How Do You Deal With a Deaf Dog?

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When it comes to experiencing the environment around them, dogs usually follow a hierarchy with their senses. It starts with the nose, then, their eyes, and finally, the ears. It’s pretty much the same way humans interact with the rest of the world.But, what happens when one of our senses fail? Well, things obviously become hard. It’s exactly the same way for dogs too. So, how do you deal with a dog that has non-functioning sense organ?Well, that’s exactly what we are here to discuss and we’ll be dealing with the topic of deaf dogs.

Owners with deaf dogs must realize that they have a special opportunity on their hands. Dogs have a lot to tell us purely using their body language and energy. So, your dog doesn’t really even need ears to connect with you. So, in order to build that connection, the first thing that owners must do is inculcate patience.Patience is exactly what will help you communicate with your deaf buddy. You can start by learning sign language. Dogs are quite smart and you’ll be surprised as to how easily they can understand signs. Before you know it, he/she will even begin reading facial expressions.

When it comes to communicating initially, learn the signs for sit, stay, down, no, come and stop. Let your dog learn these few signs/commands first. As he/she begins to become comfortable, you can gradually add a word or two.

When taking the little one for a walk, make sure you’ve always got the leash on. Apart from leashing the little guy/gal, you will also need to have a fenced yard in place. Also, hang a tag around your dog’s neck stating that he/she is deaf and that you should be contacted if she’s/he’s found roaming out without your knowledge.You can also tie one of those hunting bells around his/her neck. This will alert you to his/her movements. If you feel that the bell might be heavy, you can opt for one of those Christmas bells, which are much smaller.Grabbing a deaf dog’s attention might seem like a challenge. However, as stated earlier, it’s all about patience. Get your dog used to signs such as thumping or flashing lights. For instance, if you want him/her to get back in to the house, switching off the porch lights or flashing a torch light can be used as signs.You also need to learn how to wake up a deaf dog. Never surprise or shock them. This could end badly for you. Always wake him/her up gently by touching at the same spot. You can also wait for him/her to sniff you and wake up. Warn outsiders and children from disturbing a sleeping dog, especially if he/she is deaf.To know more about dealing with deaf dogs, talk to your veterinarian. It might also be a good idea to give your dog certain

to keep his energy up. Talk to your veterinarian before purchasing any supplements though.