How to Train a Deaf Dog
Teach your dog to respond to hand signals., Accompany hand signals with the appropriate voice command during obedience lessons., Reward your dog with a treat, toy, pat on the head, or some other favorable response when he does something you want him...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Teach your dog to respond to hand signals.
You can create your own hand signs, but it's better to use American or International Sign Language when training deaf dogs.
Understanding one of those commonly used sign languages benefits your dog because many veterinarians, groomers and shelter employees also use them. -
Step 2: Accompany hand signals with the appropriate voice command during obedience lessons.
A deaf dog won't hear the command, but he'll respond better because your facial expressions and body language will be congruent, more natural and expressive. , Withhold those rewards when your dog does something you don't want repeated.
Make the hand signal for "yes" and give a reward immediately.
Keep repeating this until your dog understands the link between "yes" and the reward.
Use the "yes" sign and rewards to teach your dog additional hand signals and to reinforce good behaviors.
Give a reward and the "yes" sign when you catch your dog naturally performing any desired behavior, such as sitting.
When you believe your dog is poised to sit down, make the hand signal for "sit" just prior to him sitting.
Reinforce his action with a reward and the "yes" sign. , Teach him signals for common objects, such as "toy," and for daily activities, such as "walk."
Keep the sessions fun for both you and your dog. -
Step 3: Reward your dog with a treat
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Step 4: pat on the head
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Step 5: or some other favorable response when he does something you want him to do again.
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Step 6: Expand your dog's "vocabulary" beyond the signs used for formal commands.
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Step 7: Restrict obedience lessons to about 15 minutes when training deaf dogs.
Detailed Guide
You can create your own hand signs, but it's better to use American or International Sign Language when training deaf dogs.
Understanding one of those commonly used sign languages benefits your dog because many veterinarians, groomers and shelter employees also use them.
A deaf dog won't hear the command, but he'll respond better because your facial expressions and body language will be congruent, more natural and expressive. , Withhold those rewards when your dog does something you don't want repeated.
Make the hand signal for "yes" and give a reward immediately.
Keep repeating this until your dog understands the link between "yes" and the reward.
Use the "yes" sign and rewards to teach your dog additional hand signals and to reinforce good behaviors.
Give a reward and the "yes" sign when you catch your dog naturally performing any desired behavior, such as sitting.
When you believe your dog is poised to sit down, make the hand signal for "sit" just prior to him sitting.
Reinforce his action with a reward and the "yes" sign. , Teach him signals for common objects, such as "toy," and for daily activities, such as "walk."
Keep the sessions fun for both you and your dog.
About the Author
Hannah Gray
Committed to making hobbies accessible and understandable for everyone.
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