

first congrats on your new spotty dog, scout..

you could also write to one of the pet talk members....topspot....
or go to dalmation.com
or dalmationrescue.com
they might also have good contacts....hand signals are good...repetition is the key....please don't let him off leash...as he cannot hear...he would never hear a car coming!!!! thanks...big hugs for scout puppy!!!!be patient....it will pay off!!!

**carrie** · 04-20-2002, 05:48 PM

Hi,
I used to train Guide Dogs for the Blind and the outstanding dog of my years of working there was a dog called Valiant. We had his litter sister, Vanda, at the same time and she was an excellent dog too but Valiant was something else. He had one flaw......nine times out of ten he would be the first back on a recall. Then the tenth time I would have to run through crowds of people, stop traffic, try to hide the logo on my shirt as the miles added up - I did a marathon every other week!! It turned out that Valiant was stone deaf and he was trained as though he was hearing and passed with flying colours!! Once we found out he was deaf it suddenly made sense.... vocal commands were always given with very clear hand and body signals as well.

Barking should only be a problem as long as you respond to it. Stop taking any notice, don't look at the pup, don't touch - turn your back - walk out the door of the room. It will stop when it gets no reaction.

**tatsxxx11** · 04-22-2002, 04:20 AM

While doing research for an article on sign language/deaf dogs, I came across to wonderfullly informative sites. I hope these are of some help!! I know the link Kobeeli posted is terrific.

http://www.lsu.edu/deafness/deaf.htm

http://www.superdog.com/deaf.htm

**Goochina & Goochissimo** · 04-23-2002, 10:35 AM

Thanks for the help guys! The websites were incredibly informative, and we've begun working with Scout. He's learning signals for sit, come, and no right now... and doing well.

I've also ordered a book from Amazon, and we talked to the vet.

I was so disheartened to hear that deaf pups are often put to sleep. My vet said he hasn't seen any evidence of increased aggression with them, and that as long as we are patient in training and work with his disabilities he should do well.

What a relief!!!

**yorkster** · 04-24-2002, 05:59 PM

Hi. I have a friend that has a deaf boxer- he is white w/ blue eyes. Beautiful dog!

They have trained him with hand signals, and have had no problems. For obvious reasons, he is a indoor dog, and only goes out on a leash.
They have told me that he was actually quite easy to train, and is very obedient- more so than their hearing dog.

It looks like you have received some good info from people here at Pet Talk, and I wish you luck- keep us up to date on things with Scout.
And great name BTW, my dog is named Scout also!

**Corinna** · 04-24-2002, 08:12 PM

I have never trained a deaf dog but did a blind one. Keep us posted on your progress we are all behind you. God gives special dogs to specail people. good luck!