Living With a Deaf Dog: A Book of Advice, Facts and Experiences About Canine Deafness

by Susan C. Becker

Offers advice on living with a deaf dog and covers testing your dog for deafness, communicating with your dog, and training and safety tips.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals, Reference

115 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

Reviews

[Amy | Foxy Blogs]

When this book was first written the internet wasn't what it is today - where you can find anything you want to know at your fingertips.

I did read the revised version that was published in 2017. A lot of stuff I had already read by doing searches on the internet but it was nice to read it again for reinforcement.

Why am I reading a 'deaf dog' book? Right before Thanksgiving, we adopted a deaf 8-month-old puppy. She's a rescue dog that was days away from being euthanized. She was adopted out and returned because the people were frustrated with her.

Long story short...Kit has made herself at home with us. ♥
Remembering that Kit is a dog first, breed second, and deaf third has been helpful. Our family has been learning some basic sign language so we can communicate with her.

One of my favorite times of the day with Kit is when she watches me do my makeup because she so intrigued by the process. I sign blush and lipstick to her and she sits there while I put it on her. Don't worry- there's nothing on the makeup brush and the chapstick has the lid on it. My daughter captured Kit getting her makeup done on video. It's the cutest thing ever.

Deaf dogs used to be euthanized, but today people are taking the time to give these dogs a good life. There's lots of info out there for anyone thinking of adopting a deaf dog.

[Nikki]

Some of the methods seem a little outdated since there has been more of a shift in perspectives in recent years. This book was published in 1997. Still, it is a good start/informative for someone that has knows nothing about deaf dogs- and has acquired one and needs information. (At least it is a good crash course in understanding your new puppy/dog to a degree.) While it covers a broad range of topics for someone just learning about training/living with a deaf dog, I wouldn't advise it as a stand alone resource. There are more in depth analyses elsewhere on the effects of certain training techniques. The writing is very accessible and straightforward. Despite some of its shortcomings I would definitely recommend it alongside online resources/other books.

[Denise Mullins]

Informative guide for those interested in animal rights or the possibility of rescuing a deaf dog. Easy to understand genetic information, myths debunked, training tips, and a myriad of sources for further research make this a practical and helpful source.

[Katy]

Such a useful book! I could skip through about half of it as it didn't pertain to me and Boss. But I picked up a lot of pointers, like how to wake him up, get him used to being startled, etc. - and a lot of encouragement that it's not impossible to train him.

Besides not being able to call him from a distance, he's the perfect dog. He knows a lot of signs just after a week, and he's very attentive to me and Matt. It's like he's asking us to communicate with him. He's awesome.

[Dori]

A must-read for anyone who recently adopted a deaf dog, or is preparing to do so. This book helped me to better understand how to approach training, communication, and comfort for my high-anxiety, deaf dog. She was my first, but I was determined to train her, and this book gave me some superb insight on how to approach obstacles as they arose.

[Stephanie]

Great reference.

[Jen]

This is the second edition of the "deaf dog Bible," and lives up to the reputation. The author wrote the first edition in the mid-90s when she realized her Boston Terrier puppy was deaf, and couldn't find any information about training a deaf dog - the prevailing wisdom at the time was to euthanize deaf dogs (!). Comprehensive information about setting a deaf dog up for success at home, peppered with inspiring photos and testimonials from owners of beloved deaf dogs.

[Maegan Ellicott]

A ton of useful information in here if you've recently brought home a puppy you know or think is deaf.

[Jane Gunn]

my 8 year old dog has loss hear hearing...this book has been very helpful