Hello Adrienne, I have Jeff (Mutt n Jeff) and the most remarkable thing about having a deaf puppy for me has been how unremarkable it has been! He's really not that different. The only differences I have noticed are:
- Toilet training - as mentioned, you have to be a lot quicker off the ball and it takes a bit longer!
- He is more clingy than any of the hearing dogs I've had. He follows me everywhere; even stares through the crack in the loo door and waits until I've finished! However, this may be his personality or because we have mollycoddled him more rather than because he's deaf.
- You do need to treat a deaf dog more like a toddler - try and minimise as many risks as possible, as you can't call it or attract it's attention as you can another dog.
- Get the puppy used to referring to you as much as possible so that it looks to you for instructions. Lots of cuddles and treats! You probably will find yourself giving more attention to the deaf puppy than you will your other dogs, but I think that's necessary as it will need lots of reassurance and physical contact.
- Don't leave her alone if she has fallen asleep when you're there - she may panic and get a bit frantic. Give her a gentle tap on the bum to wake her.
- In fact, I would never leave Jeff alone full stop. He always at least has Annie with him.
- Devise some really basic hand signals and stick to them. Come, wee, good, no, sit. Use exaggerated facial expressions.
You are SO lucky having such a beautiful little girl. Give her all the love, cuddles and contact you possibly can, and you will be rewarded with the most amazing companion ever.
Hopefully Becky and Wilson will see this and have more to add
