Special Needs (Deaf) Puppy- Suggestions?

[lleighmay]

I went by the vet's today and they have an abandoned JRT puppy about 6 months old they are looking for someone to adopt. Naturally they trotted him out to show me. He's in wonderful health and has a great disposition but the think he is probably deaf. He got along beautifully with my JRT and I'm tempted to give him a home but have no experience with a deaf dog. Does anyone have any tips or advice on how to raise/train him that would allow me to give him the best possible life? Thanks in advance- Leigh

 

[gaited horse]

Go get the pup there are a ton of websites to help you i have an old deaf beagle and she is so good

 

[Forever Green]

I have a JRT who is not deaf, but has always responded wonderfully to hand signals. It is hard to work with this breed on hand signals because it is hard to keep their attention, but my JRT (she is now 11, old girl), really responds to many hand signals for us. It was just very natural for her. I've never worked with a deaf dog, but would think hand signals might be your only way.

 

[KellyHM]

Deaf dogs do very well with hand signals. The only thing is that they're sometimes not great with kids b/c they can't hear the kids coming and get scared.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Like Kelly said, they some times get frightened/startled because they don't hear what is walking/running up on them. Teach the kids while you teach the puppy!

Your older dog will be a great help to the pup. Practice you dogs commands while using hand signals. The puppy will catch on quick.

Congrats!!

 

[SarahBeth9394]

We had a deaf Aussie growing up. We used hand signals which worked real well. Since you already have a dog that will help as well. The pup will follow along the older dog when it's called so you can do voice and hand and the pup should pick up pretty quickly. Go get that pup.

 

[sred98]

I agree on the hand signals, and there is also a collar that vibrates, so if they are in a dangerous situation and not looking at you, you can get their attention.

Good luck with the dog!

Shelly

 

[lleighmay]

Thank you all very much for your quick responses. I know people who had dogs who went deaf as they got older but was concerned about how to do right by one that's deaf right from the start. The vet's office is closed for the day but I'll be calling them tomorrow (I confess I've been thinking about him all day anyway )

 

[CrazyChickieMama]

We purchased a Dane about a year ago and then realized it was deaf. The breeder agreed to take her back, but I had her trained to sit within 3 days with hand signals...(she was spayed and then given to a lady who had 2 other deaf dogs)
we would also pound on the floor to get her attention through the vibrations. She was awesome!!!

 

[sred98]

Post some pics after you go get him tomorrow!

Shelly