Deaf dogs

[gdsgregory]

Hi Guys,

I need some advice but advice without emotion the reason for which I will explain later.

Yesterday I was approached by a lady who had heard that I own "big dogs". She asked me if I wanted to adopt her 10 month old Great Dane.OK fine I thought there are plenty of morons in this world who do not do their research or consider the practicalities of having a giant breed but then talking to her I found out the real reason why she wanted rid of the animal. The dog is pure white in colour, female and got that gene, the deafness gene.

Now I have to explain something. Where I live a good 70% of the population own dogs but own them simply for the purpose of a home guardian. Not for love or companionship but simply for security. This lady tells me that she comes home at night and walks right past her dog and she does not wake up due to her condition. Sadly in this country that equates to nothing more than an expensive to feed garden ornament which is of no value.

The lady tells me that if she can not rehome the animal she will euthanise it. Emotional blackmail huh?

I have spoken to my wife about this and although we do not need another dog least of all another giant breed we do have the space, facilities, time and $$ to provide a good and loving home. But.........

I have my dogs as friends and companions but also as a vital home defence tools in this crime ridden country that I am located in. Both my dogs are fired up at night or when I am not home and are responsive to the slightest of sounds or smells etc that may "invade" my land. I need this.

My concern is that this new addition to our family might install a more relaxed carefree attitude into my current dogs due to her inability to react to sounds. It may well be the case that she follows the lead of my Filas but I am worried that the Filas will see a dog pretty much equal in size who does not react and therefore they may react to a lesser extent or in time not at all.

I can not risk this.

Has anyone got any experience with deaf dogs or deaf dogs behaviour in the company of one or more hearing dogs?

I would hate to hear of this Dane getting euthanised but I feel that I have to be very carefull here with any decisions made.
Obviously a "trial" period is out the question as I tend to fall in love with my four legged friends very quickly.

Well there it is, a bit long but you guys always seem to have some great answers and advice.

Thanks in advance

Gordon

 

[dr2little]

Hello Gordon,

I've trained several deaf dogs and lived with 2, one fairly recently. None of them Filas or Danes though I have trained 2 deaf danes in the past.

I think that the effect on your Fila's natural ability and instinct to protect would if anything be a heightening of those traits.

Dogs do seem to know when a pack member is compromised in some way. I know that walking Rosie, my deaf/blind dog, often initiated a more protective response in the rest of the group. Usually very calm on walks, with Rosie they reacted to the environment more, were much more cautious.

I have a little deaf pup in class right now and that's exactly what her owners are seeing with their other dog after only a very short time together.

If that is your main concern, I really think that you can rest assured that your Filas will most likely just add this Dane to their roster of family members to protect and watch out for.

Good for you for considering giving this dog a chance. I'd love updates if you do decide to adopt.

 

[RD]

Heh, Gordon, I don't think you have to worry about your Filas not protecting your property. If this pup doesn't react, I think all they would do is protect the pup too.

One thing about deaf dogs is that they are much more visually attentive than hearing dogs. Danes are pretty protective by nature (not nearly as zealous as the Fila, tho) and she might be a good "alert" dog if she spots something the Filas don't.

 

[Zoom]

Agreed; they may end balancing each other out. If anything, give her a shot and see what happens...I bet the Filas end up "adopting" her.

 

[Renee750il]

I think you've gotten some good input here. I know my bunch is even more aware when there is someone or something in their care that isn't as physically capable as they are.

Besides, Filas love what they do. They're hardly looking for an excuse to relax

 

[Cheza]

Oh the poor puppy. I hope you give her a shot, I really do. Makes my heart break to hear of that, and I would love to give a deafie a chance someday.

 

[bubbatd]

I bless you for even considering this and think from the above input you should give it a shot .... I've only had deafness due to old age ..... they would react to vibrations ( foot stomps ) and had signals though . Folks , when you "talk " to your dogs , add hand signals . Sure helps with the seniors !

 

[FoxyWench]

after owning a deafie dane (and belive me theres nothing more rewarding than seeing a deaf dane blossom) as soon as puppy sees the other 2 going all crazy barking, shell floow suit, just because she cant hear doesnt mean she cant make noise, and she will lol.
my deaf boy was VERY visual, and vocal about it. if i didnt know he was deaf, you wouldnt have been able to tell.

when he was asleep...he was ASLEEP, but when he was awake, he missed NOTHING, he would alert to something long before our cocker at the time even realized there was something going on, he was an amazing guard dog!!!
id say deaf dogs while more visual tend to be much more observant.

if anything i think the other dogs might become more protective knowing a member of their "pack" is compromised but you might find the dane picks up on things the filas dont.

and dont think because shes deaf she cant be taught, hand signals are MUCH easier for a dog to learn than words. deafies pick up comands extreemly quickly.

id love to offer a deaf puppy dane a good home, im currently on the search...i always felt safe with king around, he couldnt hear a thing but he was very dedicated to me!

 

[oc_spirit]

I agree with the others that your Filas will to guard should not be compromised in any way especially if they are from strong lines with high ""oirjiza"" (is that the right word Renee???). Filas bred in South America (I am Brazilian so I have seen this first hand) are WAY sharper and harder than those bred within North America (on average) and they both take their job of guarding very very seriously! I highly doubt bringing in the deaf dane will compromise your Filas' abilities.

If you dont mind me asking, which country from SA are you from?

 

[adoptashelterpettoday]

Just wanted to add, I own 3 dogs, one is deaf, the other two hear. Marley (my deaf dog) is actually the best "guard dog" I have. Although she cant hear she can certainly see & smell and will bark if anything is out of the ordinary. My other two dogs arent all that interested but will follow her lead.

 

[ToscasMom]

First of all, that woman should be shot at dawn.

I have experience with deaf cats in a mulitple cat household and I'm sure it all holds true for dogs as well. It is never a problem. If anything, the others go into a more protective/caring mode toward he one who can't hear. As for being deaf, it's been my experience that they adapt VERY well....couldn't care less, really, so long as they feel secure where they are. The only challenge, and it's minor, is learning how to signal and touch the deaf one and they learn really fast what signals mean!

 

[adoptashelterpettoday]

First of all, that woman should be shot at dawn.

I have experience with deaf cats in a mulitple cat household and I'm sure it all holds true for dogs as well. It is never a problem. If anything, the others go into a more protective/caring mode toward he one who can't hear. As for being deaf, it's been my experience that they adapt VERY well....couldn't care less, really, so long as they feel secure where they are. The only challenge, and it's minor, is learning how to signal and touch the deaf one and they learn really fast what signals mean!

Marley caught onto comands instantly. She is SUPER smart & very easy to "call". You might want to check out : http://deafdogs.org/

It has tons of info.

Marley "listens" better then my two dogs who can hear...But then again perhaps I just got lucky, but everyone I have talked to who had a deaf dog cant say enough nice things about them. Actually the people I know with deaf dogs say that they dont ever want a hearing dog again..