National Deaf Dog Awareness Week Is September 19th - 25th
National Deaf Dog Awareness Week Is September 19th - 25th
This September 19th – 25th is National Deaf Dog Awareness Week. Use these days to find out about what life with a deaf dog is like. You may be surprised by what you learn!
Deafness in Puppies
Puppies may be born deaf, but many dogs also develop hearing loss as they age just as humans can. While there are some differences between life with a hearing dog and one that is deaf, there are probably fewer differences than you think. The main thing is that you will have to find an alternative way to communicate with your dog.
Look for ways to replace spoken commands with visual cues. Learning some basic American Sign Language is a great place to start. Choose a few signals that you would like to use with your pup and practice them consistently. Make sure other family members and people who your dog interacts with also use the same set of signals.
Teaching Commands to Deaf Puppies
Just as with dogs without hearing issues, using positive reinforcement when you are trying to teach them commands is a smart and effective move. Be prepared to have a little extra patience as your deaf dog works to understand what you are trying to communicate with them.
When walking with your dog, it is important to keep him or her leashed or in a contained area, as your dog will not be able to hear your cries if an animal is distracting or a car suddenly appears. Because your pup can't hear you as you approach, it is necessary to give other cues to let him or her know you are coming near. Flip the lights on or off to announce your approach or stomp your foot firmly on the floor to let the vibrations alert your dog to your presence.
With the proper care, deaf dogs can lead the fulfilling and happy lives they deserve. For more information about how you can care for your pup, contact Pet Hospitals of Hawaii to schedule an appointment today.
Waipahu Waikele
Kailua
Pet Specialists of Hawaii
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