Posted on 05/11/2014 10:07:39 PM PDT by Slings and Arrows
protect these two from the cops, Lord. they can’t respond to commands and are sitting ducks for amped-up cops.
My best friend growing up was deaf. I learned sign language and basic commands for service dogs he had over the years. I adopted a deaf border collie many moons ago and the dog picked up sign real quick. He was a great dog. The only trick was carrying a water gun to get his attention sometimes.
Had a deaf white boxer once, sweetest dog ever. Knew hand commands.
Agreed—better and safer to match the unhearing with the hearing.
They make remote collars that buzz, kinda like a cell phone vibrating.
You’re certainly in a foul mood.
Hope today is a brighter one.
You know the rule...without pictures, it never happened.
:)
[sounds like a wondrous dog!]
So would I but people are allowed to make their own pet choices.
For now...
Re your post 9, that’s a good idea.
What a mysterious and intriguing dog!
Bless your sappy, emotional hearts!
:)
It came about with my second Dobermann.
I wanted to be able to work him without revealing my presence.
Turned out to be a just generally handy thing, especially when I had several dogs reach extreme old age.
Little kids still think it’s “magic” when my dogs do tricks, seemingly of their own accord.
Another fun thing was the “pointer method” where you use a stick to direct the dog.
Eventually the dog reacts to *any* “stick” and I’ve used a pencil like a “magic wand” to direct their actions.
Kids really dig that, too.
:)
We adopted a 4-year old English Shepherd that didn’t bark and we used to joke that she was trying to decide whether or not we were worth protecting. Finally, after six months, she started to bark but it was a very tight, high bark, not really in sync with her size. After a couple of months of use, it developed into a proper dog bark. :)
So, give the barking time, it may come yet.
LSAggie (posting on hubby’s account)
Your Border Collie guess might be right. Long ago our Border Collie-Lab mix pup was also silent but for one single bark. Stayed silent for a little more than two and a half years. Learned hand and voice commands very early and quickly. Awesome smart dog.
Then he started barking, mostly alerts for his stupid humans who didn’t respond to his action signals. Also responded to sirens with his own siren, awesome range, deep deep bass and climbed. He had a darn near perfect doppler effect. Always amazed guests with that. Then he started ‘talking’ looking us in the eye followed with a series of grumbles, mumbles and ending with a deep inhale and exhale that flapped his flews. End of discussion.
Also there was very strong evidence of his amazing memory. Always scanned the whole room as he entered it. If anything had been moved or there was something new, even small things, he investigated it first thing. Did they same thing with visits to friends homes.
Miss that dog.
Flipside is a deaf person is much less likely to mindlessly do something that startles the dog, potentially resulting in a bite. I figure if they’re happy, let em be. If they want another animal to fill in for ears, more power to em :-)
Oh, it’s absolutely none of my business. I just offered my opinion. I hope they have many happy years together.
My first thought was how odd? Of what use would a deaf dog be to a deaf person? Of course the answer is, they would be of very little or no use.
Probably 15 years or more ago, my aunt, who had been deaf since birth benefitted greatly with a hearing dog. She was in her 80’s when she got the dog.
Anyway, long story short, we got “Shookey” for her, who was a very smart little red and white Sheltie.
It was a joy to see them together—within the first week, Shookey knew what his job was, and my aunt’s life was greatly enriched by having her. Shookey went everywhere with her, and stayed by her side constantly.
Since my aunt lived alone at the time, we were relieved that Shookey was there to watch over her.
Me too.
What a glorious dog!
:)
:)
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