Some dogs are deaf. This poses a huge problem when dog parents want to communicate with them. How do they communicate with them? The answer is through deaf dog training.
Deaf dog training is effective in teaching dogs all that they need to know. But first let’s see what are the causes of deafness in dogs before jumping into training methods
Table of Contents
Causes of dog deafness
- Some dogs are born deaf which is known as congenital deafness.
- Ear infections
- Injury to drug toxicity
- Old age
How to tell your dog is deaf?
Test your dog by waiting until they sleep or is looking away. Then, make a loud noise behind them. If they don’t look or walk up, then they are deaf.
How to train a deaf dog
Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is based on giving a dog a reward when they do things correctly instead of pointing out things that are incorrect.
This happens by the use of a marker for correctness such as a clicker sound or the words “good” or “smart”. Use only positive reinforcement with all dogs especially deaf dogs.
It is important to find healthy treats because your dog doesn’t hear you so communicating through rewards is essential.
Some of the healthy treats are vegetables and fruits such as baby carrots, green beans, broccoli, apples, bananas, and cantaloupe.
Get your dog’s attention
You can get your dog’s attention through using various techniques. You can get it through waving in front of their face or touching them gently always in the same location.
Also, you can thumb your fist on the floor to create a vibration. Another option is turning the light switch on and off. For effective attention getting of your dog, use a flashlight.
Another way is to use vibration collars. These collars make vibration remotely and are used as deaf dog training collar.
They are useful once your dog has learned basic training and respond to your command. However, never use shock collars as they do harm your dog.
3.) Make your dog comfortable to being touched
When your dog is awake, lightly touch them in areas such as the shoulder or side. After, they look at you, give them a treat immediately.
Repeat this step for at least several weeks. You can also train your dog to wake up through a gentle touch.
4.) Use signals instead of sound
Using signals, teach your dog basic dog commands. Because your dog can’t hear, the use of sound is useless so you have to use signals that can help them understand.
To help you in getting the most effective hand signals, get a pocket sign language book. You can also create your own signals ; however, using known signs makes it easier for trainers and pet sitters to communicate with your dog.
There are many different sign languages around the world to use such as American sign language. It can be used as a way to communicate with your dog.
“Watch me” cue or signal
One of the most important signals to teach a deaf dog is the “watch me” cue. If done regularly, your dog will soon be checking in with you at all times.
There are steps used to teach your dog the “watch me” signal. They are listed below.
1.) Get a high quality and healthy treat for your dog.
2.) Put the treat under your dog’s nose so they can smell it and then move the treat to your face towards your nose.
3.) Your dog will make eye contact with you. When they do, give them a thumbs up and then treat them immediately.
If they do get distracted, then tap them in the shoulder, point to your nose to mean “watch me’, and then give them a thumbs up and a treat afterwards.
Good dog
This is the first signal that you should teach your dog because you will follow this signal with other commands when your dog does them correctly.
It’s a simple thumbs up for when your dog has done a good job. After making the thumbs up, follow it with a treat and excited face.
You can combine thumbs up with touch training too. This happen by gently touching your dog. Then when they look at you, reward them with a thumbs up and a treat.
5.) Teach your dog basic obedience commands
Signals and facial expressions are your best way to go through basic obedience commands.
Here are the basic obedience commands for deaf dogs.
Sit
This is an important basic obedience command for any dog to learn. Also, it is easy in deaf dog training.
To teach your dog, open your hand and point your palm to the floor. As soon as your dog learns that this signal means sit, make the thumbs up sign and offer them a treat.
Another way to teach the sit command is through holding a treat in your hand with the palm facing you. Then move your hand above your dog’s head. Your dog will automatically be in a sitting position.
Down
To get your dog to lie down, simply use your index finger to point down at the floor. Also, give your dog a thumbs up and a treat for doing a good job when they lie down.
Come
The come command can be accomplished by you sitting on the floor. Then , when your dog looks at you, wave your hand toward yourself and wait for your dog to come.
Make a thumbs up and reward with a treat when they come to you.
Stay
To teach your dog the stay command, hold your hand in front of you while having your fingers point straight. It is important for the palm to be facing your dog so the command is done right.
Use a thumbs up and a treat when your dog succeeds in staying.
How to not startle your dog
Deaf dogs can be startled by sudden touching and appearance of people because they are not used to them.
To prevent startling your dog, desentize them to touch through gently touching them slowly. Start by touching them in the same location while offering a treat as a reward.
You can also do this process when you want to wake them up. However, you got to first place your hand in front of their nose so they can smell you. Then, gently touch them. When they wake up, give them a treat.
What not to do when deaf dog training
- Don’t use any training method other than positive reinforcement.
- Don’t scold or get angry at your dog. Always be patient.
- Don’t rush the training process such as touch training so you don’t startle your dog.
Conclusion
Deaf dog training requires patience and following a positive reinforcement approach. It is not impossible but with enough dedication and effort, you can teach your deaf dogs many things.
To know more information about training a puppy to not be scared, check How to Train a Puppy to Stop Being Scared.