My story

　　Starling is deaf but this doesn't stop her from being a happy playful pup! 

　　I know not everyone would consider adopting a deaf dog but hopefully sharing this post will help us find the right home for this girl.

　　As with any dog, training a deaf dog takes time and patience. There are some ways in which 

　　deaf and hearing dogs learn quite similarly. Repetition, reward, and consistency remain the pillars of success—however there are a few key differences and things you should know.

　　Getting a deaf dog’s attention is visual rather than verbal.

　　Because a deaf dog can’t hear you, they have to be looking at you, and likely making eye contact with you, in order to prove they are ‘listening’ to you. That means you can’t call them from the other room and expect them to respond. If you can’t find where your deaf dog is, yelling their name won’t help.

　　Deaf dogs learn hand cues rather than verbal cues.

　　Once you get your deaf pup’s attention with good old-fashioned eye contact, you can use hand signals rather than words to teach commands. In fact, many dogs that

　　are

　　able to hear are taught a hand cue to go along with every verbal cue.

　　You’ll need a fenced yard for your deaf dog.

　　It is a good idea to have a fenced yard for ANY dog but If your deaf dog escaped your property, they won’t be able to hear you,  anyone, or anything else!

　　.

　　Make a wake-up routine with your deaf dog.

　　Since deaf dogs have heightened senses, creating a consistent wake-up routine with a treat is important to starting off each day right. Two great ways to try are by either touching your dog lightly on the back and rewarding your dog instantly upon waking with a treat, or by putting your hand in front of your dog’s sleeping nose until the dog wakes up to your scent, which can also be rewarded with a treat or hand signal right afterwards.

　　Train your deaf dog to look at you, as if you called their name.

　　The main technique Deaf Dogs of Oregon encourages is to, “touch as contact, and then welcoming lots of eye contact.” They emphasize that getting your deaf dog to check in with you through eye contact regularly is key to successful training. “[By] tapping them on the back or hips and rewarding them the very second they turn to make eye contact with you,” you’re teaching them the equivalent of calling their name, if they could hear. Aside from rewarding your deaf dog with food, you can also use a “good dog” signal, such as the one Deaf Dogs of Oregon practices at their shelter, which looks like excited, “ ‘spirit fingers’ wiggling in the face.”

　　Should you choose to give a deaf dog a home there are plenty of resources available to help you and your pup navigate life! 

　　May 4, 2023, 1:44 am

　　If you have any questions or would like to adopt STARLING, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.