Deaf Dogs

Deaf dogs and adopting less-adoptable dogs

Elsie was rescued by That Place Called Home and adopted by Connie Bombaci

By RONNIE CASEY | (Edited by Connie Bombaci)

PUBLISHED: September 16, 2022 at 2:34 p.m. | UPDATED: October 5, 2022.

Two weeks ago I discussed a type of special needs pet, blind dogs. Many factors may make a pet seem less adoptable, such as having a missing eye or limb. Also included in the list are those with health conditions, such as cats with FIV and heartworm-positive dogs.

Other special needs may have to do with past emotional or physical trauma. This month, to promote these special animals, Petfinder has designated the third week of September as Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week. In addition, Deaf Dog Awareness Week was Sept. 18-24 which spotlights another type of special need pet that also may be considered less adoptable.

We had a deaf dog. Even though we did not have her tested, it was very apparent since she never reacted to anything quieter than a mega-ton explosion. However, she barked, played, and, from all outward appearances, did not appear to realize she was deaf. She went on happily with her life. We learned that deaf dogs don’t care that they are deaf. We learned that deaf dogs are just dogs and, like people, have their own quirks and personalities. We learned that deaf dogs are just as loving and devoted as any hearing dog.

Judea loved children and often visited schools to teach children that being different makes them special…and everyone is different.

Deaf dogs really do make wonderful pets. Take it from one who knows. Anything you may have heard to the contrary is cloaked with misunderstanding and bias. The only genuine limitation is that a deaf dog should not roam freely unless there is an enclosed, secured, safe area available for them to do so. A deaf dog cannot hear danger approaching, like a car. Otherwise, a deaf dog trains as easily as a dog that hears. The only difference is that one must use non-verbal signals rather than verbal commands.

Like any training, you must first get the attention of your student. Deaf dogs will not respond to you calling their name because they simply cannot hear you calling. However, they will react to other types of stimuli. Stomping your foot on the ground causes vibrations that they can feel. Waving a flashlight, or clicking it on and off, will usually garner attention, especially when the dog responds and the reward is a tasty treat. In addition, you can use a vibrating collar, which differs substantially from shock collars. These collars only vibrate and are not distressful to the animal.

When teaching basic commands to any dog, the use of hand signals is common practice. Therefore, training a deaf dog with the use of them is perfectly natural. As always when training, after getting the animal’s attention, a command (signal) is given to the animal to accomplish a specific act, after which a reward is provided. Some people create their own set of hand signs for particular words like sit, stay, down, walk, etc., while others learn a few basic words in American Sign Language.

Whatever you choose to do, remember that the signal must remain consistent, so the animal associates the word and the action. Lastly, never strike a deaf dog with your hands. Your hands are the way you communicate with the animal and should always be positive, reassuring tools.

A common myth is that deaf dogs are more aggressive. The reason behind the myth is that if you startle a deaf dog, it will bite. Any dog, whether deaf or not, when startled, may snap or snarl out of fear. Therefore, it is important to work with the dog, so the animal is comfortable having someone come from behind and touch it. A few times a day, wake your dog by very gently touching its shoulder or back, then reward it immediately with a treat.

Soon the dog will associate waking with something good. If you do not want to startle the dog, stomp your foot or bump the bed, they are sleeping on. Chances are the vibration will awaken them. Again, always provide a reward.

Deaf dogs have a tendency to bond strongly with their guardians. In the community of those who have deaf dogs, these animals are affectionately known as Velcro dogs since they are most comfortable when they are near their person. As with hearing dogs, some may develop separation anxiety. However, the training methods to condition them to be unafraid of being alone are the same as it is for any other dog. Always remember, deaf dogs can do agility, therapy, etc., almost anything a hearing dog can do. There is nothing wrong with them. They are simply dogs that cannot hear.

If you are thinking of adding a deaf canine companion to your life, a must-read is the international award-winning book Hogan’s Hope: A Deaf Hero’s Inspirational Quest for Love and Acceptance by Connie Bombaci. Tips and methods of living with our special pups are co-authored by Bombaci and Dr. Nicholas Dodman, internationally renowned animal behaviorist at Tufts University. Hogan was the deaf dog who broke open the doors for deaf dogs by appearing on television programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures, Dateline NBC, and Good Morning America. The Deaf Dog Education Action Fund, (http://www.deafdogs.org/), and Deaf Dogs Rock (https://deafdogsrock.com/) websites are good locations to find additional helpful information and resources. In addition, the books, “A Deaf Dog Joins the Family: Training, Education, and Communication for a Smooth Transition,” by Terrie Hayward, “Living With a Deaf Dog,” by Susan Cope Becker and “Acorn’s DEAFinitely Awesome Dictionary of Signs,” by Mary L. Motley may also prove to be quite helpful.

As author Charlotte Schwartz wrote, “For perhaps if the truth were known, we’re all a little blind, a little deaf, a little handicapped, a little lonely, a little less than perfect. And if we can learn to appreciate a dog’s full potentials, we will, together, make it in this life on earth.” I couldn’t agree more. Why not give these special pets a chance?

Hogan proved that deaf dogs can do anything!

Ronnie Casey has been volunteering with the Tehama County Animal Care Center since relocating in 2011. A retired R.N., she strives to help animals in need within Tehama county. She can be reached at rmcredbluff@gmail.com.



Deaf Dogs and Coyote Season Safety

Picture by Pixabay

The following information has been obtained from The Source, by staff writer Ben Rayner, on February 3, 2022.

In the latest edition of The Source, I read the article in which the Connecticut State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency (DEEP) is reaching out to the community in an effort to educate residents about coyote behavior during these last couple months of winter. My interest was peaked because we live on a four-acre parcel with a variety of beautiful wildlife, including coyotes. My attention was also grabbed because we have a sweet senior pup who weighs in less than twenty pounds and a deaf dog who is roughly 38 pounds. Are there things that I need to know and do in order to protect my precious, four-legged family members?

According to Rayner, DEEP wants to increase awareness about coyote behavior and activity. Because there will be evident increased human interaction, this awareness is crucial and definitely needs to be heightened.

For one, the mating season takes place until sometime around the end of March. Male coyotes can become more aggressive and pose an additional threat to any and all pets. DEEP offers solid advice and actions that all of us are able to take and keep our precious, and often defenseless, pets safe.

TIPS:

  1. Keep pets from running free.

    Cats need to be kept inside, especially at night. Dogs need to be kept on a leash and/or under close supervision at all times.

    This safeguard is critically important for our deaf or any physically challenged animal in our care. Without being able to hear an approaching coyote, our deaf dogs become endangered more easily, and the possibility of being attacked increases.

  2. Avoid attracting or drawing coyotes into our yards. Never feed any animals, keep areas clean from birdseed, secure trash cans and compost piles, and clean up fallen fruit or vegetables.

  3. Install kennels or coyote-proof fencing when possible. Remember, while it might seem obvious, invisible fences do NOT keep coyotes from entering our yards.

  4. Use leashes at all times when walking our dogs so we can be in control if encountered by a coyote. Never turn your back to or run from a coyote.

    Hikes or casual walks are so much fun when our pups are off leash and exploring the woods or area around us. However, our deaf dogs would never receive our command or cues to change course if they were off-leash. Keep them safe.

  5. Remain calm if you cross paths with a coyote.

  6. Remember that a male coyote can be extremely territorial and aggressive.

  7. Attempt to frighten coyotes away by making loud noises and acting aggressively towards them. Be BIG. Coyotes are confident but aren’t prone to wanting to interact with humans.

  8. Report unusual behavior or any coyotes showing symptoms of rabies such as seizures, salivating, extreme lethargy, or staggering. Remember that daytime coyote activity is NOT uncommon and does not necessarily indicate rabies.

  9. Remove any areas that could make possible dens. Animal proof around and under any type of building on your property. Fill in crevices and remove hollowed-out trees.

  10. Keep in mind that it is highly unlikely that a coyote will mate with a domestic dog. Coydogs are rarer than often thought.

Coyote pups. Picture from Pixabay.

Becoming overly worried or frightened about coyote presence or activity isn’t necessary. Prudent behavior and being vigilant in taking these steps create safe coexistence with our beautiful wildlife. We can live with God’s wonderful creatures, enjoy being comfortable in our surroundings, and know that we are doing everything possible to keep our deaf dogs and pets safe.