Small Talk - Autumn 2017

Deaf Dog Awareness By Karen Lawe Co-founder of The Deaf Dog Network 08 small talk I t is a sad thing to have to say that, even now in the 21st Century, some breeders still choose to have deaf pups put to sleep. By the time the breeder is aware the pup is deaf it is at least four weeks old. This happens partly due to the many myths surrounding deaf dogs such as; they can never be let off lead, they are very difficult to train, you cannot have them around children, they will have no quality of life. Deaf dogs bust these myths daily and are living as family pets, a good number taking part in agility, flyball and scent work. One of the most common questions asked by those who find themselves with a deaf dog is how to communicate - the answer is to use sign language. There is no doggie sign language set out like there is for deaf people so the best signs to use are those which come easily to you and that you can be consistent with. Typically the sign used for ‘good’ is a thumbs up with a happy, smiley face, a recall could be outstretched arms and a welcoming face, ‘no’ could be a wagging finger with a disapproving look. Different not difficult ... Deaf Dogs Can Do!