Sorry for the late reply, I don't get online too often.
My name is Moni and I am on my 4th deaf dog, Ol'gyrl. She is approximately 12yrs old and probably deaf due to old age. I'm not sure how much I'm going to teach her, but she's already getting the jist of some things. She was dropped off on the farm about a week ago.
I also currently have 5 other dogs:
Ol'gyrl-12yr+ deaf labX,
Mojo-8yr aussie,
Faust-6yr GSD,
Zeo-3yr BC/Sheltie,
Kida-2yr deaf mini aussie,
Tenchi-18mo deaf great dane,
& Zephyr-blind/deaf aussie, forever in our hearts
The best site for information is the above mentioned and also here:
http://www.deafdogs.org
The most important thing to remember is that your dog is an individual first, it's breed second and deaf third. Don't worry about not being a pro.
There will be a lot of trial and error, I myself learned on my ZephyrAngel, who was BOTH deaf AND blind. He learned 10+ different touch commands in his short, short life.
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Here are some good basics-
Write down what you want to use for a sign BEFORE you start teaching it so that you and other people can remember it and use it correctly.
Interupt, Redirect & Praise is a motto for ALL training. Distract from bad behavior and praise the good.
Ubilical training combined with crate training is a excellent way to speed up housebreaking, bonding & puppy manners. (Umbilical training is having the puppy on a long line either tied to you, or tethered in your sight when not crated)
Try whenever possible to get the puppy to perform its behavior at LEAST 3 times before introducing a sign command(ie sit, down, stay.. etc. This does not refer to NO, DROP, Potty or like commands)
Most deaf dogs don't actually startle, or even if they do, don't snap or growl. If you want to be extra careful that yours isn't one of the few who do, start conditioning your dog by gently waking it and immediately giving it a lucious treat. Do this often throughout the day for as long as it takes. Soon you'll have a dog waking up with wiggles and wags.
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Those are all that I can think of right now. If you have any questions, feel free to write me at
[email protected] . I apologise in advance for any tardiness in my replies. With 6dogs, 2 kids and a job time can be scattered.
Take care and best of luck with your new addition!
Moni~
Pictures of my gang can be seen at
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/torizmojo/my_photos
& also here
http://torizmojo.textamerica.com