This is Harley, the new deaf dog I am working with on good manners, basic obedience and general life skills. He is currently hanging out with the good folks at Abandoned Pet Rescue in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. My name was passed along to them as someone who might be able to help Harley, and they called me. It’s nice to know that word is getting out that help is available for people with no experience with deaf dogs.
I met Harley for the first time today and one of the first things I noticed was how focused he is on people. He wants nothing more than to be near people, to feel human touch and to learn from us. Though he loved the treats and small bits of hot dog he was given as a reward for exhibiting the behavior I asked from him, nothing pleased him more than a big hug and a belly rub.
Today, we started with the basics. I spent a lot time working with him on “watch me”. This is such an important behavior to teach a deaf dog. Only when they watch us can they hear us. By teaching him to check in with me constantly, I can begin to teach basic obedience commands (“sit”, “stay” etc.) or directional training (“go there”, “come here”, “go outside”). I can also begin to give him information about his environment to prevent startling.
I introduced Harley and his three primary caregivers at APR to the idea of tether training. This is sometimes a hard transition for a dog, or people with no experience, and I’m not saying it is mandatory for all deaf dogs. But with Harley, a young adult deaf bully dog with little to no knowledge of good manners and basic training, by keeping him literally attached to my hip, I can engage him in short intensive training sessions. I can work on lots of skills at one time, and boy, did he excel!
I can’t wait to see him next week and see what progress he has made. I also can’t wait to see his handlers and caregivers feeling more comfortable and confident in their ability to teach Harley the things he needs to know. This confidence will go a long way towards finding him the right foster home or, better yet, his lifelong family.
The very concept of a deaf dog is terrifying for many people, almost debilitatingly so. I’m glad that I am, occasionally, afforded the opportunity to help wonderful people do good by a wonderful dog who deserves a chance to show the world how much he is capable of giving and accomplishing.
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