Training A Deaf Dog

The idea of becoming a deaf dog's guardian is very frightening to some. The idea of training said dog can be even more terrifying. The fact that your dog can't hear isn't a big deal to your dog. They've always been unable to hear so it's just life for them, it's normal. You are likely to make it into a bigger deal than you should and they will pick up on your uneasiness.

When training your deaf dog, don't ever have the mentality that because she is deaf she can't do something. A deaf dog is capable of doing anything that a hearing dog can, except for hearing!

There are deaf service dogs, agility competitors, dock divers, and really anything you can think of. Always keep this in your head and have a positive outlook.

Be consistent & positive

The most important thing when it comes to training a deaf dog is consistency. You want to develop your signs and stick with them. Don't feel overwhelmed at the thought of learning American Sign Language. You can use whatever works for you. Some people will learn ASL so that their signs are actual signs and can be communicated with a deaf person. Just as many owners create their own signs. Whatever path you choose, just establish it and stick with it.

When you give your dog a sign, you want it to be one-handed so it's simple and easy to do on a walk or in public. If you involve two hands, it'll get tricky if you have a leash, keys, and lunch in your hands.

As with training any dog, you want to be upbeat and positive. Keep your training sessions short and try to end on a good note. Don't expect your dog to grasp every trick or cue on the first go around. Focus on the basics and get them down pat before trying more advanced things.

Some important first cues

• I always recommend teaching a potty sign. With a hearing dog, you usually take them outside and say something like "go potty" so you want to communicate the same thing with your deaf dog.
• "Watch me" and "come" are crucial for a deaf dog. Even more so if you ever plan to have them off leash (which is totally doable with some training.) Don't think just because you have a deaf dog that you're destined to life on a leash.
• Some people will teach a "good boy/girl" sign. This can be quite useful during training. Anytime your dog accepts and understands a sign, give the "good boy/girl" sign (perhaps a "thumbs up") and then treat. Eventually, you'll be able to become more random with the treats because they'll learn that the sign itself is a good thing.

Just remember to be patient as you should be with any dog. When training a deaf dog, be natural. Speak to them even though they can't hear you. If you don't speak, your body language is unnatural, and the dog, especially those that can't hear, relies heavily on body language.

You and your deaf dog can do anything you set your mind to!