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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