will keep my eyes open for something for Gus

I had Gus for 2 years before I found out that he was deaf...so everything that he did was through hand signs really anyhow..
my other dogs are the same..they learned some hand signs along with showing them things..when they were younger too.

some of the bigger ones to teach a deaf dog is to come
most dogs you just call their names and they come..
the other one with a deaf dog is their name..
you need the same sign for that all the time too..
the other big one is the word NO...
and that is the hardest sign even if the dog is not deaf..lol

Gus knew lots of things before I found out for sure but NOW he is much better that he comes when you show him and such
part of these studies were to see how fast the other dogs could pick up with hand signs and some of them they already knew..
you are right..you teach lots with our hands to a dog

as far as my son is concerned
hoping that he is home here for a couple of months
but a good chance that he might have go back out sooner
the tug is not fixed yet and in the wrong port but with the ice out there..they might not risk that trip and that would be a smart decision for all concerned.
thanks for asking

After all the food decisions settle down, I'll certainly check on the dries treats.

and she wears a bright yellow harness with big back letters that says she's blind. Always a good idea to put that "warning" out there so your dog isnt startled.

is that Ruby learned her commands by hand signals before she learned them by voice commands. So I can see where a deaf dog is totally trainable. They watch you so much, your hand gestures, the movement of your feet and body.

I can also see the challenges too. Trust me, I'm not saying it's easy to train a deaf dog. But it certainly is possible.

I know you've done lots of work on this subject.

On another note, how is your son? Does he get to stay home for a while before returning to the boat?

they sell them in any pet store..
they are just straight meat
they come in chicken and turkey too
they are great...I use them all the time here
look for them sometime. Spanky would love them..

if Spanky is happy with the treats as dogfood that is even better
that does not cut it with Gus..lol. he does not have this huge appetite.

Spanky is allergic to both beef and cheese, but he is not picky about treats, at all. He will go nuts over just plain old kibble. The sales lady at the feed store gave me some sample packets of TOTW a few weeks ago and I was using them for his treats. He was so excited about those kibbles that he would start salivating when I even walked near the treat jar. Unfortunately however, when we started the allergy testing, the vet said no more treats, except his Prescription Z/D. Now, I have discovered that TOTW has potato as one of the main ingredients and since potato is one of his allergies... no more TOTW! But.... Spanky loves anything edible (he even loves his Z/D) and he will probably love his California Natural kibble as treats too!

I do not need to do the treats that much anymore..
Gus totally loves to be petted and seems happy about that..
but when I do need treats..
Gus will not eat any commerical treats on the market.
only real MEAT..lol
fuss box but he has always been like that
save some leftover meat here and use that for him..
or cheese or something

Gus gets the strangest looks out for a walk and using sign language..since I do not talk to him at all when I am walking him. he just does things..lol

these pugs and Bella are catching on to sign language too
been very interesting..with all of them here..

and might help just in case someone was to find him for some reason
he is glued to me at all times
even more NOW then before
right now he is sleeping on my feet...lol

Gus loves to walk..
and he is happy to go as well
might get some white tshirt and just put deaf on it somehow.that works too for the amount of times that I am out with Gus..

that is a good idea
I also thought of a shirt of some type too for Gus
something simple so when he is walking people can see it..

the issue with the startling of a deaf dog..esepcially if they are sleeping is a difficult one. Gus just actually started to startle when he is sleeping. that is only if I walk over him for some reason. the vet suggested and I agree to walk around him ..and see how he is.

We kiss Gus to not startle him when he is just napping on the couch and it works good.
just the top of his head..
a gentle kiss usually works good.

I never thought about that before...Sugar doesn't go out only short walks with us ...I always tell people she is deaf and especially if we are at the vets, I let them know don't pet the gang there because its already nerveous energy there and they could snap.... maybe a tag for the collar would be a great idea just in case...

hugs

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http://www.facebook.com/Deborah075?ref=name

this comes from me not knowing myself he was deaf until he almost 2 years old..
so now when I say to someone he is deaf
they look at me like..what do you mean you did not notice that..
but seriously he just acted very stubborn..lol like a bully can do
and Gus was definetly deaf since he was a puppy...the vet and studies say..
so more of an issue to explain myself to people..
but that is ok too
maybe they can learn something about deaf dogs..lol
you think??

most people that find out that he is deaf on walks too..ask tons of questions.
like how do you deal with him?
what is like to be deaf?
can he lead a normal life..?
gets lots of questions
and If i mention sign language..the LIST GROWS..hahhahaha
to now
what kind of signs?
where did you learn that from?
all kinds of questions

GUS IS a big conversation piece when someone finds out he is deaf
most of my neighbours all know he is deaf..

I have a collar that I got for my deaf boxer Bailey from LLBean. I put her name on the collar with deaf dog in parentheses then our phone number. I think you can embroider up to 30 characters on it. I don't worry much about her when we are out because she seems to know what is going on around her. The only time she seems to startle is when she is sleeping and I am working on that. I personally feel better knowing if she would happen to get lost or get out of our yard that her collar would let someone know she is deaf.

it would be a deterrant to stealing him. I wouldn't think that someone with the personality to steal a dog would be willing to go the extra mile to take care of a deaf one. I like the idea of some sort of patch on his harness

Cathy
when she first came home

are you coming to Texas to teach Spanky? (o: Actually, he can hear ok, he just doesn't like to follow commands (unless there is a treat (o: involved, of course). He uses the motto "I work only for treats!" LOL

the hand signs are great and use them all the time for a walk with Gus
he is really good on a leash too
he loves to go for a walk..he is slow walker..
what I get the most taking him out...
is LOOK how he looks at you when he walks with you
I go for a walks with my girlfriend and she can not believe HOW intune Gus is to me on a walk..
he is for sure not a puller either..he is great. the vet says that most deaf dogs do well on a leash.. he looks around with his eyes..but he uses me for his ears.

most people are really great with Gus once they know he is deaf..
people are very gentle with him
thanks for imput..never really thought it that way

I think he would be safer and it might be interesting to see how people respond to him. I'm guessing folks in the deaf community where you live might be interested in him. I'm sure they would appreciate your training in teaching him hand signals.

about people knowing that he is deaf? I mean, really, if someone wants to snatch the dog...I don't think they care one way or the other.

I think people would be way more cognizant if they realize he is deaf...they will be more gentle.

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Andrea, Ruby, Lola and Jigger
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I have been tossing around this idea for awhile now
I think if he is out.
he can hear for himself..
I am always with him..
but maybe the harness idea is the best
Bella has a harness that is reflective in the dark too..maybe get Gus the same kind but LIME green.lol and write the words deaf on it

the thing that hold me back the most is the announcement to the whole world
but this is about him..not me really
and his safety has to come first..

I would think the collar/shirt are a great idea....maybe you could rig some type of harness with the printing very clear...DEAF DOG. then, he wouldn't have to have it on all the time, only when out and about in public.

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Andrea, Ruby, Lola and Jigger
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