Communicating with deaf dogs

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Blaze
Posts: 5603
Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2021 9:06 pm
Location: Ille et Villaine (35)

Communicating with deaf dogs

#1 Post by Blaze »

I saw this item on the BBC today, about a Staffie that was deaf by the time he was 7 due to ear infections. He is being taught to communicate with sign language.
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-wales-60246254

Many people who have had an old dog will have already been there and done it ! One of our Border Collies was deaf by the time he was about 11 and we had no trouble using signs to communicate. Our 2 old Aussies are now both deaf, though we think one of them still has a sensitivity to certain registers.
We think it could be very useful to teach them signs from an early age. My brother has successfully trained his sheepdogs this way.
We've never rewarded our dogs with a treat, preferring to stroke and make a fuss of them.

Spardo

Communicating with deaf dogs

#2 Post by Spardo »

I've had 3 deaf dogs, they more or less trained themselves by frequently looking to see what I was doing. The recall in the field was my arm vertical in the air with palm outwards ready for the exaggerated downward sweep towards my legs. They all set off back immediately. If I missed the moment simply turning my back did the trick, as they thought I was walking away. My last one, Tosca who died at 16 and a half began to lose her eyesight too and would stand still searching her horizon for any sign of me. Then I would windmill both arms outstretched in a very vigorous movement and I would see the very moment that she caught sight and came racing back.
Always a joy. :D

tagh
Posts: 657
Joined: Sun Jul 25, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: Pas de Calais.

Communicating with deaf dogs

#3 Post by tagh »

My remaining dog is as deaf as it suits him to be. Any way of training that?🤪

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