Teaching a dog like Yakoo who was born deaf and blind takes more time and patience than training a dog with all their senses. Since these dogs rely heavily on their remaining senses, particularly touch, scent, and vibration, training needs to be adapted to their unique abilities. Consistency, repetition, and positive reinforcement are key. Building trust is also essential, as they can’t rely on sight or sound to understand their environment or your commands. However, with dedication, they can learn a wide range of skills, as you’ve seen with Yakoo’s progress. #teaching #deaf #blind #dog #deafdog #blinddog #dogtraining
Deaf blind dog Yakoo learning to High-five ❤️
Yakoo who is Deaf blind learning to High-five 🐾
Teaching Yakoo, my amazing deaf-blind dog, to high-five! By touching his right shoulder, he’s learning this new trick.
So proud of his progress! 🐾❤️
#DeafBlindDog #DogTraining #HighFiveYakoo
Im excited to share an update on Yakoo’s training!
Many of you asked if he can still dig on command, and here’s a recent video to show that he can.
Despite being deaf and blind, Yakoo continues to amaze me with his abilities and enthusiasm. Enjoy!
#howtodig #howtolearn #deafblind #deafdog #blinddog
I’m excited to share an update about my amazing deaf-blind dog, Yakoo! A few weeks ago, I shared a video showing how I trained him to dig holes at the beach.
Since then, Yakoo has become quite the expert digger! He now creates beautiful “circles of love” ❤️ in the sand, each hole a testament to his determination and joy.
Watching him confidently dig away, guided by the feel of the sand and the scent of the ocean, is truly heartwarming.
Yakoo’s ability to adapt and find happiness despite his challenges never ceases to inspire me.
Here’s to many more beach days filled with digging and love!
And dot. Forget how Nuka is also following him and helping .
#circlesoflove #deaf #blind #howto #beach
Here’s a sweet moment of my deaf dog Nuka trying to get the attention of her deaf-blind brother, Yakoo. Love how they find ways to connect despite their challenges! ❤️ #DeafDogs #DeafBlindDog #PetLove
Can a deaf blind dog like Yakoo learn to talk?
Yes, DeafBlind dogs can learn to communicate using buttons.
This method involves training the dog to press buttons that produce specific words or sounds. The process leverages the dog’s other senses, such as touch and smell, to associate the buttons with particular actions or needs.
Here are some steps to help train a DeafBlind dog to use buttons for communication:
1. **Choose Appropriate Buttons**: Use large, tactile buttons that are easy for the dog to press with its nose or paw.
2. **Associate Buttons with Actions**: Start by associating each button with a specific action or need (e.g., “eat,” “walk,” “play”).
3. **Use Positive Reinforcement**: Reinforce the correct use of buttons with treats, affection, or other rewards that the dog enjoys.
4. **Start with Basic Commands**: Begin with basic needs and commands that are easy for the dog to understand and expand gradually.
5. **Consistency and Patience**: Be consistent with training sessions and patient, as it may take time for the dog to learn and associate the buttons with specific outcomes.
With dedicated training and patience, DeafBlind dogs can effectively use buttons to communicate their needs and interact with their environment.
#deafblinddog #talkingdog #learningtotalk #training
Does your dog drink water from plants?
Yakoo and Nuka often drink water from plants because they are curious or find the water refreshing, especially if it’s cool and fresh.
While this behavior is generally harmless, there are a few things to keep in mind:
1. **Pesticides and Fertilizers**: Ensure that the plants have not been treated with any chemicals that could be harmful to your dog.
2. **Toxic Plants**: Some plants are toxic to dogs, and the water around them could contain harmful substances.
3. **Stagnant Water**: Standing water can harbor bacteria, parasites, or algae that can be harmful if ingested.
To keep your dog safe, provide plenty of fresh water for them to drink and try to discourage them from drinking water from unknown or potentially contaminated sources.
If you’re concerned about any potential health risks, consult your veterinarian.
#toxicplants #dogeducation #deaf #blind
Mango the mischief maker: always finding creative ways to keep my deaf and blind dog entertained, even in his sleep!
#playingmoments #deaf #blind #dog #bird #deafdog #blinddog
Got your The Forever Dog Life book yet?
Yakoo, our deafblind dog, and Nuka, his partially deaf lil’ sister, are starting to appreciate that their unique doggie lives are about more than tricks or treats. A balance of good things is critically important, no matter whether one’s companions have special issues or not. Our guys mostly live their lives just like any other good dog. And we are always on the hunt for ways to help them do better at living, learning, and (yes!) eating towards a healthier tomorrow.
I just got my copy of a new book called The Forever Dog Life. It focuses on Forever Foods and how diets and food time can become part of a balance of good and healthy life practices … for both our pets and their people.
As the writer says, “[The Forever Dog Life] offers a multitude of feeding techniques, DIY tricks, research highlights, nutrition information, tools, and household and money-saving tips.” It promises a lot and so far it’s a great resource.
Our guys instantly found the book a tasty treat. But I can see it has lots to offer. It’s an incredible collection of practical ways to mix good and healthy food options with ordinary living activities that keep us fulfilled and engaged. Healthy lives – for dogs and their humans! – are built upon food, sure, but there’s much more. I’m looking forward to exploring new, fun ways to lead us all towards lots of fur-ever promises, and we look forward to seeing how they work out.
#foreverdogbook #dogfoodrecipe #deaf #blind #healthydog
Do you think a deaf dog can sense another dog getting hurt?
I think yes. Deaf dogs like Nuka can often sense if another dog is getting hurt. Even on TV!
Dogs have acute senses other than hearing. They can see, feel, sometimes smell distress in another dog.
They obviously pick up on visual cues like body language and facial expressions, as well as olfactory signals like stress hormones released by the injured dog. Or maybe on TV they imagine smelling this?
Additionally, they can feel vibrations or changes in the environment that indicate something is wrong or that another like them needs help.
#dog #deaf #blind #helpingdogs #tvdog
Nuka who is deaf practicing to bump Yakoo’s nose to signal him to go outside.
Dogs like Yakoo who are deafblind and Nuka who is deaf can learn with consistent training, positive reinforcement and lots of love .
Here’s what I did to help them learn.
1. For your DeafBlind dog. First Establish a Signal for Going Out:
- Choose a specific signal that you can use to communicate the action of going out. This could be a gentle tap on your DeafBlind dog’s nose or another part of his body that he can easily recognize.
2. **Teach the Deaf Dog to Bump:**
- First, train your deaf dog to bump an object with her nose. Hold a treat or favorite toy near her nose and when she moves to touch it, reward her with praise and a treat.
Repeat this until she reliably bumps the object when presented.
3. **Introduce the target
- Gradually introduce your DeafBlind dog as the target. Hold a treat close to his nose and encourage your deaf dog to bump his nose. Reward her immediately after the bump with a treat and praise.
Repeat this multiple times until she consistently bumps his nose.
4. **Associate the Bump with Going Out:**
- Once your deaf dog reliably bumps her brother’s nose, start associating this action with the signal for going out. When you want them to go out, use the signal on the DeafBlind dog (like a gentle tap on his nose), then immediately guide the deaf dog to bump his nose.
After the bump, proceed to take them both outside. Reward both dogs with praise and treats after they go out.
5. **Practice Consistently:**
Let me know if u would like me to show step by step on a video. 👍🐶
#deaf #blind #deafbljnddog #howtolearn
Been Teaching Nuka who is deaf to bump Yakoo’s nose to signal him to go out. Yakoo was born DeafBlind.
It’s been taking us a few months already but I think they both finally got it . What do you all think?
#doglearning #deaf #blind #deafblindog #Yakoo
Teaching a deaf or DeafBlind dog like Nuka and Yakoo to understand a sign for drinking water involves patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Here are steps you can follow:
1. Choose a Clear Sign: Select a distinct and simple hand sign for “drink water.” Ensure it’s different from other signs you use.
2. Consistency: Always use the same sign each time you give water. Consistency helps the dog associate the sign with the action.
3. Create Positive Associations:
• For Deaf Dogs: Use visual cues and treats. For instance, perform the hand sign, then immediately lead the dog to the water bowl and encourage them to drink. Reward them with a treat and praise after they drink.
• For DeafBlind Dogs: Use tactile cues. Gently touch the dog in a specific way before leading them to the water. For example, you could tap twice on the side of their mouth I as do with Yakoo Immediately guide them to the water and let them drink, then reward them with a treat and gentle petting.
4. Repetition: Repeat the process several times a day. Repetition reinforces the association between the sign and the action.
5. Gradual Independence: Over time, your dog will start to recognize the sign and understand what it means without needing to be led to the water bowl.
6. Practice the sign in various locations to ensure your dog understands it regardless of where they are.
By using these steps, you can effectively communicate the need to drink water to your deaf or DeafBlind dog, ensuring they stay hydrated and healthy.
#learning #dog #deaf #blind #deafblinddog #howtolearn #signlanguage #pawtactile #tactile
My dogs are no defective or disabled.
When referring to a deaf, blind or deafblind dog it’s important to use respectful and sensitive language.
Here are some alternative terms that can be used instead of “defective” or “disabled”:
* sensory unique
* Differently-able
* Sensory challenge
* especially with special needs
* A dog with a disability rather than “a disabled dog “ is more respectful and emphasized the dog rather than the condition.
* or with the best of awareness, just deafblind , deaf or blind.
What is important is that we respect their differences and do our best to add empowering positives to their ordinary life challenges.
Deafblind, sensory unique pets need to be appreciated for what and who they are AND their ability to learn through loving care.
It has taken us humans a long time to treat deafblind, deaf, blind and mute people as part of our valued everyday existence. Thus It’s not surprising that we’re only just now reaching out to dogs who enter our lives with their own connective twists and worries.
But even so, that doesn’t mean we can’t listen and see what they need and do our best to welcome them into the best parts of the world we all cherish - even when we see and hear it more brightly and loudly than they do.
Deafblind, deaf or blind extra special, special needs canine companions are ours to enjoy and respect.
Letting them understand that is what they deserve … well, that is what being part of the family of human loving is all about.
#deaf #blind #deafblind #sensory #disabilities #deafdog #blinddog
How Yakoo is learning to “look” for me when I drop his leah.
DeafBlind dogs like Yakoo rely heavily on their other senses, like touch and smell to be confident and free!
Check out how Yakoo reacts when I drop his leash.
The change in tension might not be immediately noticeable to him but he definitely senses a feeling of opportunity and the chance to move around. He loves the water.
For us, this kind of practice is very important to communicate to Yakoo a feeling of freedom. He then discovers direction and picks up the importance of stopping to get oriented.
Try it. At the beginning your dog might keep walking, especially if they are unfamiliar with where they are. Just remember to keep an eye on your dog and provide clear signals and guidance to ensure their safety as they learn.
#howtolearn #leashtraining #deaf #blind #deafblinddog
The Splash Pad.
Once upon a time, there was a curious and adventurous dog named Dogtor Yakoo, who was born deaf and blind.
Dogtor Yakoo experienced the world through touch and smell. This made his imagination full of wonder and curiosity.
One sunny day, Yakoo’s dad took him to a new place, The Splash Pad!! As he walk to the wetness’s edge, the excitable Yakoo felt the cool mist on his skin. He sniffed the fresh scent of water — a cool smell he knew meant fun.
At first Yakoo’s was surprised by the sensation. There didn’t seem to be a lake around. But as he explored with his feet and paws, he discovered a new world of wonder. He felt the water jets dancing on his skin, the ripples of the water in the puddles, and the vibrations of the splash pad’s music.
Yakoo quickly learned how to stomp and splash creating his own rhythm and symphonies. He laughed and giggled in his way, celebrating a new kind of feeling of freedom and joy offered by the splash pad.
He was part of a new world he had never experienced before. A world he could call his own! Or so he thought.
Good night, and sweet dreams for now.
END- Paw part 1, The Splash Pad
More….
#splashpad #deaf #blind #bedtimestories #deafblinddog
For deaf blind dogs like Yakoo, PAWtactile signs are needed to help them not to get scared when you approach them to do a task.
Yakoo has learned that by tapping him above his eyes means it’s time to wear his doggles.
Watch how Yakoo stay still while I put the doggles on and then relaxes his head while smiling.
#howtolearn #deaf #blind #deafdog #blinddog #deafblinddog #doggles #rexspecs #sunglasses
Learning to differentiate between up and down on different obstacles is crucial for dogs like Yakoo who are deaf-blind because it helps them navigate their surroundings safely and independently.
Understanding the orientation of obstacles allows them to anticipate potential hazards and plan their movements accordingly.
✨It enhances their spatial awareness and enables them to make informed decisions about how to interact with their environment.
✨This skill empowers them to move around with greater confidence and autonomy.
Watch how Nuka also helps Yakoo and encourage him to go up.
#howtolearn #deafblind #deaf #blind #