Puppies learn sign language

[rawnee]

This is Meg, she's a 15 week old Labrador cross puppy who is deaf. She's just adorable and rather than being pushed to one side until someone comes to give her a new forever home, she's been taught basic sign language! Seems to be a common thing for deaf dogs. Snowy is also deaf and was given to the Dogs' Trust because her owners couldn't cope with having a deaf puppy. Blue is a collie cross who couldn't be rehomed because he's deaf. It's so sad. Anyone who knows me knows how soft I am with my dogs and how important they are to me and I can't imagine doing this to one of my dogs. They're members of the family at the end of the day and if one of my children was deaf, I wouldn't give them away. Thankfully Meg has found a new home. I just hope the others find homes soon too. I wonder...

Comments

[frankthepirate.livejournal.com]

Two words: Border Collie. You think they can hear wayyyyy off on the hill to know where to take the sheep? Nope, hand signal :D My dog knows hand signals too. Its not much different from teaching it voice commands, its still a signal from you that they should do something :)

Its cute though, I hope they find good homes. Dingo was deaf at the end, and Tippit is hard of hearing with some tones. I think you'll find most dalmatians are deaf. I wish someone would point this out so people would notice deaf dogs aren't useless.

[rawnee.livejournal.com]

I think it's better to give dogs hand signals as well as voice signals. For the most part a dog will always turn to look at you if it's away from you. (Yeah, OK, I'm just a sucker for pooches)!

[frankthepirate.livejournal.com]

Yeah I donno, I get a faster and better response with hand signals when out, but voice commands at home. I guess when out she is watching me more closely.

I like my dog more then I like most people lol

[rawnee.livejournal.com]

Definitely. All dogs are better than people! I just wish I had a bigger house with lots of land then I could have more dogs lol

[frankthepirate.livejournal.com]

Donno, my aunt had a half wolf half husky that she treated like shit and it was insane.

[rawnee.livejournal.com]

Ah but that was because of the way she treated it. What a cool mixture. Paul would kill for a dog like that! lol

[frankthepirate.livejournal.com]

yeah, donno if its such a good mix for most people to have, but I would love one. Would be like any special breed though, you have to do certain things with them.

[rawnee.livejournal.com]

Definitely. Mind you, Kizzie is the most spoilt dog I've ever had. She knows just how to get round me and gets away with a lot. She's a rescue fog too but thankfully we got her when she was only 10 weeks old and she hadn't been mistreated.

[frankthepirate.livejournal.com]

lol Tip is but mostly cause I feel bad for how she use to live. The cats are as well and all their lives has been cush and pillows LOL

[rawnee.livejournal.com]

Yeah, that's understandable. The dog I had before Kizzie came from the RSPCA and she had been left tied to the gate there. We only had her for about 4 years when she died but we hope that her life with us made her feel special and loved.

[frankthepirate.livejournal.com]

yeah, I hope that Tip feels she's better off now then she was lol

[rawnee.livejournal.com]

I'm sure she does. Dogs are very sensitive to people who care. She's so sweet, bless her.

[frankthepirate.livejournal.com]

haha I donno, today she may sleep in the rain. As we were out yesterday she has to remind us ALL THE TIME of HOW MUCH SHE LOOOOOOOOVES US

zomg. lol

[rawnee.livejournal.com]

Awwwww but better that than her not telling you?!?!

[frankthepirate.livejournal.com]

yeeeahhhh I donno after day 3 of it.... :P She is always weird for days when we break the pattern though lol.