Deafness is another health issue that affects dogs. However, there are many ways to help your dog compensate for the inability to hear.
Deaf dogs can be trained to respond to hand signals rather than commands. (Indeed, it's a good idea to train your dog on these signals even if he or she hears perfectly well – it can be a useful tool.)
Deafness does not take away any of your dog's other basic instincts and needs. High-energy breeds will need lots of exercise and dogs with herding or hunting instincts need appropriate outlets.
However, the owner of a deaf dog has a greater responsibility to provide a safe environment for the dog's exercise and play time. Avoid letting a deaf dog off-leash except in a fenced yard or other protected spot.
Dogs use body language as their chief method of communicating with one another, so deafness does not change a great deal about dog-to-dog relationships. A submissive or dominant pose is the same with or without the accompanying whine or bark.
It's important that everyone in your deaf dog's environment use the same hand signals, so the dog doesn't get confused. You may want to make up a sheet of basic signals for pet-sitters and guests. Don't be surprised if your hearing dogs learn them too – particularly the ones that mean "dinnertime" or "come here, I've got treats!"
Your deaf dog needs the same skills for socially acceptable behavior as other dogs. Many deaf dogs are labeled "aggressive" because they haven't learned the "inhibited bite," a soft bite intended for play and warning rather than aggression. Deaf dogs may take a little longer, but they can learn this and many other skills.
In some breeds, deafness goes hand in hand with albinism. If your dog is all white, you may want to take protective measures to keep it out of strong sunlight, since its skin can burn. It is possible to buy a vibrating collar to use in training your deaf dog, but most dogs do just fine without them.
If you also interact regularly with deaf humans, consider training your dog on American Sign Language commands, which will open a new world of communication for both you and your dog.
Deaf dogs may react badly if startled out of sleep. If you need to wake your dog, put your hand in front of its nose and let your scent awaken the dog or very gently touch the same place (such as the shoulder) each time you wake the dog.
