How to Train a Deaf Dog: 3 Techniques for Deaf Dog Training

While a deaf dog may need more assistance with certain aspects of its life than hearing dogs, training a deaf dog can be easy if you’re patient, persistent, and utilize the right training methods.

While many factors contribute to hearing loss, congenital deafness is one of the most common causes; several dog breeds, including dalmatians and English setters, are more likely to be deaf at birth than others. Deafness also occurs due to injury, illness, or old age.

Try these methods to communicate with a deaf dog:

1. 1. Teach them to focus. The first step in communicating with a deaf dog is teaching them to focus on you. There are several ways to accomplish this, such as a gentle touch on your dog’s shoulder or by using a flashlight or laser pointer.
2. 2. Try hand signals. Instead of verbal cues, you can use body language or hand gestures to communicate with your deaf dog. Some dog owners use American Sign Language (ASL), but you can also make up your own hand signals. Make sure each signal is different and corresponds to a single action, such as a thumbs-up sign to indicate “good dog.”
3. 3. Use check-in behavior. Instead of using verbal cues like “watch me” or speaking your dog’s name to get their attention, use visual cues like check-in behavior. Teach your dog this method by rewarding them every time they make eye contact with you. Positive reinforcement teaches your dog to establish visual contact with you often.

Follow these safety tips when training a deaf dog:

• Avoid shock collars. A shock collar or the shock setting on a collar teaches your dog to associate pain and punishment with training sessions. Vibrating collars offer an alternative, though some deaf dogs react negatively to vibrations. Consult a professional dog trainer for the best way to use a vibrating collar.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert and focused when you’re out with your deaf dog. Remember, they won’t react to loud noises or people outside of their view like hearing dogs, so use your training methods to gain their attention and alert them to external challenges.
• Supervise your dog. Deaf dogs face a greater chance of accidents than hearing dogs. Always keep them on a leash during walks, and choose a fenced yard over an open area for playtime. Ensure your dog wears a name tag that indicates it is deaf.

There are several ways to train a deaf dog. A few of the most useful methods are:

1. 1. Lure training: Also known as lure-and-reward training, this method uses treats and praise to motivate dogs. Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose to get their attention, then slowly raise the treat over their head. The rising action motivates the dog to sit to keep its eye on the treat.
2. 2. Mark and reward training: This form of hand signal dog training is similar to methods used in clicker training. Dog owners must first teach the dog to associate a hand gesture with a reward, such as a thumbs-up or a hand clap. Use this gesture when you want the dog to practice an element of training, and then immediately reward them when they succeed.
3. 3. Startle training: Deaf dogs are easily startled because they can only feel the vibrations of movement. Reduce the chances of startling your deaf puppy by applying a gentle touch when the dog is awake, followed by a treat. Repeat this action until the dog relaxes to your touch. When the dog is asleep, place your hand in front of its nose, so it wakes to your scent, then apply a gentle touch while the dog is sleeping and follow it with a reward.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.