Live With a Deaf Dog

Stomp on the floor or shine a light to get your deaf dog’s attention. It stands to reason that their lack of hearing puts them very in tune with their other senses.

Touch your deaf dog gently in the same spot (away from the head) each time you wake him up. This will not be felt as threatening and your dog will come to recognize his guardian’s touch.

Teach your deaf dog hand signals based on American Sign Language. Learning only a handful of signs will help you communicate effectively. Use treats and petting to show praise while training.

Make training part of your regular daily activity. If your dog is lying quietly, smile at her from time to time and give a signal to let her know she is behaving.

Use the sign for your dog’s name and make full eye contact when talking to him in order to get his attention.

Flash a porchlight or use a flashlight to call your deaf dog back from playing in the yard after dark.

Keep your deaf dog on a leash anytime she is not in a confined area, because if she runs away, you can’t call her back and she won’t hear danger approaching. Leashing will condition her to return in case she accidentally gets loose.

Leave on a light and the TV if you have to crate your deaf dog, as well as his favorite toy to keep him occupied. Deaf dogs are more likely to experience separation issues and panic in a crate, because they can’t hear surrounding noises. That's why it's very important to make them comfortable.