Anyone with Deaf Sheepie Experience?
Thanks. |
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| Tell me this is Connor in Chicago!!
I hope it is- he's been on my mind a lot- I spoke to comeone at Chicago Paws about Connor ( a deaf sheepie- 7mos) they told me that there are specific trainers who deal with deaf animals, and if this is Connor, apparently there are folks here in Chicago who can help, the woman I spoke with said it is possible to train the animal through hand signal (obviously) but also through the use of a small penlight - flashlight that gets the animal's attention. I'm not sure how this would work out in the open during daylight hours. I would think 'touch' would be really important too- I've been thinking about how first you would need to train the animal to stay close so that you can reach out and signal them to get their attention. Anyway - just my ramblings. - there is a link at the Paws Chicago website for dealing with deaf animals, it may be useful - sorry I don't know how to do that thing that makes the link appear here in the post, but I found it easily when I googled. Up. |
There is one member on the forum who would be able to give you great advice. Britpressyd (Kristen) is owned by a deaf sheepie that she also rescued, named Sydney. (I think I am right on that)  Stormi and co.
PS. Good luck and keep us posted.  |
| You are right Stormi - Thanks!
Yes - I can help (I Hope!). I adopted Sydney 2 1/2 years ago at the age of 11 weeks old. I knew she was deaf at the time and prepared myself for it - however - I had NEVER dealt with a deaf dog prior to this. I enrolled Sydney (immediately) in a Dog Training School where they taught all dogs - hearing and deaf together - in positive reinforcement training (that's a must!). They taught hand signals - so I trained right along with all of the hearing dogs (Sydney was the only deaf dog in class). I have found the deafness NOT to be a problem in her training. The only "real" issue is getting their attention - but there are ways around that (vibrating collars, light beams, etc.). Most times onlookers didn't even realize Sydney was deaf. Sometimes Sydney listens better than my hearing dogs!
I recommend going to the website of the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund www.deafdogs.org - they have GREAT information and training guides (including hand signals, etc.). There's also a good book "Living with a Deaf Dog" that I would recommend. There are alot of Deaf Sheepies - and if you decide to go through with the adoption - there are several of us that are willing to offer our support and advice. 
I have to say that adopting Sydney was the BEST thing I've ever done! I don't know what I would do without her in my life! The next time I adopt - I'll probably adopt another deaf sheepie! Best of Luck and please let me know what you decide! Please feel free to email me (click the email button below). Kristen |
| One of Fritzi's Cheez-Doodles is deaf and she wrote an excellent long post on this not long ago. Maybe you can use the search function and find it. |
| Hey Kristen, do deaf sheepdogs bark? |
| Yes, deaf sheepies bark. I don't think they howl at sirens though, unless they can hear a little bit. The one deafie I know was a handful to potty train, but other than that, he's been a doll! |
Anonymous wrote: Hey Kristen, do deaf sheepdogs bark?
Oh YES they do! One of the "hand signals" they need to be taught is QUIET!
Kristen |
SheepieBoss wrote: Yes, deaf sheepies bark. I don't think they howl at sirens though, unless they can hear a little bit. The one deafie I know was a handful to potty train, but other than that, he's been a doll!
Sydney was a peice of cake to potty train - much easier than any of my hearing dogs have been. |
Paula O. wrote: One of Fritzi's Cheez-Doodles is deaf and she wrote an excellent long post on this not long ago. Maybe you can use the search function and find it.
Yes, Fritzi's Brie is deaf! Fritzi is a much better example of how to train a deaf dog than I am! Kristen |
Hi Again- Actually, it was Wiley in Michigan. I had checked on Connor in Chicago first but Wiley was closer. We were ready to get another sheepie and thought since we work at home a deaf sheepie could get the attention he needed. One of our vets thought we were spreading ourselves a little thin with a 5th (we have 4 girls), the other thought he would fit in fine and our trainer thought we might upset the balance of our pack but the license thing is what finished any possibility of this working out. We were told that we would need a kennel license but can't get one where we live. I've been very, very sad  about this because I feel he could have had a very good home with us. My hands are tied in helping sheepies physically so I guess we're going to find ways to help financially.
What We Learned: We spent about 2 weeks learning about deaf dogs... gathering printed infromation, opinions from our vets, speaking with trainers and a very kind and compassionate man in Kentucky who has trained and placed deaf dogs. I wanted to make sure we were up to the challenge. If anyone ever considers a deaf dog, know that they can be trained using hand signals and patience. Here are some websites I found (yes, the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund provided wonderful information) http://www.deafdogs.org , The American Sign Language University has online PICTURES of how to sign commands (we even had night-night figured out and a sign for Wiley's new name) http://www.lifeprint.com/ and the book "Living With a Deaf Dog" by Susan Cope Becker also had great information on training and more. As for Wiley, the shelter says there are others who are again interested in him so hopefully he will find a good forever home very soon... he's been there about 1 1/2 months. I'm sending the book, printed hand signal information and his blinking tag to the shelter so his new mom/dad can have a good place to start. Sorry for rambling. Just wanted to thank you all for the information that you so graciously took time to provide and let you know what happened. |
I couldn't adopt Connor either - wasn't the right timing for our family - although I toyed with it. I just hope and pray he finds someone with the right love in their heart and patience, I hope now the same for Wiley. ( I secretly want a 'fleet' of OES- one day- when I'm all grown up). Good Luck and thanks for sharing all of the deaf sheepie info! Up. |
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