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A Deaf Dog As A Service Dog?
by Mindy Riddell

Skyler is a 14 week old white Boxer.

My daughter and I were both looking for Boxer pups and my daughter picked Skyler. I didn't get a pup that day. I had my heart set on a brindle and was waiting for the Breeder's next litter that wouldn't be born until mid July. I was looking for a Boxer pup to train as a service dog since I have Multiple Sclerosis and frequently need help picking things up off the floor, opening doors, etc.

I knew I wanted a Boxer in particular because I had been a breeder before becoming ill and after 10 years of raising them I was "hooked". They are such wonderful dogs, intelligent, good natured, and their greatest love above all is children. My previous Boxer was the best dog I ever had. I still get teary eyed thinking of her. Unless you've had a dog like that touch your life you probably think that's silly but she was like a child to me. Her picture is still above my bedroom dresser and she's been gone now for 7 years. I gave up breeding them shortly afterwards and couldn't bring myself to get another one until recently. It always reminded me of my special girl and it was just too heartbreaking. There would never be another one like her as far as I was concerned and I could never imagine another dog capturing my heart like she did. I Had to take a break just then to get a kleenex. See, I can't even write about her without crying. Good thing this isn't paper. haha.

Anyway, it didn't take us long to discover that Skyler was almost completely deaf (as unfortunately happens on occasion with white Boxers). My daughter came to realize that with the long hours she worked and having a small child at home she wouldn't be able to provide the extra time and training that this pup would need.

My heart went out to her but I have to admit I had my concerns. I was taking a risk because I needed a dog that could be a service dog someday and when you have a service dog you can't have any other dogs in the home since this distracts them from their "work". I knew that if I took her in I would never be able to give her up if she didn't work out as a service dog so I'd have to get along without one if that happened. But, having physical challenges myself, I had a strong feeling that I would be able to help her. So, I called the breeder and told her to take me off her list for the brindle pup I was waiting for. She was officially mine forever.

I have never dealt with a deaf dog before or even been around a deaf person for any length of time and it's definitely something that takes some adjusting to. You can't call them when you need to, you can't scold them verbally, and just the thought that she can't hear my encouraging words when she's doing something good really makes me sad for her at times. But I'm determined to help this pup. I looked up everything I could find about raising and training a deaf dog as well as service dogs, bought books, even bought a laser light pen to get her attention since I have no way of doing this since she can't hear my calls. It's especially difficult for me since I can't always run after her when I'm having a bad day physically. She loves chasing that light and I've been playing "Hide and Seek" with her, she chases the pen and it ends up in my lap where she gets rewarded with hugs and kisses. She has no idea she's learning a lesson! If she's not more than about 10 feet from me and there are no background noises she can hear me if I clap very loud. That's how I've trained her to come to me. We're also learning American Sign Language together. When I first heard of people doing that with deaf dogs I was skeptical about how well it would actually work. It's strange though -- it's like all of a sudden we broke the language barrier! She is so attentive and eager to learn now. I found out that I was already using some sign language with her and didn't even know it. Apparently, slapping your leg twice is the sign for "dog" and that's what I do when I only have 1 hand free in the house and can't clap, followed by a "come here" sign. So I guess I've been saying, "Dog, Come here" all along. haha. I just have to brag on her here... we live on a farm and many times she will go out and play with the other dogs or chase our ducks around the yard. No matter how much fun she's having with them, when I give her the "come here" sign, she consistently comes EVERY time! Think that has anything to do with the fact that she us!

Does she usually get tasty treats? Nah... haha. But I have raised a lot of puppies in my life and that is quite impressive being that the distraction factors are two of her favorite things to do. That's even a difficult thing for an adult dog to do. Even though her training has just begun, she's also already helping me! I have chronic back pain and she sleeps with me. She likes to cuddle up as close as possible and pushes up against my back and stays there all night, providing warmth and support. She seems like she knows what's she's doing. I feel so lucky to have such a loving, smart little pup.

So, remember when I said I never thought another dog could capture my heart? Well, as you can see, Skyler definitely has! Will she work out as a Service Dog? It's looking great so far but only time will tell since there is so much more for her to learn. But one thing is for certain, she has already done me the greatest service just by coming into my life.

Note from the author: Skyler now has a website of her own which includes a "Blog" journal of her training progress. We are also the official home for the Annual "Hoosier Boxer Bash" which is a convenient location for many Boxer Owners in Indiana, Ohio, & Kentucky. Our first Annual "HOOSIER BOXER BASH" is scheduled for September 2004. The site also contains valuable information on Boxers, White Boxers, Deaf Dogs, Handicap Assistive Service Dogs, Multiple Sclerosis, and more. You can join local groups for meet ups in your area on just about any topic imaginable including sports, hobbies, health issues, much more.

The website is titled "SUPER SPECIAL CANINES" and is located at:
http://www.notsobigdogs.com/skyler.html

Please feel free to stop by and say hello!

Warmest Regards,

Mindy & Skyler

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