February 4, 2025
It is typical for a dog to develop hearing loss late in life, generally at 12-15 years of age. It is your job to keep your dog safe and learn new ways to communicate with them.
Oliver has some hearing loss that we have noticed. He doesn’t respond to some noises or the doorbell any more.
We use hand signals to let Oliver know we are going to take him out, feed him or leave the house.
In addition to simple hand signals, facial expressions and body language are also helpful to communicate with Oliver.
Oliver can hear some sounds depending on the frequency. Oliver has always loved to sniff. We take him for walks so he can enjoy that sense more. We have a scent tin that we hide in a group of plastic tubs for him to find. He gets a treat when he finds the scent tin. He really enjoys doing scent work.
When Oliver wants to go out, many times he will go to the front room and bark. If I stomp my foot on the floor when I enter the room, he can feel the vibration. He turns and will look at me. He knows I am there to take him outside.
Having your dog microchipped is a good idea. Leashing them is important to keep them safe from the dangers they can’t hear.
Avoid startling your dog. If they are asleep, gently wake them up and get down to their level so they can see you.
For more information: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/how-to-train-a-deaf-dog/