How do you deal with a deaf puppie?

Question

I want to buy this australian shepherd puppie but he's deaf. His price dropped from $175 to $25 in a week. They sold his brother but not him. What should I do?

Answer 1

Deaf dogs make wonderful pets (I speak from experience), don't buy into the myths! Here are a couple wonderful sites: http://www.deafdogs.org/ (please check the myth section under FAQ's) and http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/deafdogs/?yguid=209784362

If an Aussie fits your lifestyle and you're looking for a pet (please spay/neuter), why not? Adopting from rescue is the best option, but if you can and will provide a good and responsible home I say go for it.

EDIT: They're not for the lazy though...if they're in the trash (or whatever) you have to get up, not give a verbal command. However, deaf dogs are not difficult to train, they have less distractions and are more in tune with your body language. The only difference is how you communicate...hand signals and body language.

EDIT: He/she does not need ear drops, don't listen to that, it's a pigment related issue. Being an Aussie, he's a homozygous merle...or "double merle", in other words both parents are merle. Merles should never be bred together...they can have vision and hearing problems, but nothing else is proven.

Answer 2

a deaf puppy can be difficult but extremely rewarding.
Training is one of the most important things. You need to teach the dog to be focused on you almost 100% of the time. Even though he cannot hear praise, he can feel you. His nose still works, so treats will be a big big help. try and pick a very meaty soft treat like, Natural Balance roll ( this is a high quality dog food that works wonders as treats) When training use hand signals and body postures. Never use aversive (choke chains, and force training)training techniques with a deaf puppy he will not understand and you will have a dog on your hands who will refuse to move infear of getting in trouble. Luring with treats technique for obedience is a good idea and works quickly.
Good luck with your choice!

Answer 3

My mother-n-law had a deaf cat. She put a collar with a bell on him so at least she would know by the sound of the bell where her cat was at. A dog may take more than just a collar with a bell. Since he can not hear it would be very likely that your dog would be run over by a car, get into fights with dogs or become mentally unstable by those who walk up to him without him knowing thus causing him to be nervous all the time. If he is an outside dog you should put him in a pen or tie him up for a while to give him time to adjust to his new surroundings. Long walks with him on a chain will help him to begin understanding certain dangers. Since the dog is deaf some discipline of a physical nature may be required. Not to worry though. Dogs understand physical corrections better than verbal ones. It would be a challenge but I believe the rewards would outweigh the negative aspects of taking care of a deaf dog.

Answer 4

Do a google for deaf dog sites, deaf puppies are very trainable, and these sites will give you info on training techniques. He is a completely normal puppy in every other way, he will have to be trained with sight signals, rather than voice commands, that's all.

I know several people who have adopted puppies that are both deaf and blind. They can have as good a quality of life as any other dog, providing they have specialized training and a loving family to do it.

Answer 5

I volunteer with an Aussie rescue specifically for Aussies that are deaf and or blind. They can lead perfectly healthy and happy lives. You can train them with hand signals (like sign language) instead of verbal commands. Check out www.amazingaussies.com. Contact them and they can provide specific training techniques for you. This little guy probably will be put down otherwise. The dogs need just some extra TLC but they're still great dogs.

Answer 6

i've worked with deaf dogs before, they are good pets they just need different training. A plus with dogs is they can feel the vibrations through the ground, so some people don't even know because they turn around when people call them. Buy the dog, its vet bills won't be more or anything, it will be fine Good Luck!

Answer 7

I got a puppy for Christmas but she turned out to be deaf. I had to give her up because I was totally unprepared for that. I gave her to a family who was ready for her. I felt terrible but I had to do it. I couldn't properly take care of her.
I think you should decide for yourself weather you're prepared to take in a deaf puppy or not. You have to teach her hand signals and such. The choice is yours. I'm just here to help.

Answer 8

sure, you deal with them in the same fashion as hearing dogs for the most part. but always be aware of the dangers. if he gets loose he cannot hear a car approaching. you must train him. he is going to take extra time and work..also be aware these guys can be more likely to snip if not trained to react differently if they do not feel you coming. this mainly holds true on carpet when the dog is sleeping. learn to take heavy steps so your dog will feel it, take the pup to a trainer who is familiar with deaf dog training. your dog is going to have to learn to work with hand signals alone. how great of you to consider this wonderful dog when many other's have passed on by. but talk with your vet and a trainer and the breeder before commiting to anything and know exactly what to expect and what is going to be required of you to make this a great pet and companion. good luck.

Answer 9

Buy Him. I bought a deaf Australian Cattle dog and he is no problem at all. I've taught him many things like sit, not to run outside the property, and him to sake my hand. He knows hand gestures they are great dogs and will not give you trouble.

Answer 10

I'm sorry to hear that. I know he's deaf, but try giving him eardrops three times a day: one in the morning, one in the daytime, and one at night. Comfort your dog. If he goes outside or if you take him for a walk, remember he can't hear so, if you see or hear a barking dog coming your way, pick up your dog and run as fast as you can! He can't hear stuff, so don't let him get hurt. Take a leash with you too. Sorry, but that's all the advice I have for you. If you need any more help on dogs, or want to give me additional details, e-mail me. Thanks.

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