Training a Deaf Puppy

by emma
(lancashire)

I noticed Deva was deaf as soon as she started walking. I used a clapping noise to alert all of the pups that it was dinner time and Deva was always the last one out.

I took notice of this and stood right besides them the next time I did the clapping signal. I noticed that Deva would respond to the stampede from the other pups all trampling over her to get to the food so she would know it was dinner time.

She always followed the other pups and was not at all independent. I took her to the vets who confirmed she was deaf so I decided to keep her.

I have never owned a deaf dog so I knew it was going to be hard with training etc and I would have to train her completely different to a normal hearing pup.

I did a lot of research on the internet about the training of deaf dogs and found some good sites with a lot of information.

'Wagntrain' has info on training for deaf dogs.

I realised that the training methods I had to use would be hand signals and facial expressions.

The first signal I had to teach Deva was the 'no' sign because she was play fighting too rough with the other pups and biting really hard because she couldn't hear them cry.

I used the palm of my hand like a stop sign and she has actually already learned this one now which I think is really good considering she's only 10 weeks old.

For good behaviour I use one thumb up and a stroke on the head which she has also learned.

The 'come to me' command I kept as a clapping of my hands as she did get used to this when she followed the other pups to food.

The most important thing to remember with hand signals is they have to be really clear to the dog and easily recognisable from each other.

The really important things that you have to do with a deaf dog is always alert them when you are going to leave a room and make sure if you have children that they don't startle the deaf dog.

I have got 2 children so whenever they are going near to Deva I will tap Deva lightly on the shoulder to alert her. Whenever I want Deva's attention I will wave my arms so she looks at me - then I can do the hand signal I want her to do.

Deva is doing great with training. So far we have conquered 3 hand signals but there's a lot more to go.

In the future when I walk Deva and let her off the lead I have been told I have to get Deva's attention by jumping in the air and waving my arms so I will probably get some funny looks from strangers!

Deva at the moment is having problems with separation. She does not like me leaving her alone especially at bedtime. She is really attached to me, so I am researching into this. I got some good tips about leaving a piece of my clothing next to her when I go out the room and it actually worked.

Her cry is really loud because she can't hear herself. She howls and howls, almost deafening me when she's left on her own so at the moment I'm working on this by leaving Deva in the kitchen for a few minutes at a time. When she's quiet I will go in, give the good sign and stroke her. I am extending the minutes every week so hopefully in a few weeks she will be ok to be left on her own.

When I wake up in the morning the first thing I do is go to Deva and stroke her gently just to alert her I've come into the room.

Deva is very time consuming but she's definitely worth every minute. She's a stunning dog and she only has to look at me with those eyes and I give in and melt.

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