Magnum's official Growth thread....

[Rugers-Kris]

Hopefully they are working now.

 

[Rugers-Kris]

I am doing some research and putting together hand signals that I want to use to train him. It will be interesting for sure but I am sure I can figure it out and there is no doubt that Ruger will help to teach..Hopefully not just the bad habits. LOL

 

[broccolini]

Can they tell anything about his vision at this age?

 

[northernmastiff]

Awww, so cute. Love that little guy. I would check out this site http://www.deafdogs.org/training/

 

[Rugers-Kris]

Breeder says he seems to see fine. He follows "stuff" moved in front of him but doesn't appear to be hearing anything.

Can they tell anything about his vision at this age?

Thanks. I have actually looked at that sight and bookmarked it to read up on.

Awww, so cute. Love that little guy. I would check out this site http://www.deafdogs.org/training/

 

[NYDDB]

I just skimmed that site as I was curious...

I found this fascinating:

"If you are going to live with a deaf dog, you will have to learn a new way to communicate with that dog. You will have to tune into the world of movement, vibration and light."

I have no doubt you are up for the task, R-K; I applaud your motivation and courage as you jump into this new adventure! I look forward to learning a lot from you as you share your experiences with Mr. Magnum.

Question: Do deaf dogs bark...at all? Maybe they hear the vibration when they do?

 

[broccolini]

When my GSD started losing her hearing, we would use the porch lights to get her attention at night. Stomping on the floor was also pretty effective. And she would still bark but I don't know if that applies to a dog that's been deaf since birth.

 

[Rugers-Kris]

Yes, that is a very informative site. I just got back from books a million buying a basic sign language book. I am going to practice on Ruger a little bit. Thank you so much for the vote of confidence, I really appreciate it. I am nervous about Magnum but just as excited about what he is going to bring to the family. From what I have read, most deaf dogs (even those born deaf, still bark) I guess I will know for sure, soon enough. LOL I have picked up a few really cool tricks and ideas already and I am researching like crazy to see what else may be out there to make Magnum's life better/easier. It sounds crazy but I really think that he was ,eant to be our's and is going to bring something amazing to our family.

I just skimmed that site as I was curious...

I found this fascinating:

"If you are going to live with a deaf dog, you will have to learn a new way to communicate with that dog. You will have to tune into the world of movement, vibration and light."

I have no doubt you are up for the task, R-K; I applaud your motivation and courage as you jump into this new adventure! I look forward to learning a lot from you as you share your experiences with Mr. Magnum.

Question: Do deaf dogs bark...at all? Maybe they hear the vibration when they do?

When my GSD started losing her hearing, we would use the porch lights to get her attention at night. Stomping on the floor was also pretty effective. And she would still bark but I don't know if that applies to a dog that's been deaf since birth.

 

[DDBsR4Me]

When my GSD started losing her hearing, we would use the porch lights to get her attention at night.

I did something similar with my GSD when he started losing his hearing - I would flick the light on and off a couple times to get his attention. It worked really well with him - especially at night time.

 

[angelbears]

We have a deaf ACD and hell yes, she barks. Potty training was the hardest. As hard as it is to believe I'm a loud mouth and I have always used said mouth when potty training. A loud 'wait" if I see them getting ready to go, just enough to get their attention and get them outside, with Jezzy that didn't work and I struggled to get her trained.

Most annoying thing that Jezzy will do is turn her head so she won't see the hand signal.

 

[Penelope's Mom]

Congratulations Kris. He's adorable, deaf or not.

 

[girldogue]

buy a remote training collar and learn to use it - they work well with deaf dogs - but you have a BIG road ahead with this - good luck !

I am doing some research and putting together hand signals that I want to use to train him. It will be interesting for sure but I am sure I can figure it out and there is no doubt that Ruger will help to teach..Hopefully not just the bad habits. LOL

 

[raechiemay]

buy a remote training collar and learn to use it - they work well with deaf dogs - but you have a BIG road ahead with this - good luck !

I've heard this also. On a low frequency this type of situation would be the only time I'd even consider an EC. I don't hate them, I've just seen them used incorrectly & I just wouldn't use them personally. Especially on a dog that is fully capable of being trained. Sorry Kris, sidetracked a little.

Magnum sure is getting big! His feet look huge. When will you know for sure that he can't hear anything or is the breeder pretty sure?

 

[northernmastiff]

Most annoying thing that Jezzy will do is turn her head so she won't see the hand signal.

That is funny. Petey is not deaf but we train to hand signals as well as verbal. Hand signals are needed when we were doing hunt training as the dog can't always see you. Most annoying thing was when he would turn his head or bury it down under the tall grass so he wouldn't have to listen. I feel your pain on it.

 

[CeeCee]

Oh Chris I am so excited for you! He is absolutely adorable!!! Do you have a specific "delivery date" (when you can take him home)? Also, I've been curious, will he be able to go to work with you and Ruger?

 

[Rugers-Kris]

Yeah, have thought about the challenge of house breaking. I am sure it will get interesting. LOL The other thing is desensitizing him to touch (surprise touch).....I have read until my eyes hurt but it is helping. I can definitely see the head turn/I can't hear you thing coming. LOL

We have a deaf ACD and hell yes, she barks. Potty training was the hardest. As hard as it is to believe I'm a loud mouth and I have always used said mouth when potty training. A loud 'wait" if I see them getting ready to go, just enough to get their attention and get them outside, with Jezzy that didn't work and I struggled to get her trained.

Most annoying thing that Jezzy will do is turn her head so she won't see the hand signal.

Thank you. I am pretty excited.

Congratulations Kris. He's adorable, deaf or not.

Actually I have been looking at the collars online and they do make them specifically for deaf dogs that offer vibration ONLY, no shock and am considering it. It will be a big road BUT I think it is going to be as equally fun as it is scary and hard.

buy a remote training collar and learn to use it - they work well with deaf dogs - but you have a BIG road ahead with this - good luck !

He is a VERY big boy, for sure. The breeder is pretty sure that he isn't hearing at all but when I get him home, I will have it tested to be sure.

I've heard this also. On a low frequency this type of situation would be the only time I'd even consider an EC. I don't hate them, I've just seen them used incorrectly & I just wouldn't use them personally. Especially on a dog that is fully capable of being trained. Sorry Kris, sidetracked a little.

Magnum sure is getting big! His feet look huge. When will you know for sure that he can't hear anything or is the breeder pretty sure?

Thank you! Yes, I will be bringing him home on the 19th of July which seems like a lifetime away at this point. LOL I have recently started working at home 4 days a week and only going into the office on Wednesday but he will go with us then.

Oh Chris I am so excited for you! He is absolutely adorable!!! Do you have a specific "delivery date" (when you can take him home)? Also, I've been curious, will he be able to go to work with you and Ruger?

 

[m0rg4n]

Like Northern, all our dogs learn hand signals as well as vocal commands.

 

[Smokeycat]

I think hand signals are good for all dogs to know. The wind here can make vocal commands difficult outside at times. Kryten is actually better with visual commands than vocal.

 

[Rugers-Kris]

I unintentionally taught Ruger several "hand signals" when he was a pup (I talk with my hands) so it shouldn't be too difficult, at least that aspect of it. I am practicing on him now and it is working. I figure if he at least knows the basic hand signals that I want to teach Magnum, that will at least be a little easier.

I think hand signals are good for all dogs to know. The wind here can make vocal commands difficult outside at times. Kryten is actually better with visual commands than vocal.

 

[Rugers-Kris]

Magnum is 4 weeks old now and the wait to bring him home is killing me!! Here is a picture of his big beautiful eyes.