I have a 12 week old black female from a recent litter, who was born deaf. She was tested by a veterinary neurologist using the BAER test, at 4 weeks. It appears to be a congenital defect that caused the inner ear not to form correctly. She is "normal" in every other way, just like a fun, cute, 12 week old puppy. I am at a loss about placement. She knows 4 hand signals, is crate trained and "almost" house-trained. She's confident, but is quickly fading to the background as she has been corrected a few times by my older girls, and now she isn't so sure about mixing in. She can't hear warning signs like a disapproving, low growl. If anyone has had any success with placing a special needs puppy, I would appreciate your suggestions. I have cross-posted, with the help of a friend, on sites specific to the deaf dog training world. Please feel free to email me privately if you have any information you wish to share that might not be of a general nature. TIA

Many years ago as part of an all breed rescue group, I helped place a few deaf Dalmations, a puppy and some young dogs. I do remember the reflex to clap for the pup as she scampered in the wrong direction in a room--duh. We tended to place with adults with small to medium fenced yards, as during the day one could not flash a light to get the dog's attention if it got out. Some folks used vibration only training collars with good success to alert the dog if it got too far away on, for example, icy ground, when the owner couldn't follow in the yard in winter. Easily startled, they were not good prospects for homes with children--and they were, after all, Dalmations that children wanted to be Disney dogs. That being said, she might be fine in a leash walking home in a townhouse--noises sure wouldn't bother her. She is a Lab, and with the right socialization might be great in even a busy condo community. The new owners must truly understand that she cannot be off lead except in a fenced yard, and even a pool could be a hazard, as she would be harder to direct to the steps so could not be in a yard with access to one unsupervised.

Someone will be happy to have her. You just need to wait for the right home.

Thanks! All good information. Your response gives me encouragement. I hadn't thought about the townhouse or home with a smaller yard idea. I am going to start training her on a vibrating collar this week and I will continue to put out feelers for the right home.

I had a blind puppy from a litter 7 years ago. He eventually seemed to have the teeniest bit of peripheral vision. I was so depressed, but Dr. Scavelli of Garden State Veterinary Specialists said that there are plenty of people who are happy to have a dog with disabilities. He was right! The puppy went to a wonderful man who previously had a dog with vision problems. Have faith. It will all work out.

Thanks, Joan, again for encouraging info!

Betsy, I was a DalmatiAn fancier for 15 years - also involved with rescue, and of course, the deaf Dals that came into rescue. I was brutally honest if the dog was not placeable, but most were. It may sound cruel, but sometimes it is best if the pups are humanely euthanized after the BAER testing as pups. Usually 25% of the litter can be deaf, even to bilateral hearing parents. It's one of those issues that has yet to be solved with a DNA test.

I found a person, who is now a longtime friend, who had a deaf GSD, and she took one of the deaf rescues that I took in. She was a wonderful trainer - her dogs were better behaved than my Dals and Labradors. She trained them to walk off leash with both hand signals and an electronic collar, in fact she took in another deaf Dal, had a controller for 3 dogs, and worked them all off leash at an open-space park because she lived in a townhome with a very small yard. It can be done, but it takes work and dedication, and a special person or family to take in and train deaf animals. You might want to Google Deaf Dalmatian groups, maybe even something on Facebook, Yahoo Groups or Google Groups.

Best of luck to you. My first Dal lost her hearing at close to 15 years of age, we managed - she knew hand-signals anyway. She was very big with eye contact to "read my lips".

Betsy,
I knew a women in town that adopted a deaf Golden puppy.
She did very well with this puppy and taught it hand signals.
The owner was very happy and proud of this Golden. The two were in love and
such a joy to see. There is the right home for this little one waiting!
Meanwhile it sounds like you are giving this puppy some wonderful learning tools.
I wish you and the puppy all the best!

My first question would be why don't you keep the pup and give her a good quality life? I've raised a deaf dog from puppy hood that is now 15 and has lived a very fruitful life; his basic obedience and in-home training was done with hand signals and a laser pointer which was a great motivator for him. I have a multiple dog household and he has blended just fine. His vision is enhanced; he has always seen shadows and movement seconds before the dogs with normal hearing. He can retrieve doubles with the best of 'em which he learned simply by watching the others work; has always loved working and is still going strong.

Thanks for the encouraging words. I have been tempted to keep her, but the reality is, she needs more attention than I know I can give her. I appreciate hearing about your experience and it does make be believe that when she is placed, she will make someone a wonderful companion!

I know of someone who placed a deaf Lab puppy with a family who has a deaf son (older child). All involved thought it was meant to be. The family plans to teach the dog to respond to sign language commands and is used to "beings" that cannot hear. Too soon to say if it will work out perhaps, but there may be a family out that thinks your puppy was meant just for them. I agree with you that the pup is going to get overshadowed by the rest of the pack, my special needs dog often feels left out, and I only have one other dog.

Betsy, you had this puppy at the Boston Specialty and she is a sweetie! Bright and responsive and already responding to hand signals. It will be a special family that gets her - good fortune for the puppy and the family.

Thanks to all who responded with such encouraging ideas and stories. "Helen" has found a forever home with a lovely couple in PA, who have had 2 deaf dogs. They currently have a 12 y/o Lab (deaf) who they rescued, and recently lost their 7 year old Lab (female) to cancer. They are excited about training Helen and integrating her into their home. Again, thank you for all your thoughtful responses.

Betsy,
What wonder news! Sounds Like a wonderful and fitting home.
Wishing Helen all the best. This will be an emotional moment for you
letting go.