Deaf Dog Learning Sign Language to Help Find Furever Family
Dogs recognize words and can learn to follow commands. Especially if you are calling them to go for a walk or a ride in the car. And how many dogs won’t respond to the sound of their food bowl being filled.
At least that is the case for dogs who can hear. Reggie, a six-year-old mixed-breed dog who is deaf won’t come when you whistle for him, reported msn, but he is learning sign language and already knows many commands. While there is no special sign language for dogs, he is being taught British Sign Language to help him find his furever home.
Rehoming Reggie
Reggie was brought to RSPCA’s Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and District branch in the fall of 2024, after his owner passed away, reported the BBC. But rehoming Reggie has proved to be challenging.
That’s why the staff at the center started teaching him sign language. “Reggie reads our hand signals and body language as a way of telling what we’re asking him for,” the center’s manager Claire Kendall told BBC.
The staff said that this good natured and smart dog who understands many commands including, sit, paw, and wait is still learning new signs. A new owner could easily give him advanced training. He is still waiting for someone to give him a chance.
Training a Deaf Dog
Training a deaf dog is not that difficult according to The American Kennel Club. Other than using a different technique, you still need to teach basic obedience.
Because a dog that was born deaf or lost his hearing can’t hear your voice, you must use visual cues. But first you have to train your dog to look at you so keep some dog treats handy. Reward your dog every time he pays attention to you. In fact, that should be the first signal you teach your pet.
You don’t have to know sign language to train your dog. You can use touch, vibrations, or any hand signals that work for you. Just make sure that each signal is different.
With some love, treats, and a bit of persistence, your dog will be trained on basic commands and even learn to do tricks.
Deaf dogs like Reggie make wonderful pets, all he needs is a loving furever family. His ideal home will be in a one-pet family that is in a quiet area away from traffic, according to BBC. You can visit Reggie at the center.
