What? What?

As I have grown older, within the last few months actually, I have started to go deaf. It took a little while for my parents to even realize it because it can be something that happens gradually and may not be obvious. Dogs are very adaptable and can use their other senses but there can definitely be some challenges in training and managing a deaf dog.

Signs that your dog might be going deaf include:

• inattentiveness or change of personality
• inability or confusion during training
• excessive barking (if this is unusual for your pet)
• difficulty waking up
• excessive head shaking or tilting
• any change in personality

For me, my parents began to notice when I quit responding to commands but would respond to hand signals. At first, they thought I was getting stubborn in my old age, but I also wouldn't respond to things like "treats" or "walk," some of my favorite words! The clincher was when I wouldn't wake up during meals (when my brothers won't leave the sight of the table) and when my parents got home. I can now sleep through anything.

Dog ears are very similar to people ears, so dogs can be born deaf or grow deaf as they get older. As with me, health problems can speed the process along. I have always had allergies and ear infections, which probably contributed to my hearing loss.

If you have a deaf dog, or one who is slowly growing deaf, here are some tips to consider:

• Never let a deaf dog run off leash. He can't hear cars or other dangers, and he can't hear you when you call. Things he once did he may no longer be able to do. Sucks, I know.
• Teach your commands with hand signals. Fortunately, my mom did this originally (she loves hand signals for sooo many reasons!), so I can still easily respond when I see a familiar sign, even if I didn't hear the word.
• Never startle a deaf dog. She may snap or bite. Warn children not to wake her. Teach her to respond to a flashlight or visual cue if you want her attention. Try waking her with food under her nose or a light touch near her rear.
• Alert him that you are leaving each time so as not to create separation anxiety. If you suddenly disappear when he's sleeping and he doesn't hear you, this could be very scary for him when he wakes up.
• If you have a large yard or house, consider putting a bell on your dog so she's easier to track down.

Deaf dogs do present additional training challenges, but they aren't untrainable, as many people believe. Just be patient and use clear hand signals. Challenging dogs can also be fun! Love, Fenway