I often receive many questions about what to do when a deaf dog exhibits certain types of behavior. What I first tell folks is that working with a deaf dog or puppy is no different than working or training a hearing dog. Only the method of communication needs to change which includes ways to get their attention. In working with families of deaf dogs and members in the Deaf Dogs Facebook group, I discovered great thoughts and ideas gained as they lived with their deaf dogs. I offer some of their responses and suggestions as a means to help others be successful in training their deaf dogs.
Nippy Pups
Question: What do I do with my 10-week-old, deaf pup who is nippy?
Deaf Dogs Member Responses:
Holl Doll: Whenever my Stevie girl gets nippy, I hold up my hand in a stop. If she keeps getting nippy, I walk away or put her in time out. The stop sign works now. Like a "talk to the hand" type signal reward when he's not biting!!! Lots of love and attention, and as soon as he bites, he gets ignored!
Mike Clarke: Talk to the hand, as well as an ASL “NO” worked for both of mine! Some of the biting is teething, some are just how dogs and other canines test limits. Firmness, consistency, and love are the answers.
Connie Bombaci: This is the age of teething as well as establishing oneself in the pack. Use a sign with consistency. Mama dogs poke their pups on the side of the neck as a correction. I have used this technique with a very gentle poke - more to get Judea's attention - and then add the sign.
A tired dog is a good dog. Wear him out often.
Tethering a young pup to us during the time of training or housebreaking is a great way to nip the problem as soon as the behavior begins.
Sandy Davis Taylor: Being nippy is totally normal for a dog that age. Since he is deaf, he couldn't hear his litter mates yelp and so he doesn't know what is too hard. He will outgrow it and puppy teeth are so much sharper. One thing is you have to talk to your daughter about her reaction. My son would scream and wave his arms. I had to convince him that was only encouraging our dog because that was fun to him. I also kept him on a long leash in the house so I could correct him before he got "worked up". Even though he is deaf, be sure to talk with him just like any dog with a firm No! and pick a hand signal for no. Even though he is deaf he can pick up vibrations and read expressions. Lastly, have a toy he likes to chew always at the ready during interactions to put in his mouth as an acceptable thing to bite. I know its hard, I was on the brink of re-homing my dog due to biting, but he is 6 months now and sweet and I'm glad we hung in there.
Debbie Butera: My boy still does that at times. But never to me. He knows I do t tolerate it and I’ll walk away from him. My girls (they are older 14/24) fuss with him, so he leads with his teeth. He’s not being vicious, he’s playing rough like they do. They will walk by him, and if he wants to play, he will nip at their butt (which is kinda funny).
I don’t tolerate it, so the minute he starts to jump and nip, I raise my hands and walk away or turn around. It will be harder for you, mom, cause your little person is young, but if you see it starting, tell her to turn her back on the pup and calmly walk away (do not run). That’s my two cents.
Seeking more ideas
If you have any additional thoughts, ideas, or suggestions, please email hoganshopebook@gmail.com