26/06/2025
𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐟 𝐃𝐨𝐠
Some dogs are born with hearing loss, and others become deaf as they age. It can be difficult for a pet parent to navigate living with a deaf dog as humans rely so heavily on verbal communication.
𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀: Most dogs rely on our body cues when we ask for a behaviour before they listen to what we say. If they already know a verbal cue, chances are there is something we do with our hands or body every time that they also read. For those dogs, think about how you usually stand and how you hold your hand when you ask for a behaviour. That can become the visual cue for the dog.
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹: Just as you would teach a dog to recall to you by rewarding with treats, create a new signal with your hands. When your dog is facing you, wave your hands in the air and then reward with a yummy treat. After a few reps, try with your dog further away and see if they come to you for a treat. For dogs who do not engage with you much, you might need to lure them to get their attention at first.
𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴: Deaf dogs can startle if they are sleeping and do not know we are approaching. Rather than surprise them by touching them, gently tap the floor close to them. The vibrations should be felt and give them a smoother wake-up call.
𝗛𝗮𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Remember your dog will no longer be able to hear potential hazards, such as someone running up behind them or a dog approaching. You will need to be more aware of the environment and ensure your dog notices things before they get startled. Dogs can bite out of fear if startled.
Confidence building: Try to build your dog's confidence. Problem solving, puzzle games, predictability and play all will help to grow their confidence as they adapt to a new way of life.
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