Deaf Dogs And Their Stereotypes

Every dog and every breed or mix of breeds comes with their fair share of stereotypes. Bully breeds are aggressive, Border Collies need sheep to work, Chihuahuas are ankle biters, Poodles are dainty, and the list goes on and on. When you take on a dog, you take on their stereotypes. It's up to you whether or not you help to dispel them.

Break the stereotypes

As a deaf dog owner (a deaf dog of a breed that's also stereotyped) I do everything I can to break away from the stereotypes surrounding my girl.

First and foremost, if you have a deaf dog, remember that they are a dog before they are deaf, and they are their breed or mix before they are deaf. This means you have to deal with dog behavior and breed-specific behavior before you even focus on their deafness. This can be especially frustrating in high-energy breeds, but it's important to understand your dog is normal aside from being deaf and its behaviors are often explained by its breed make-up.

Let's touch on a few of those pesky deaf dog stereotypes and how they just aren't true!

Stereotype #1 - Deaf dogs can't have a good or full life

Deafness doesn't equate to living a pitiful life. Most dogs show no signs of being deaf and without the owner disclosing, you'd have no idea! Being deaf is much more difficult on us than it is on dogs, especially if they were born that way. There are deaf dogs around the world doing everything that hearing dogs do! Agility, obedience, search and rescue, dock diving, you name it and I'm sure someone has trained their deaf dog to do it.

Stereotype #2 - Deaf dogs will startle and bite

Any dog has the potential to startle, but a dog that cannot hear could be spooked a little easier. It's important to train your dog to be comfortable being touched in different areas. You should also make them comfortable being woken up spontaneously.

Stereotype #3 - Deaf dogs are harder to train

In my opinion, it's easier to train a deaf dog. They focus on you and your movement because they cannot hear what is happening around them. Dogs rely so much on body language as it is, verbal cues aren't the main way they communicate.

Stereotype #4 - Deaf dogs can never be off-leash

It's not recommended to let ANY dog off leash without proper training; their hearing is irrelevant. There are many ways you can train a deaf dog to be off-leash. The best way is to train your deaf dog to naturally and regularly check in with you and then use a clear physical sign/cue for come, much as you would call a hearing dog.

Always remember that each dog is an individual and what works for one, may not work for another. Keep your training fun and positive and be sure to end on a good note!