How to Train a Deaf Dog

I was debating whether to put this How to Train a Deaf Dog post on a separate blog on it own but decided to keep it here on my main blog. After all, you're here to learn about how to train a dog and training a deaf dog is a part of that. In case you are wondering the picture to the left is my Boxer dog and no he is not deaf. I only mention this because there are lost of white boxers who are deaf but they are usually the all white boxers and mine has those two cute black marks on his head :)

While you may think that training deaf dogs is a bit different (and in some respects it is), it does share some similarities with learning how to train a dog that can hear. The difference is simple; instead of using your mouth to communicate you will use you hands.

Before I get into the actual training I want to discuss the reasons why dog may be deaf. Other than the obvious, (ear injury or infection) you dog can be deaf from a genetic defect. You can read more about it in this awesome deaf dog site and here is a short part of why they state a dog can be deaf:

"The most common cause of congenital deafness is pigment related. (There is some talk about a recessive gene as well, but most researchers do not believe this is the case.) Some dogs have white coats, but still have pigmented skin (Samoyeds, West Highland Terriers, and White German Shepherds fall into this category). Although they have white fur, they have black noses and eye rims (their fur is actually not pure white, but a very light buff color). Other dogs normally have colored coats, and white trim (this includes Dalmatians; the white is actually not their real coat color, the "spots" are). The "trim" comes from areas of unpigmented (pink) skin, which produces white hair. If there is unpigmented skin in the inner ear, the nerve endings atrophy and die off in the first few weeks of the puppy's life, resulting in deafness. Please note that you cannot tell the color of hairs in the inner ear by looking at any visible part of the dog's ears (including the hair around the ear canal). Although many dogs with white hair on their ears will be deaf, many deaf dogs have colored ears as well."

How to Train a Deaf Dog - Hand Signals

When training a deaf dog you will communicate with your dog through hand signs. It is important for you to think about what signs you will use before you begin the training routine. Here are some tips to help you:

• You should make sure the hand signs you are going to use are distinguishable from other commonly used gestures.
• The hand signs you use to train a deaf dog should be visible from a distance
• Just like training a dog that can hear, you have to be patient and consistent
• Facial expressions and body language can also be used. Remember that your dog can read these signs.

How to Train a Deaf Dog - The First Step

When beginning a training regime with a deaf dog you gotta establish a sign that means "yes" Many trainers prefer to use a thumbs-up to tell their dog that they have done the right thing. You can easily establish this be connecting your "yes" sign with your something your dog likes. While food will usually work well in the beginning stages of training a deaf dog you should not neglect the use of toys, petting and exciting games. Remember that just because your deaf dog can't hear, it doesn't mean that they wouldn't understand your facial expressions. So when you give your yes sign be sure to say "yes" or "good boy". Your dog will lean your facial expression.

How to Train a Deaf Dog – An important command

A very important command you need to be aware of when learning how to train a deaf dog is the pay attention command. You have several options when it comes to this. Many dog trainers like to sweep their index finger up to the front of their face while others tap their finger next to their eye. No matter what you use it is important for you to be consistent.

To train your deaf dog watch you will need to reward her every time she watches you. When you hand signal your dog (using the sweep or the tap) and your dog looks at you, you should immediately give your "yes" signal and reward her for doing so.

One thing you can do to train your deaf dog to look at you is to lure your dog with her favorite treat. Simply wave the treat in front of her nose and bring it up to your face. As soon as she looks at you, you should again give your "yes" signal and reward her.

Now I know what some of you past dog owners are thinking. Your dog is probably going to be to busy staring at the treat to notice you. Don't worry. If your dog seems to be too stuck staring at the treat then simply bring the treat from your face and hide it behind your back. Your dog will eventually glance at you and as soon as she does then you will do your "yes" command and reward her with the treat.

How to Train a Deaf Dog by Catching him in the Act

Keep in mind that these methods will also work for a dog that can hear.

Training a Deaf Dog to Sit

The method is called luring and it's especially useful for teaching hand signals to a deaf dog. Let’s assume you want to train a dog to sit. Here is what you want to do. Hold a treat or your dog's favorite toy in front of your dog's nose and then begin to move it slowly over the top of her head stopping once you get to the space between her ears. If your dog is interested enough your dog will follow the treat or toy by lifting her head up while following with her nose. Most dogs at this time will lower their butt to the ground as they follow the treat with their nose. As soon as they do, you should immediately give the "yes" command and reward your deaf dog with the treat or by playing with the toy you have in your hand. If you practice this method, you should be able to learn how to train a deaf dog in no time.

Also, by practicing this technique a few times, you will be on your way to training your deaf dog to sit without the treat. How do you do this you ask? Simple! Once your dog has learned to sit with the treat the next time you do it, you will do the same actions but with nothing in your hands. Remember to always give the "yes" command and give your dog a special treat the first few times they sit without you actually holding anything in your hands.

Training your Deaf Dog while by catching (or luring)

The training methods described above can be used to train a deaf dog to do just about anything. For example, you can train your dog to "lie down", not jumping while greeting visitors, not pulling on the leash etc. Simple catch your dog performing the desired behavior and give them the "yes" command and a treat. Soon you will become an expert in training a deaf dog.

I hope you found this how to train a deaf dog article informative and stay tuned for some more deaf dog training tips.

Berto