I think this is fairly common? I've seen it a few times. Dogs that are helpers for the deaf also are taught sign language even though they can hear. Doesn't make it any less amazing though!
Claudia
We actually have a PTer (who is not currently active) that has a deaf Australian Shepherd, Miko. I met up with her at the park a couple years ago and you'd never realize he was deaf unless you paid attention to the fact that Di never called out to him. He'd run off to play as we walked around the park, but he always looked back to her for a signal.
Also, my niece has taught her dog, Lucy, several hand signals she learned from a deaf person a couple years ago. I guess you could say Lucy is tri-lingual. She knows English, Spanish and Sign Language.
I think it is a great thing. We have a dog at the shelter right now that is "hearing impaired" (that's what they listed her as) and my niece wanted her. LOL
Our goal in life should be - to be as good a person as our dog thinks we are.
Thank you for the siggy, Michelle!
Cindy (Human) - Taz (RB Tabby) - Zoee (RB Australian Shepherd) - Paizly (Dilute Tortie) - Taggart (Aussie Mix) - Jax (Brown & White Tabby), - Zeplyn (Cattle Dog Mix)
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