Dogs

Perhaps no other myth has caused more damage than this one. Its apparent logic is what makes it so seductive. It seems to make sense, and is therefore seldom questioned. This myth assumes that "being startled" is a permanent condition, that the deaf dog is perpetually startled, and that he will always respond by becoming fearful and aggressive. But the actual experience of deaf dog owners tells a different story.

The truth is that deaf dogs adapt to their hearing loss, and become comfortable with their surroundings. In the same way a hearing dog can be startled by a loud noise, a deaf dog can be startled by an unexpected touch. Owners report that their dogs' responses to being touched unexpectedly range from a "YIKES" response, where the dog may jump, to a "huh?" response, where the dog simply turns and looks. Some may be momentarily disoriented when awakened, but few become aggressive or bite in response.

Further, a deaf dog can be desensitized to the startle effect of being touched unexpectedly or awakened from sleep. One owner calls this "working on sneaking up behaviors." This is done by first walking up behind the dog when he isn't looking; touch the dog, then immediately pop a treat in the dog's mouth when he turns around. The dog quickly associates good things (i.e., the treat) with being touched unexpectedly, and learns to respond happily. This exercise would not be possible if all deaf dogs responded to unexpected touch by biting their owners! Not all deaf dogs require this type of conditioning, but it is helpful for the more sensitive ones.

A deaf dog can also be conditioned to wake easily in response to a gentle touch. Start slowly by first placing your hand in front of the sleeping dog's nose, allowing him to smell that you are near. Next lightly touch the dog on the shoulder or back, pretend you are trying to touch only one or two hairs with your fingertips. Then gently stroke the dog with two fingertips, then with your entire hand. Most deaf dogs will awaken during some part of this exercise. When they open their eyes, their owner's smiling face and perhaps even a treat rewards them. In a matter of weeks, the dog becomes accustomed to waking up when the owner places a hand in front of his nose, or lightly touches his shoulder or back. Waking up becomes a gentle, positive experience.