Deafness and Shelties

L

luvmyride

Forums Regular
My 5 month old puppy Gibbs in my first sheltie. He was recently diagnosed with partial deafness. When looking in to the breed, I know that merle to merle breedings can lead to deaf/blindness, but that definitely wasnt the case here. Gibbs isn't completely deaf, he can hear high and low pitched things, but in general unless you are yelling at him, he can't hear a spoken voice very well. For the past 3 months I've been complaining that he ignores me all the time, but really he just didn't know that I was trying to get his attention. :sadsmile:

Surprisingly, he's done really well in obedience classes. The place we've been going uses both hand and verbal commands, so I think that's why we were able to muddle through.

Does anyone have any advice about training/living with a deaf dog?
 
I believe if you tap the floor, I don't mean stomp, but make a vibration, he will learn to turn and look at you. Then once you have his attention, you can use your hand signals. He is probably sensitive to vibrations around him now, you may just not have realized it. It's his way of compensating. He can't hear you coming, but he can "feel" you coming.
 
I think some people use a flash light to get their dog's attention in the yard.

I'm glad he is doing well in obedience class despite his partial deafness. Gibbss is lucky to have owners, who are willing to work with his disability. You'd be surprised by how many people will dump a deaf or blind dog in a shelter. Best of luck to you and Gibbs :biggrin2:
 
I think some people use a flash light to get their dog's attention in the yard.

I'm glad he is doing well in obedience class despite his partial deafness. Gibbss is lucky to have owners, who are willing to work with his disability. You'd be surprised by how many people will dump a deaf or blind dog in a shelter. Best of luck to you and Gibbs :biggrin2:
 
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