Deaf dogs

[pansywags]

I miss having a dog, and five months after Pansy's death I've started to look for a new pooch. I haven't found exactly what I wanted through the local boxer rescues. Yesterday I got home from a rescue event and one of my friends had texted me a picture of a boxer at the pound (that NEVER happens here, you just don't see boxers in non rescue hands). I went down to take a look. She's totally not what I'm looking for.

I want a smaller dog - she's larger than my last one and presumably still growing.
I want a young adult dog - she's (approx) 10 months old, still a puppy.
I prefer brindle - she's white.
I prefer a docked tail (boxer tails are highly destructive and prone to injury) - hers is natural.
She's deaf.

Nonetheless, I fell a little bit in love and am thinking of bringing her home and figuring it all out as I go along. As luck would have it, Pansy came to me with basic obedience skills so when I took her to training for the bonding experience, I trained her on hand signals so I have some experience with that (it came in handy when she lost her hearing at the end), and I also trained her to 'watch me'.

My main question is whether a deaf dog can thrive without a canine companion. I know it's really good for them to have a hearing dog around so they can work with that dog's cues, but I'm not in a position to consider multiple dogs. I believe this girl has been deaf from birth so she shouldn't be burdened with the anxiety Pansy had when she lost her hearing (she would panic when she couldn't see me).

Does anyone here have experience with a deaf dog and in particular one who's the only dog in the house? I need to make a decision by tomorrow morning when the shelter re-opens or risk losing her to someone else.

[Harley PoMMom]

Sorry, I don't have any experience with a deaf dog, but I'm gonna PM Leslie and Glynda to ask them, since they both work with dog rescue.

Quoting from an article I found :
Deaf pets are just like hearing pets
Deaf pets are just as intelligent as hearing pets. They make great only pets or do well with other animals in the home–it’s a myth that a deaf pet “needs” a hearing companion to function successfully. In fact, Petfinder’s staffer Trevor is the proud caretaker of Keller, a blind and deaf Great Dane.



Should You Adopt a Deaf Dog? (https://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/should-you-adopt-a-deaf-dog/)


Bless you for considering this baby even tho she's totally opposite of what you're looking for.

Love and hugs, Lori

[Squirt's Mom]

I second Lori's comment concerning considering this baby. I have also had a deaf and blind Dane who was born that way; she taught me how to communicate with her via vibrations and scents. I have had dogs who either lost some or all hearing due to age and some rescues with little to no hearing left but they always had other pups around for visual clues. My brother had a deaf Dalmatian who learned sign language but you are already aware of that trick. I've had a deaf cat who was also born that way.

You would want to remember to approach within view anytime you needed to communicate with this baby, even to pet her, to prevent startling her. Her other senses will be much stronger without her hearing so she may well smell you while you are still behind her and turn her head but we can't always count on that.

This baby is still young and with proper training I'm sure she will make a fine companion. Surely there are obedience trainers and such who have experience and tricks to help with a deaf pup. ;)

You can talk to the shelter and see if they will allow a trial run. Take her home for a bit and see how things go. You may decide on the way home she ain't going back! :p

[pansywags]

Thanks for your responses, they're encouraging.

I was surprised to find that this girl didn't startle when I approached her from behind and gently touched her rump. Pansy would have jumped out of her skin, I learned to be very careful about approaching her to avoid startling her.

I don't think a trial is a possibility, at the city pound you pretty much jump in with both feet and hope for the best.

[labblab]

Oh, that is so dear of you to consider this girl! I have never had a deaf dog and know very little, but I was intrigued by your question and have done a little Googling, as I expect you are doing as well. From what I've seen so far, it looks like hearing companions can indeed sometimes be helpful. But like so many things in life, "it all depends," and not least of all upon individual temperaments. In fact, one thing I read said that having a hearing companion who has a higher energy level than the deaf dog can actually be unnerving to the deaf dog. Several other sites state that deaf dogs can do just fine as single pets and that they learn to take their cues from their humans much like hearing single dogs do. So from the teeny bit I've read so far, I wouldn't think the lack of a companion would need to be a deal-breaker at all.

Interestingly, I read that white dogs exhibit a higher percentage of genetic congenital deafness, especially if they have pink skin and blue eyes. The deafness isn't linked to any other health issues, though.

Marianne

[molly muffin]

So I'm curious to know, what happened! Did you end up adopting her or no?

She sounds just adorable but I understand that she was not what you were looking for. It's hard when they tug at those heart strings.

hugs
Sharlene and molly muffin

[pansywags]

I did bring her home. She may end up being a foster, but she's here now.

First, she's ADORABLE - and it's a good thing because she's holding me hostage! Here are some pics http://www.k9cushings.com/forum/album.php?albumid=924

The good: she's so sweet and affectionate with people and other dogs. She just wags her tail of mass destruction so hard and tries to get as low as she can to show she's no threat, and really comes alive in the company of other dogs. She walks pretty well on a leash (she wanders but doesn't pull). She doesn't seem to be destructive, no chewing tendencies so far as I can tell.

The bad: she wasn't housebroken and she has horrible separation anxiety. I think we've taken care of the housebreaking after a few very strict days of tether training. She's been dry for three nights and three days, and today I gave her some freedom to roam inside with no accidents. I started taking her out every hour (and once in the middle of the night) on leash, giving her a 'potty' hand sign and rewarding her when she delivers on the command (at first it was treats, now it's off leash playtime), and keeping her tethered to me 100% of the time inside so she can't wander away for an accident. It was really effective.

The separation anxiety, well...that's another nut to crack. She's sleeping in Pansy's old crate (which is a little small for her with the door closed but ok to sleep in) at the foot of my bed, but when I tried to close the door while sitting outside, she panicked. I had hoped to wait for a calm moment to release her but I was concerned she would break some teeth off trying to chew the latch off, so I settled for a brief silence and let her out. So the crate has the door bungeed open and is her sleeping spot for now. I borrowed another larger crate which is set up in the living room that she seems more comfortable in, it's the wire kind so she can see out. I'm feeding and treating her inside, and she's very comfortable going in for naps. I tried closing the door on that crate for about five seconds today and that went OK, though she was definitely starting to get agitated. Until I can crate her for her own safety, I can't leave her. My car bears the scars of the 20 minutes I left her inside while I had my teeth cleaned, and I'm worried if I leave her loose in the house she'll box a window hard enough to break out to escape in a panic. I had an event at my Dad's assisted living center last week and I got a friend to come over and stay with her. Another friend came by so I could go grocery shopping and yet another will be here Weds so I can take my dad to a doctor appointment. Even taking a shower is too much separation for her, even though I tried removing the shower curtain and just using the clear liner so she could see me. So...we're working on things.

She seems to be lacking some basic dog skills like how to chew hard things and pick things up with her mouth (her teeth appear to be fine). I think between the separation anxiety, her deep love for other dogs and the need for a little canine guidance, she needs a dog pal to flourish. I'm consulting with one of my favorite boxer rescues on whether that might be the case. Of course she's much more adoptable if the house training sticks (a housetrained dog will also help show her the ropes) and even more so if we can make crate training progress.

The vet thinks she has a touch of kennel cough so she's on ten days of antibiotics and is starting to feel better. Her puppy personality is coming out - she's started doing yard zooms and tossing things around (apparently the toy her Auntie Kelly brought is stupid, as is the ball. What's fun is a PINE CONE!) and she has some very stern opinions to share with me when I'm not paying enough attention to her (she's already figured out that the bathroom is where she gets the least attention so would prefer I never went there again. and putting a towel on your head after a shower is SO last year).

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh, I'm so glad she is with you! And you gave me my first morning laugh reading about her! :D Keep up the good work and in no time you will have a wonderful baby at your side.

Hugs,
Leslie

[pansywags]

Despite the fact that she is my jailer, we are having fun. I believe she needs to live with another dog so I don't think she'll be here long term. I'm thinking of trying to raise some funds to get a pro involved in resolving her separation anxiety, has anyone ever done anything like this? I took a stab at putting this together but haven't launched it yet, opinions are welcome.

http://www.youcaring.com/pet-expenses/deaf-boxer-puppy-needs-help-with-separation-anxiety/234290

At the very least, if I tell everyone who was going to buy me a birthday gift later this month that I'd prefer they donated to get Shadow training, I should be able to get some money that way.

[SasAndYunah]

Hi Elaine,

I have been following Shadow's story and had to think immediately about a documentary I saw a while ago. It has nothing to do with deaf dogs but everything with seperation anxiety. It could be worth your (and Shadow's) while to watch it :) Training, wether it's crate training or training that comfortable/relaxing spot (as shown in the documentary) takes time. Especially since you mention she is not destructive, I would definately try the method as shown in the documentary since it will prevent a (part of her) life spend in a crate. Too many dogs have to spent the hours their owners are working in a crate or locked up in a small area... I am not familiar with your personal situation but you seem to have the time and the right circumstances to spent that time training with Shadow :) And wether you end up keeping her yourself or she will be adopted by someone else...the right training now, will make a huge difference in the rest of shadow's life :)

Well, maybe the video will help you in some way and at the least, it is very interesting (for all dog owners) :)

http://youtu.be/2sP-ATqvf2k

All my best to you and Shadow,

Saskia and Quincy :)

[pansywags]

Saskia, thank you so much for posting the link to the documentary. I'm about halfway through and it's really interesting. Very touching how affected the owners are at seeing their dogs' distress.

I didn't used to, but now I feel crating is perfectly fine for some dogs. My last boxer came to me crate trained and I felt that long term I wanted her to have the run of the house, but she got very stressed when left loose. Monitoring the entire house seemed to be too much responsibility for her, she would be anxious with an upset stomach when I returned, while if she was in her kennel she'd just go right to sleep.

I do have the time to work with Shadow right now, but needing to have someone come to the house just so I can run to the store is not sustainable. I'm facing a severe friends-and-family favor deficit soon.

It's possible I'll only be able to raise enough money for one session with a trainer (we're at $124!) but I'm grateful for anything that will help Shadow be more secure. I'm working with a friend who does volunteer work with Canine Companions for Independence to find a local trainer/behaviorist to work with.

[pansywags]

I feel like we had a breakthrough yesterday. Her panic is lessening to the point where she gets agitated but not destructive when I shower.

Since the moment she came home I've offered her chewing items (bully stick, milk bone, etc.) and she has ignored them, giving a few licks and then walking away. It seemed like maybe she didn't really know how to brace the item with her paws while giving it a good chew, who knows?

Anyway, yesterday while I was showering I watched her sneak a toilet paper tube out of the shower to chew. This doesn't sound like good behavior (and that's not what I want her to chew) but to me it's a milestone because it seems she is finding ways to soothe herself. I replaced the paper tube with a bully stick and she seemed to enjoy chewing on it for awhile, so I am hoping this will become her happy chew stick and another tool in my arsenal of getting her to a calm state when I leave.

Yesterday was a really bad day. My Dad had a fainting episode (this happens from time to time) during a routine doctor visit and what was supposed to be a quick appointment turned into 6 hours in the ER and an overnight admission. So in addition to the usual stress of the ER and the logistics of getting the wheelchair back to his assisted living center and returning the home healthcare worker that rides along with him in the transport van back to his car while monitoring my dad's health, I was stressing out about asking a neighbor for a favor for an hour that stretched into 7. I have no idea how I'm going to manage to get him home today.

[Squirt's Mom]

Oh me...I hope your dad is alright and getting him home won't be as hard as expected. So hard when our roles get switched and our strong parents are the ones who need us the most. Your dad is so lucky to have you nearby.

[pansywags]

Well, I still have Shadow, though she is definitely a foster. Her separation anxiety makes her unsuitable for a single-person home and I feel she would greatly benefit from a dog buddy.There's a boxer adoption event with my favorite rescue this weekend and several homes are interested in her so I am hoping one of them is perfect.

I've been getting by with taking her to doggy daycare two days a week. She loves it so much, and this lets me run errands one day and go hiking on the other. The downside is that her housetraining has backslid as a result of the mixed messaging (doggy daycare place is indoors so anything goes with the floor), but I have to take the good with the bad. "Fortunately" (ha!) I got experience with Pansy's Cushing's in restricting a dog to a more easy-cleanup section of the house at night, so we're muddling along.

Shadow has really distinguished herself in the last few days. Some of you may remember that the day after Pansy died, I planted a memorial garden of pansies in a pot. Six months down the road they were looking a little peaked, so I replaced them about a month ago, and put the extras in another pot, my favorite clay pot with embossed dragonflies.

Shadow decided this weekend that the memorial garden was a tasty treat! She pulled about half of them out to chew on the lawn. While I was cleaning that up, she went back for seconds while my back was turned. Enough outside time! A few hours later she decided it was a good time to pee and poop in the house. When I put her outside to clean that up, she demolished the secondary pot of pansies, including breaking the dragonfly pot to bits while knocking it over.

This morning, I was delighted that she let me sleep until it was light...until I discovered the roll of toilet paper she'd been chewing on the rug. Which was still around the toilet paper holder she'd pulled off the wall.

Puppies - don't take your eyes off them for a minute.

[SasAndYunah]

To me, it seems like Shadow needs things to do, tasks. She is finding things to do because she has to do something :) And usually, the things they find to do are not the things we like them to do. So I would certainly make sure that she gets adopted by a person/persons that has time and enjoys to do things with their dog. Long walks, courses, puzzles, games, even learning her tricks...perhaps some usefull ones :) Also, when a dog gets the chance to learn and they master something new, their selfesteem grows which may also help with her seperation anxiety.

Quincy, my recently adopted, now service dog, came from a home where her former owner complained about Quincy being very fearfull for everyone and everything, being very destructive and being an unguided projectile, running from left to right, jumping onto everything. She came to live with me, she was introduced to training, to working and her self esteem grew and grew, she is absolutely not destructive, in fact, she's very very gentle with all the objects she has to handle with her teeth and she's calm and collected :) An example of a misunderstood and bored dog because she wasn't in the right place. (her former owner loved her very much, that was not the issue at all...but it takes more then love :) ) So please, please...don't adopt her out unless it are the right people for this dog. And my guess is, she needs very active, very involved people who understand that for this particular dog, love alone is not enough. If not, she will end up in a shelter again a year from now for being destructive and unruly....which she is not. She just needs a bit more out of life :)

Saskia :)

[pansywags]

Oh, she's not unusually destructive or unruly, she's just a puppy who's curious about everything. She gets about 2-3 hours of my undivided attention each day between a 2 mile walk, training sessions and playtime, but the only thing that *really* tires her out is another dog.

I have confidence in the rescue I'm working with, they specialize in hard to place dogs. We've made lots of progress - I've done a fundraiser, hired a trainer and while it doesn't necessarily feel like we've made progress every day, it's been steady - she's up to six minutes alone in a crate without full panic, and we started at fifteen seconds, with me sitting right outside the door.

PS. This was intended more as a funny story of puppy antics, not a plea for help. We're good.

[SasAndYunah]

And I certainly didn't mean for you to think that I was talking about you, I know how much time and effort you spend on her :) But I suppose the language barrier got in the way a bit and I did read it as a sort of plea for help. So I appologize for misunderstanding :)

Saskia :)

[pansywags]

After consulting at length with my rescue people, we have agreed that Shadow's needs outstrip what my single human, only pet household can offer her and she will be rehomed. This has been very very difficult and many tears were shed in the process. I know they will be able to find her a great home with a canine sibling or two that will help her thrive but I didn't anticipate how hard it would be to see her leave. For the second time this year I have packed up All The Dog Things and am facing a pet free home.

I'm surprised at how affected I am. I'm a little surprised by how much I miss her, and I know some of it is disappointment and regret that I could not make it work (I really thought any dog that ever entered my home would be here forever) and still more of it is a flareup of residual emotion over losing Pansy.

[pansywags]

Great news: Shadow was very quickly placed in a home with a boxer big brother and they immediately fell deeply in love. Having a dog buddy has allowed her to relax when the people leave and while she did chew through a crate, she is content being left loose in the house with the other dog. I get plenty of pictures and videos from her new family and she is safe, happy and obviously loved.

I'm so happy for her!

[molly muffin]

Oh my gosh that is wonderful! I'm so glad to hear that Shadow is doing so well. Seems like another boxer is all that she really needed after all to help with the anxiety. Between that and the interaction that you gave her, I am sure that she is going to be a wonderful addition to the their family.

Good job!! Fostering Does have some great big rewards. :)

hugs

[pansywags]

Thanks, Sharlene. I was so upset when she left but it's all worth it when I see her so happy with her new family (another dog and kids too! boxer heaven). It's where she was meant to be, my home was just a stepping stone.

[Squirt's Mom]

That is the hard part of fostering - when they first leave your for their new home. A part of you goes with them. I am so glad they are sending you pics and hope they stay in touch. One of my foster's families does but none of the others have and I would love to know how those babies are doing. You did a wonderful thing - that stepping stone stage is so vital. I'm proud of you and know Pansy is as well.

[pansywags]

You all are so nice, thank you! I think it was a little harder because she was intended to be mine, not a foster. I feel so lucky that her new family is willing to still share her life with me. Having her here was so challenging with her separation anxiety but my Grinchy little heart grew three sizes when I saw the first pics with her and her new boxer BFF.

I just sent her new family a little hardback photo book of the two months we spent together including how she came to be in my home, the stuff we did, her first "birthday", etc.

[molly muffin]

That is such a sweet thing to do for the family. They will know how so much more about her and will always be able to look back at the beginnings of the gift that is Shadow.

hugs