Training a Deaf Dog Is Different, and Rewarding!
During the month of September, the pet community brings awareness to deaf dogs during National Deaf Pet Awareness Week. Owning a deaf dog can be challenging on some levels, but the love they give their owners makes it worth it. As trainers, we will occasionally get a hearing-impaired dog that needs help with training, so we have to adjust our methods to help the dogs and owners communicate.
Some people get a dog with the full knowledge the dog is already deaf. Other owners may get surprised when they realize a dog they rescued can’t hear. Dogs may get infections or go through a trauma that effects their hearing, or just lose it due to genetics/old age. Whatever the reason, dogs with impaired hearing need training and a bond with their owner for their own safety and well-being.
Tips for Training a Deaf Dog
Don’t think because a dog is deaf that it can’t be trained. Dogs have amazing adaptability to their environment, and whether they lost their hearing over time, suddenly, or never had hearing to begin with – they can figure things out quicker than you think.
- First of all, patience is key! Both the dog and owners are going to need help figuring out the best method to communicate with each other.
- Use your dog’s other senses. Like us, when one sense has issues the other ones get heightened. Your dog may not be able to hear, but he/she can still smell, taste, feel, and see. Use those to your advantage!
- Think outside the box when using training tools and methods. You may be able to still use a leash and collar, just differently than you thought!
Training With the Other Senses
Your dog uses all their senses during training, that’s true. So when their hearing is compromised they will rely on their other senses to help them navigate the world. You may have to get creative and combine one of their senses with a training tool you never thought you might use! For most cases, you’ll be combining more than one sense anyway 🙂 Here are just a few suggestions to get you started with your deaf dog:
- Smell: You are already aware your dog’s nose is amazing when it comes to scents. During training, use their nose to help guide them into a command or behavior you want them to do. Think of it this way: where a dog’s nose goes, the rest of the body will follow. So, for example, hold the treat in front of your dog’s nose and “lure” them into a sit by slowly raising the treat up and towards their tail. When they sit, give them the treat.
- Taste: Treats, treats, and more treats. But, you might want to change them up so your dog doesn’t get bored. You can also use a “bigger/nicer” treat for a command you really want to reinforce (like “Come”).
- Touch/Feel: Your dog can feel the collar and leash pressure. Use them to guide your dog where you want them to go or to do a behavior. We’ve also used an e-collar for training on low settings or just the vibrate.
- Sight: Have your dog follow a toy or your hand to guide them into a behavior. Toss a toy onto a dog bed to teach them to go there, use a target stick to train other behaviors, and use hand signals to associate commands with behaviors you want.
Get Help If You Need It
I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you to hire a dog trainer if you feel you can’t train your deaf dog on your own. We’re here for you, as professionals! The other benefit is that we’re usually part of a community that is willing to help or give advice. So if the method we’ve tried isn’t getting the results we hoped, we don’t give up! We can always do some research, ask questions, and get some answers to help your dog have a great life!
Related: Training Methods for Dogs
If you would like some help training your deaf dog, please give us a call!
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