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Tips for training a deaf puppy

October 23, 2012 by Jennifer Simms

Tips-for-training-a-deaf-puppy_16000425_800891044_0_0_14075529_300There is a common misconception that deaf dogs are very difficult to train because they can’t understand traditional verbal commands. However, you can teach your pup how to behave and even a few tricks with body language commands, which most dogs rely on anyways. More than 85 breeds can be affected by deafness inherently, and just as humans capitalize on their other heightened senses to get around, deaf dogs will take full advantage of their smell, sight and touch. Pet care may require a little more involvement, but deaf dogs can learn everything a dog with hearing can.

Hand signals
Oral commands that are commonly used are often employed with hand gestures, which any deaf dog can be trained with. For example, when you call Fido over, you say “come here” while making a common hand gesture so the dog understands. Even if Fido is deaf, these rules still apply, even though he won’t hear the command. Using natural body language to have the pup gallop over will result in a better response because you are being more expressive. Dogs are great visual learners, and they often pick up on hand gestures more quickly than voice commands, according to Modern Dog Magazine. Just make sure to maintain consistency and your pup should pick up on physical commands in no time.

Keep lessons short
Obedience lessons should be kept to roughly 15 minutes so your dog stays attentive and isn’t overwhelmed. This may be hard work for puppy, especially at first or if he is very young. By keeping lessons minimized to a certain time span, he won’t get as easily distracted. At the end of a lesson, the best way reward a puppy is with positive expressions and treats. If possible, try to arrange training time before meal time so that he will be more intrigued with the food.

Remember safety
A major concern of deaf dogs is that they can’t hear sounds like other dogs approaching them, cars or people. It is important to have a dog fenced in or on a leash, even if he isn’t prone to straying. Since he can’t hear dangers, an unknown smell may intrigue the pup somewhere dangerous. It may also be helpful to put a small bell around the dog’s collar so you can keep track of him.

Filed Under: Pet Training

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