CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Health => Topic started by: AndyB on July 12, 2020, 09:22:28 PM
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I may have the opportunity to adopt an 18 month old Cocker bitch who is deaf. I have no experience of owning a deaf dog but am a very experienced Cocker owner, having had 4 Cockers over a period of nearly 40 years. I lost my male Cocker nearly 18 months ago and have now decided to adopt an adult dog rather than have another puppy. As we are all aware, the situation with rescue dogs and puppies is completely crazy at the moment and I knew this would not be easy. I know deafness is quite common in certain breeds and owners use signing to train their dog with great success. Does anyone have experience of owning a deaf Cocker who could offer any advice.
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Not had a deaf dog who was deaf from birth, just Bertie when he got older. I found my self using signals for him and it kind of worked, we muddled by. I am so pleased you are thinking of a dog again, very happy for you.
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Thanks ejp. I realised today how much I used hand signals with my previous dogs. Jazz went deaf about two years before he died and I used to call him and slap my hip when he was in the garden and I wanted him to come in. Also, I think we have all wagged a finger at our dogs when they have done something naughty.
It's been a long road since I lost Jazz and I have considered getting a puppy but had a bit of a crisis of confidence as I'd always had my husband whenever we got a new dog, David died 5 years ago. I now feel more than ready to welcome a new Cocker into my life, there is definitely a Cocker shaped hole in my heart and I have reached the conclusion that for me re-homing an adult dog is the way forward. Not very easy at the moment though.
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After 40 years of cocker ownership I think you‘re as well qualified as anyone to take on this challenge. I don‘t have any experience of deaf dogs myself (except the normal „cocking a deaf ear of course, which we all know about! ;) ) but I would imagine the key to overcoming this disability is the same as with any dog, i.e. based on trust, patience and understanding. 18 months is a good age, you‘ll have avoided the trials and tribulations of puppyhood while starting with a dog who‘s still young enough to bond with and will be eager to learn
Only you can make the final decision but going on what you‘ve said and also on the good advice you‘ve given to others on here, I‘d say go for it! You have your friends here on COL for support and I‘m sure with the right mindset, which you have, you‘ll find solutions to any problems. Very best of luck! :luv:
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Firstly I really think that the rescue route is great idea, it seems the RSPCA etc feel there will be so many dogs coming there way sadly.
I have never had a deaf dog so cant advise....but animals like humans adapt and I think it would be a learning curve for both of you....hope so advice will come your way.
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Been thinking about this one, and I suspect you and your new chum will learn from each other and rub along nicely. A long line for runs in open spaces and other such safety measures will help. Daisy was about 2 when we got her, and it was lovely to have a young adult dog. I loved having pups, but they are a lot of work. The rescue may be able to advise of locally run classes to help, or perhaps look on you tube for some ideas. I am excited for you.
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I have looked on You Tube and also joined a Facebook group for owners of deaf dogs. The response on there has been amazing in less than 24 hours. All very positive and lovely people. I am going to see her on Thursday and am very excited. :luv: :luv:
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Do hope that you get her.My last two rescue cockers were deaf when they got older.they soon learnt signs etc .Pointing to the ceiling when i was going up stairs etc.The company she will give you will be amazing.I am on my own now and Murray is best friend ever.He is also blind in one eye .Do hope it goes well.
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I have looked on You Tube and also joined a Facebook group for owners of deaf dogs. The response on there has been amazing in less than 24 hours. All very positive and lovely people. I am going to see her on Thursday and am very excited. :luv: :luv:
:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
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Milo went deaf for the last four or five years of his life. We used hand signals a lot, which he got the hang of. Careful never to come up behind him and startle,him, tried to approach from the front. Also kept him on a long lead, as worried he may get into trouble with a car or something and not hear us call him. I actually think it was more stressful for us than him. I don't know of your dog has been deaf from birth, but if so she will have known nothing different. Cockers are bright, she'll pick up hand signals quickly. Patience and consistency. Good luck 🤞😄
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Thanks for all your support. Yes I believe she has been deaf from birth so she won't know any different.
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Bless her :luv: hope all goes well on your meeting....do update us
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I have now visited the deaf cocker and she is absolutely gorgeous. She was very shy at first but after around 30 minutes she had come up to me and I was permitted to stroke her under her chin. She accepted some kibble from the flat of my hand, I took her for a very short walk with the lady who has rescued her. She walks well, doesn't pull at all. When I left the lady picked up the dog and I put my face by her and she nuzzled into my face a little, but no cocker kisses. I am hoping to have a home check next week and see how things go from there. It will have to be taken very slowly, the lady wants me to visit several times to get to know the dog and vice versa, (if I am judged to be a suitable adoptee). I realise this is not going to be easy and the process will be very different to that of any other cocker I have owned. Time will tell. Thank you for all your support. :luv: :luv:
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Keeping fingers and paws crossed for you !!!! She sounds lovely.
Although its a waiting game for you, I think its great that the rescue does everything possible to ensure that the dog doesn‘t go to an unsuitable owner. Wouldn‘t it be wonderful if everyone responsible for determining the futures of dogs in their care were as conscientious - (especially some of the back street breeders and the people charging silly money! >:( )
Very very best of luck, I‘m sure the wait will be worth it!!!! Do please keep us posted! :luv:
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I definitely will.
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I am hoping all works out for you.....fingers crossed. She sounds a real love, please her :luv:
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Good luck with her :luv:
I’ve only had older cockers go deaf in their latter years, and by then they’d learned all the house/ walk routines and took cues from the other dogs too. However, I know a gundog trainer who bought a Young cocker to work on shoots. He thought there was something odd about the way she responded to training, and then discovered that she was deaf! He successfully trained her and was able to work her as planned - so really the sky’s the limit as far as what can be achieved with patience and a great bond.
Hope your home check and subsequent meetings with her go well. Fingers crossed for you both xx
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Thank you all for your good wishes. :luv:
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That's so encouraging to hear the rescuer is taking such care to make sure she gets a good home. The dog sounds lovely, so hope you will soon have her home and turning into your best pal. I should think being deaf she will focus on you a lot and be a real Velcro cocker :luv:
Lesley and Dylan
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Good luck, I hope all goes well and you have many happy years together.
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That's a great update, it sounds like your meet and greet went really well. I am impressed with the rescue it's a great idea to have a few visits to make the transition smoother for you both. I am so pleased it all went so well, and I have everything crossed that it works out.
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Well done - am sure in time she will be just like any other cocker too (just as they are when they go blind as they never lose the cocker in them)
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Many years ago I used to dog sit a deaf cocker regularly (along with my own cockers); his name was Sweep and as I was quite deaf (even more so now) we got on like a house on fire! I have fond memories of him and am sure you will have a happy future together.
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:luv: :luv: :luv:
I decided to wait a while before updating you all on my progress with Maisie. The home check was carried out and all was fine. The next stage was for Maisie to come to me for the whole day. This went well and I started to feel a little bit in love with her.
The next stage was for Maisie to come for a "sleep over" lol, she stayed from Friday afternoon until Sunday evening, on the understanding that if all went well, she could stay with me permanently. If I was not coping well with her she could go back to the rescue for more training. Maisie arrived last Friday, (the hottest day of the year here). On Friday night I put her to bed in her crate and shut the door, as instructed. Maisie began barking and I went back into the kitchen to reassure her. The barking continued throughout the night, fortunately I live in detached bungalow so she wasn't disturbing my neighbours and my bedroom is the farthest room from the kitchen, with the background noise of the fan and me being extremely tired I did get some sleep. I let Maisie out for a wee around 2.30 am and settled her back in the crate. I got up at around 6.00 am, Maisie was barking again. She spent most of the morning in the garden after having her breakfast. At this stage she was still very nervous and wary of me. When I approached her she would run off. Saturday night was much the same, a lot of barking during the night.
Yesterday was a lovely day and again Maisie spent a lot of time in the garden. She obviously felt safe in the garden where she could escape from me if she wanted to. Also she has only spent five days in a house over the past three months. She had been living in a kennel environment at the rescue and was only brought into the house last week with a view to her coming to stay with me. By the afternoon she was feeling she could trust me a little more and was accepting a little stroke and a tickle. After her dinner I decided I needed to keep her in the house for the evening because I have a large garden and she runs round it a lot I felt she was getting a bit hyper and would hopefully be more calm in the house. She stayed in the lounge with me, pacing quite a bit. Eventually she settled down and had a snooze. Later in the evening I encouraged her to come to me and we had some gentle bonding fuss. I fetched a fleece cover I used for Jazz and placed it on the sofa. I lifted Maisie onto the sofa and we had real "Cocker cuddles". She then settled down and eventually put her chin across my thigh and went to sleep. I was completely thrilled, I felt we had turned a corner and she was starting to trust me and realise I am not such a bad person after all. I put Maisie to bed in her crate, fully expecting lots of barking again. She had a little wuffle but I didn't go back into the kitchen. I am delighted to tell you there wasn't a peep out of her all night. I am so thrilled and over the moon to have her. There have been no toilet accidents at all, and when she wants to go out she barks furiously at the back door. Today I will attempt a little walk with Maisie, I have been advised to take only baby steps with her but I really feel we turned a corner last night. Maisie is a beautiful dog, and the couple of my friends who have seen her have both said straight away, Andrea facially she looks just like Jazz, my beloved boy who died last year.
So I think I can officially say I have a new Cocker spaniel in my life, something I honestly thought would never happen with what is going on with dogs at the moment. Today I will register her with my vet and await delivery of her new Rasberry pink leather collar. Happy days ahead. Thank you all again for your support and encouragement. :luv: :luv:
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Andrea :luv:, I‘m so thrilled for you!! that‘s wonderful news!!
You and Maisie were just meant to be and she‘s clearly landed on all four paws!
I wish you lots of happy years together and look forward to hearing how she progresses.
Lots of :bigarmhug: to you both and best wishes from both me and Humphrey! :luv:
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Absolutely delighted for you, have been thinking about you and Maisie this weekend and wondering how it was going. It sounds as though you both become great pals, and Dylan and me wish you all the best together. How lovely to hear a story with a happy ending :banana: :banana: :luv:
Lesley and Dylan
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That’s the best news ever! It’s been so hard to find any cocker and you’ve been so patient and determined. Maisie is acting absolutely naturally for any dog whose routine has been erratic, so it’s wonderful for her to have a stable and experienced home. Thrilled for both of you xx
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Andrea .... I am in tears of joy at this news....I had thought so often over the weekend about you and praying all was fine, I had spoke to hubby and we both said that we felt if Maisie settled she was very much going to be your girl and the rehoming lady was not going to so much time and effect looking elsewhere.
I am so over the moon for you and welling up again and dashing off to tell OH the good news.
Julie and cocker kisses and hugs to Maisie from Ollie.
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:luv: :luv: :luv:Oh my goodness...I am in floods of tears!! My 16 week old Cocker is looking at me very oddly!! :005: I hope you both enjoy many happy years together.
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Fantastic. I am overjoyed for you and Maisie :luv: I have been thinking of you both, such a good outcome. Persistence has paid dividends for the two of you. Thank you for sharing this with us, it's heartwarming to be able to share your progress. Enjoy. X
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So good to hear the news about Maisie.Many happy years ahead for you and Maisie.Well done
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Thank you all so much for all your good wishes. It's just so nice to have some good news at the moment with what's going on in the world. Maisie has some funny little habits which remind me so much of my beloved Jazz. He had a passion for small plant pots and I have been doing some gardening today and she has kept appearing with a plant pot in her mouth, I think there were 6 on the lawn at one stage. As fast as I picked them up more would appear. We had a much better night last night, only a wuffle when I put her in the crate and then not a peep out of her. She does have a strange habit though, she will sit in the middle of the lawn and howl like a wolf, throwing her head right back. Incredibly loud. Obviously she can't hear herself, but I do feel for my neighbours. They definitely know I have a new dog. Does anyone else's cocker do this.
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:lol2: Humphrey used to steal my plant pots and also the little plastic labels I put in with my seedlings! My garden was full of surprises for the first two years!! :005:
As for sitting in the garden howling - he‘s only ever done than twice, the first time my sons were dog sitting because we‘d gone away for the evening (first time we‘d left him) we have noticed that occasionally he‘ll ask to go out in the evening and then he‘ll just sit on the lawn staring into space, he did it yesterday actually, and we have a full moon at the moment.
They do say that wolves howl at the moon, no idea if that‘s true or whether they‘re putting out a call. :shades: .I suppose its possible that if Maisie has been in a kennel with other dogs, she might be trying to connect to them, as Humphrey did when we weren‘t there, but then I‘d imagine once she‘s settled down with you, that will soon stop. Interesting :shades:
:luv:
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Dylan howls in his sleep, but not when he's awake. He'll let out a really heartbreaking howl for about 20 seconds, sometimes it wakes him, sometimes not, and as he sleeps,in the bedroom he wakes me up.
I had five scotties (at the same time), and a couple of times a week we would have a group howl, I would start it off and they all joined in, it was quite sweet really. We were at a highland show once, and they howled at the pipe band as they marched past, it was hilarious. Bagpipes can have that effect :005:
Lesley and Dylan
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I’m absolutely delighted for you Andrea and what a lucky girl Maisie is to have found you :luv:
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I’m absolutely delighted for you Andrea and what a lucky girl Maisie is to have found you :luv:
She is Jayne and I feel so lucky to have her. I despaired of finding another cocker. As you know I do not drive so the prospect of travelling to say Surrey to see a dog is completely out of the question for me. I knew it did not make any sense for me to have a puppy at my stage of life and with the current situation regarding dogs it began to seem impossible. With the help of some very dear friends Maisie and I have found each other. Several friends and COL members have said it was fate and I have to say maybe it was, (me knowing the full circumstances surrounding Maisie's potential adoption). A case of being in the right place at the right time I think. She was already called Maisie and I have decided to keep her name, even though she would not know if I changed it, as it really suits her. She is proving to be quite a character with some very amusing little ways. Hopefully I can change her life for the better and she will certainly change mine.
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Everyone is so happy for you both, do keep giving us updates on this special wee girl, and maybe a piccie sometime :luv:
Lesley
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Isn't it strange how these things happen. When we were without dogs, and not looking, we were contacted about Daisy and asked if we would take her on. If that hadn't happened, we may still be without a dog. Really looking forward to sharing her progress, I love reading your updates.
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Hello Andy, I've not been on COL for a little while so only just seen your posts. It's wonderful you have found your lovely girl and great to hear all is going so well. Just wanted to say that I had a working type cocker from a pup who was born deaf, and it took a little while to realise she was.
I used clear hand signals which she got the hang of quickly, she always "checked in" with me if out off-lead somewhere she could run around safely so I rewarded her a lot indoors whenever she looked at me, and every time she came up to me outside/in the garden, to reinforce her keeping contact.
She's at the bridge now but was a super dog, so intelligent and loving. Have a lovely life with your new friend!