Deaf OES puppy...Help!
Help!  |
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| I missed out on my chance to live with a deaf sheepie but I did a LOT of reading while preparing to adopt him.
Have you visited this website? They offer some wonderful ideas on training your deaf dog. http://www.deafdogs.org There is also a book called "Living With A Deaf Dog" by Susan Cope-Becker. http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-M ... &cid=46822 You might also consider contacting a professional trainer for one-on-one help. The last time one of our trainers was out, he was working with someone with a deaf bulldog. Just ask if they have experience before signing up... maybe ask your vet for a recommendation. There are several people out there that have deaf sheepies. If you continue to have problems, I may be able to put you in touch with someone privately. Please let me know. |
| Thank you Jaci...I have seen that web-site...to be honest..I have not had serious time until now to devote to her. I took her on vacation with me last week for three days with my Mom's 9 year old golden and it was awful. The golden is old and did not want anything to do with her. I think being deaf is secondary to being a pup. I just can't get her to look at me for the hand signals...she's also albino and I can't cut her bangs....i don't know what to use in replace of "no" and "down" and "no biting"..she will need special training. i have contacted a trainer who does private and group training...i suggested private and he thinks it is better in a group....i'm not sure if that's a good idea. she gets easily distracted.
i need to find a trainer specifically for deaf dogs....perhaps you can help. i phoned a local "well-known" dog trainer in the area also and he reamed me for taking her without knowing what I was getting into and he said he would not take her. I adopted her after hearing a local pet adoption drive on the radio and took her that same day. Impulse....my fault. |
Quote: I took her on vacation with me last week for three days with my Mom's 9 year old golden and it was awful. The golden is old and did not want anything to do with her. Older dogs often find rambunctious pups totally obnoxious. She would do better with a pup closer to her own age... this is probably why it was a bad situation. If there is a next time you all come together, you might consider taking her for a long walk first or letting her play 'til she's tired before bringing her in... a tired dog will be less obnoxious  Quote: i phoned a local "well-known" dog trainer in the area also and he reamed me for taking her without knowing what I was getting into and he said he would not take her. This person if foolish for denying help to someone actively trying to help a special needs dog. Quote: I suggested private and he thinks it is better in a group....i'm not sure if that's a good idea. This is just my opinion but I feel the first few lessons should be one-on-one. If you can't get your sheepie-girl's attention from the very start, how is she going to learn anything in a class environment?? She is going to be sooo focused on all the dogs and this new place that she will be completely oblivious to you and your instructions. You need to find ways to communicate with her... First of all, you have got to get that hair away from her eyes. Even "normal" sheepies need to be able to see where they're going so the hair either needs to be pulled back in a hair tie or clipped short. Your lifeline to a deaf dog is solely through eye contact and touch so the hair has got to be out of the way at all times. Quote: she's also albino and I can't cut her bangs....
Are her eyes pink or blue? Is she entirely white or just a white head? Old English Sheepdogs with entirely white heads and blue eyes are more likely to be deaf but are not albinos. http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resource ... ogs/52.htm I'd get a few professional opinions as to whether you absolutely cannot cut her bangs ... there are rumors going around that you'll give sheepies eye problems if you cut their hair and this is soooo not true. There is a website that has pictures of how to sign commands like see, no, night-night, stop, etc. It's the ASL University website at http://www.lifeprint.com/ . I loved this site because it showed an actual person doing the sign. Special needs dogs do require a lot of time, commitment and energy... I've got a blind sheepie with a cleft palate and a sheepie that arrived at 10 months old with severe separation anxiety and hip dysplasia. If you find for any reason you can't keep this sheepie girl, PLEASE contact an Old English Sheepdog Rescue. They are well aware that deafness can be an issue with this breed and can help her find the right home. Here is a list of rescues... http://neoesr.org/oes-nat.htm If you can't find someone to help you, please let me know. |
Quote: i need to find a trainer specifically for deaf dogs...
The first place to check I think would be with her veterinarian. They may be able to recommend a good trainer that will provide one-on-one classes until she's ready for group classes. Ask for one that has a kind approach to training. There is a list of dog trainers that I believe at least have to pay an annual fee in order to "belong". Just because they belong though does NOT mean that they are all quality trainers but it might give you a place to start. The Association of Pet Dog Trainers http://www.apdt.com You may also be able to get recommendations from other trainers if they don't feel they can assist you. |
| I am going to call several of the trainers that I have been referred to. I want one-on-one first. My vet did give me the name of one of the ones I contacted. My vet also is the one who told me that I cannot cut her bangs. She has pink rims and bright blue eyes. He said that exposing her eyes will cause damage. So, that presents my biggest problem. She just cannot see me. I have always had my OES's bangs cut.
I contacted the Northern California OES, who I had dealt with obtaining two of my other OES, and she would not take her because she is deaf. Believe me, I let her know of my disappointment in her organization. How can you call yourself a rescue if you discriminate? So my only other resource was the Southern California OES Rescue, which is in Santa Monica. A 400 mile drive down to take her, which is OK, but would be heartbreaking for me to make that drive. I want to thank you for listening to me and giving me some resources and hope. I am very discouraged. |
| Robin,
I too have dealt with OES rescue in Northern California. They won't take anything but very young dogs. They definitely don't like "problemed" dogs. If you can tell I am not their biggest fans. Pepsi, my male has pink rimmed eyes too. 
I always keep his hair short around his eyes. He currently has about 1 inch of hair all over. We are in the Desert and he has never had a problem with his eyes. Pepsi had virtually no pigment around his eyes, but it has been filling in little by little the past two years. Not all sheepies have the complete eyeliner (Black all the way around). Take a look at Bailey on the right of this picture. His eye has no pigment on the eye pictured. He also lives in the Desert. (Pepsi is on the left, that is exactly the length of his hair now) 
If you are in Northern California, I would not worry at all about cutting her hair. Like Jaci said, She needs to see. |
| Elissa,
Thank you! Hush Puppy has the pink rims but just bright blue eyes. I really trust my vet and he said not to cut the bangs....She's in Sacramento and I just worry about the sun. But she has plenty of shade...so you think it's OK to cut them? Pam Henry should be ashamed of herself, and that is what I told her. She has no business being in the rescue business...I told her she has no credibility up here in No Calif....Thank goodness for the So Calif Rescue... |
| I think it's totally okay to cut them. Darcy, who lives in AZ keepa her dog Panda's hair pretty short and she's got the bluest eyes.
I don't think it would effect the eye because of the color. Maybe the Vet is thinking the skin around the eyes will burn?? I have had my dogs for over two years now in the Desert and they have never had any problems with sunburn. During the summer months my dogs spend a lot of time around the pool and in it. I don't recommend shaving the dog down to the skin. A #5 blade is perfect. #10 at the shortest. I have also dealt with Pam, much to my displeasure. But Southern California was about the same as Pam.  Very rude and condescending. 
If you do consider rescue.... I have a place I know would help you. |
Pepsi's Mommy wrote: I too have dealt with OES rescue in Northern California. They won't take anything but very young dogs. They definitely don't like "problemed" dogs. I think they also won't take dogs with tails. |
Robin, I also live in the desert....and panda doesnt have the pink rims but she does have really blue eyes...and I keep her in short hair also....especially around the eyes...who would want to hide these beauties?
 |
| Elissa,
I am considering Rescue. I'm surprised at your comment about Jane. I spoke with her for about 30 minutes. She was very nice and sent me out the surrender paperwork. She said she would take her unconditionally. What did I miss? They want a $150 donation, but that's OK....if it means she will be taken care of...I'd even give her more. |
I wrote to a friend in rescue on the East coast to see if there is a cause for concern about trimming bangs... she bred sheepies at one time and has placed a gazillion rescues  (maybe not quite that many but a bunch). I think this is a common misconception but I could be mistaken.
I don't have any hands on experience with deaf dogs but I do have 6 dogs so I have some experience with the beast. I hate to see you frustrated... wish you were closer so I could try to help 
For now, pull the hair away from her eyes and work with her indoors. Although none of my dogs are deaf, all of them except my blind sheepie do know hand signals. Training sessions can be pretty quiet. I think if you start out with brief training sessions, as you would with a young pup, you'll have greater success. If you loose her attention, you might stop and try again a little later. Try to end on a good note. You might want to make sure she's hungry before you begin. I would think the first thing you'll want to teach her is "look at me". I do this by taking a treat between my thumb and index finger, bringing it up to my face and pretending I'm tapping the ashes off a cigarette. When the dog looks at my face. I give a surprised/happy expression and give the dog the treat. You might try this for the "come" command while in the house... Carry a pocket full of small kibble she finds tasty. When she looks at you, show her the treat and bring your open palm to your chest. If you repeat this every time she looks at you, she may get so she looks at you more often. Be consistent with the treats at first too... you can later taper off to every other time or every third time. The sit and down commands should be pretty easy. You'll use the dogs natural instincts to do these. Sit: Take a super tasty treat and bring it low/close over the dogs head starting at the nose and going toward the top of the head... they usually follow the treat and go into a sit position. Then introduce the sit signal... we use an open palm facing up and raise the hand to tell ours to sit. Down: Take the treat, cup it in your hand and bring it to the floor... the dog usually follows. We use an open palm facing down (with the treat held against the palm with the thumb) and lower it all the way to the floor (to start training anyway) to tell them to lie down. You should also have a happy signal that indicates to the dog that they've done good. Maybe clapping... I use the Texas longhorns sign and rock my hand back and forth. Whatever works for you. Please let me know if you need help. There are other people that can give you advice that will help you to communicatie with your deaf sheepie. |
| I know Darcy...they have the most beautiful eyes.....I wish I knew how to send a photo of her...I'm technically challenged |
| Jaci...those are great tips!! |
| Jaci, Darcy, Elissa, all of you...thank you so much for all of your comments. I need the encouragement and positive vibes.....
I will take all of your advice and hope to keep in touch. |
| Robin,
I have sent you a PM. You can retrieve it by clicking the link at the top of the page. |
Quote: those are great tips!!
Thanks Darcy... they're just some tips I've come across and tried along the way. I found they've worked with any seeing dog. Robin, does your sheepie spend a lot of the day outdoors? I did hear back from the rescue and she wondered if this could be a reason the vet said the hair shouldn't be cut. She indicated that blue eyes/pink rims shouldn't be the sole reason not to cut bangs/eyebrows. She recommends getting the hair out of her eyes... either by tying the hair up or cutting it so she can see. She mentioned that you could leave a fringe of 1" so it offers some protection if you feel more comfortable. I keep my sheepies' at around 3/4" or so- http://oesusa.com I remember reading the AKC info that came with Emma and Darby's registration (this was before I knew about OES rescue)... it said how important it was to keep the hair out of their eyes so they didn't run into things or loose an eye. Best wishes to you and your sheepie girl. I hope you'll let us know how things go. |
| Thank you all. I know now that I will trim her bangs...I know the length to keep them at....I just hope that will help will the deafness and training...that's my biggest challenge...but now that I feel comfortable cutting her bangs, maybe that will help.
Thank you all. |
| Hello,
I just read your post, and I thought of a friend we have who adopted a deaf sheepie pup. They immediately went and adopted another sheepie. That way, the deaf sheepie could learn from the hearing sheepdog. It really worked for them. The hearing pup could kind of show the other how to do things, when to get up, when dinner is served, that kind of thing. I don't know if your situation could handle two sheepie pups, but it was just an idea. Good luck, and I hope you can keep your sweetie. |
dixie wrote: They immediately went and adopted another sheepie. That way, the deaf sheepie could learn from the hearing sheepdog.
I recently read an article about a deaf Boxer puppy and a hearing pup was helpful in the training of that deaf puppy as well. We have a School for the Deaf here and the original owners donated the puppy to the school. It's a cute article, I'll post the link but unfortunately I can't offer any wisdom to help in your situation. Best of luck and keep us posted. http://www.fultonsun.com/articles/2007/ ... 3furry.txt |
| How wonderful |
| I am a newbie as of today , but I do have two OES , one of whom is a 12 week old deaf puppy .
If you go to the deafdog website already identified and do some careful digging around you will eventually be led to a spot wherein there is a description of how to make a very cheap 'attention getting' collar to use with all dogs , but especially useful for deaf ones . It is very clever . It uses the motor from a broken/non-operative radio-controlled toy car inside an old 35mm film can . When you hit the controller it buzzes the motor inside the can . You should be able to train your dog that whenever it feels that buzz it immediately STOPS whatever it is doing and looks for your face in the crowd . Much cheaper (maybe $10 ??plus some time to do the adaption ) than those $200 perfeshnul collars ... If you cant find it let me know and I'll dig it out and publish hereon ..it will help solve your problem |
| What a great idea! Thanks Bill!
....and WELCOME to the forum! |
| I'm new to the Forum, Hello all!
I also just adopted a 10 week old deaf Oes Baby. I have three other Oes kids as well, two of them are 3 and one just turned 2. I'm finding Noble, our new baby is learning his hand signals pretty good, I get his attention when feeding him by getting him to look me in the eyes and with over a week of showing him this he really seems to be paying attention to me. I have also just hired a trainer to make sure I'm doing everything properly. There is a DVD you can get called www.Mimicmutt.com all about Doggy sign language apparently there are around 40 signs that can be taught. |
| Welcome to the forum!!!
That's great! We need names of your other babies (and pics please ) |
| Just wondering... are you connected to mimicmutt.com at all? |
| No but oddly enough there was just a special about it on the news the other day! |
| Just trying to figure out how to post pics |
| Just submitted some pics of my kids Willow, Pj, Bella and Noble. |
| Awww! They're all very pretty.
And Noble is adorable.
Thanks for adopting a deaf sheepie. |
| Your two are so Cute!!
Thank you so much! Noble has just fit right in! |
| They made it, now you can follow the direction to use one of the tumbnails as your avatar.
Cuties!!! |
| Oh thank you for your help! |
| So white.....
There is a correlation between whiteness and deafness |
| The directions: http://forum.oes.org/viewtopic.php?t=1119#45688
Edit: You got it already! You're quick! |
| Wow those are some pretty dogs! |
| I guess there is a gene or something when there isn't enough dark pigment |
| Noble is adorable. Does he have any dark on him at all? |
| I'll post another pic cause he does have a couple of spots. |
| Thanks again everyone!
Enjoy your night' |
| Sounds like Noble will do great with you as his mom , all your dogs are beautiful |
| hehehe-
Big sheepie... little sheepie http://photos.oes.org/albums/userpics/1 ... C03358.JPG Thanks for sharing. You keep them beautifully groomed too. Sigh... a sheepie in full-coat. |
| We discovered our OES was having hearing issues shortly after we brought her home. Testing revealed that she is deaf in one ear and has only very limited hearing in the other. This means that the few sounds she can hear, she cannot locate - resulting in a very confused puppy! She is now 2 and happily well adjusted (but still has all of that Sheepie "uncontrolled enthusiasm") We worked 1 - 1 with a trainer experienced with deaf animals to teach hand signals. She suggested a vibrating collar (NOT a shock collar - just one that vibrates - rather like a cell phone in your pocket) to get her attention with LOTS of treats to train her to look for us when she feels the collar. She also went to puppy socialization classes to get her used to being with other dogs. I keep her hair tied up in a ponytail most of the time which helps her see the hand commands. She also has blue eyes and a white head which I have now learned can be an indicator of deafness - there is no pigment in the ear hairs which is necessary to conduct sound according to our vet. She has recently begun to lose pigment in her nose, lips and around her eyes - they are turning pink. This is most likely a condition called vitiligo which is not a health threat, but a condition which causes antibodies to develop to pigment producing cells and her coat is lightening to a pale silver. She may not look like the other sheepies we have had, but she has that same indomitable, incredibly loving and comic spirit which I wouldn't trade for the world. Hang in there, get some experienced help with training and be ready to use LOTS of patience, and I'm sure that you'll be able to turn things around. Good Luck! |
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