My Dog Is Deaf

From LoveToKnow Dogs

If your dog is deaf, you need to find alternative ways of communicating and training. The Dog Fxpert and a visitor find themselves in similar situations. Share their dilemma.

Boston Terrier

Visitor: My Dog Is Deaf

I am dealing with a Boston Terrier that is deaf. He is ten months old and appears to be very intelligent. If he is looking at me, I can use hand signals that he usually obeys, but if he is not looking I have trouble getting his attention.

We have a large fenced in area, and I need advice as how to get his attention when he is not where he can see me.

~~ G.G. Glass

Expert Reply

Hi G.G.,

I have a deaf six-month-old Jack Russell Terrier myself, and dealing with a deaf dog is new ground for me too. My dog also does well with hand signals, and when we're in the house I can thump the floor to get her attention.

I haven't tackled the problem outside yet, but I think a basic obedience course could be beneficial, because the beginning lessons are all about teaching your dog to watch you wherever you go. This makes it easier to use hand signals in an outdoor situation.

I've also been thinking about investing in a shock collar. This is a useful training tool and not harmful at all when used with discretion. I would set it on the very lowest setting and just use it when the dog is outside. You can use the remote to get the dog's attention, and then go back to hand signals.

Thank you for your question, and I hope you find these suggestions helpful. Let me know how you work it out.

~~ Kelly.

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Comments

Hi Sakura,

I'm sorry to hear about your dog's hearing loss. This sometimes happens to senior pets, and he may have been losing that ability even before you were able to notice it. I think it would be a good idea to report this to your veterinarian. There may be nothing that can be done about it, but letting your vet take a look at your dog's ears would still be a good idea.

That said, there are some things you can do now to make your dog's life easier and safer.

  • Always make sure your dog is either fenced in or on leash when he's outside. He won't be able to hear anything he can't see, so he may not realize a car, person or another animal is approaching him outside of his line of vision.
  • Take extra care not to startle your dog. Touch him gently so he's not startled if you approach him from behind. Caution others to do the same so they don't accidently trigger his instinct to protect himself.
  • Hand signals are important. You may even have been using some all along, such as waving your dog toward you when you want him to come.
  • Have a lot of patience. I actually have a Jack Russell Terrier that is deaf, and I have to remind myself sometimes that she is different from our other dogs and cannot hear me.

That's about all there is to it. It takes a little adjusting getting used to living with a deaf dog, but it's not that much different and your dog is still the same loving companion he always was.

Thanks for sharing your situation. :)

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Help! my dog just turned deaf (he's 12 years old) what do i do?!

-- Contributed by: Help.

hi I have a deaf 15month-old pitbull out side is still hard but that is not biggest thing she is riping everthing apart she think she a cat she jumps on everthing

  • Hi Melissa,

I think your dog could benefit greatly from an obedience course. This would give you more control over her behavior. Believe me, the "down" command is a miracle worker once you and your dog master it.

Thanks for your question, and good luck. :)

-- Contributed by: melissa

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