Training a Deaf Dog

[Everything_Ren]

Does anyone have experience training a deaf dog? I have a 3 year old deaf white German Shepherd. I guess it's not uncommon for white dogs to be born deaf. He knows some hand signals. I pretty much am having trouble disciplining him. How do I tell a deaf dog no? He puts everything in his mouth (and usually swallows), he also gets really hyper. He's jealous when I spend time with my boyfriend sometimes. I've seen that they have vibrating collars for dogs but I thought they were more for calling the dog when you want him... can these collars be used to train?

[tonyb286]

I have had a deaf older dog, who was actually quite well trained to begin with, so when she went deaf I just tried extending her hand signal training - which worked extraordinarily well. I believe dogs find hand signals just as important as sounds, but getting the dog to look at you is the hardest first part. So, this will certainly be the first part of training - use small chicken pieces as training aids, giving a piece each and every time your dog looks at you. This is a training series that may take many months of hard work, but it will be so rewarding for you and your dog once it's up and working properly.

My current dog was trained using both techniques - sound + hand gesture - so that if he does go deaf later in life, hopefully he will already be equipped with a line of communication. Good luck. Do keep us informed about how things are going. Tony

[twodogsinRI]

I totally agree, the hardest part is getting the dog to look at you for hand signals etc...a long time ago my roomates had a deaf dalmation. She was so sweet and they worked hard to train her to a bunch of hand signals. She was also a smart dog and when she didnt want to listen she would not look at them. It was really frustrating! I am going through some early deafness with my aging dog and this is the hardest part, getting him to look at me so I can give him the visuals of what I want. I do off lead a lot so this is the problem. On lead the deafness would not matter to me. Good luck! Let us know what progress you make.

[Jaybay]

I think your best option would be to hire a professional.  I've seen a deaf Dalmation in training and he was fabulous.  Of course, the hard part in the beginning is getting your deaf dog to look to you for everything.  That takes a lot of work and patience but the rewards are great.

As for the hyper behavior, that issue is common to most young dogs who don't get enough exercise - and most dogs don't get ANY exercise.  If you aren't walking your dog at least 40 minutes a day, it's past time to get started.  And "walk" means "walk" - not dragging your heels and letting the dog roam at will on a 25 foot flex leash.  He has to stay by your side with a side trip to do some marking once in a while.  

Use treats like cheese bites so get his attention focused on you.  Figure out a signal that you will always use to get his attention, and the second his eyes meet yours, give him the treat.

Again, I think you both will succeed if you have the proper professional training.  Get your boyfriend involved in the exercises so you dog sees him as a pack leader - just like you.  :-)