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Date Posted: 19:24:45 05/12/04 Wed
Author: Kristin
Author Host/IP: 66.19.102.98
Subject: Re: deaf puppy
In reply to: joice finn 's message, "deaf puppy" on 05:08:52 12/08/03 Mon

Corrections are difficult things. It's hard to suggest what type of correction you should use without seeing the dog in person. All dogs have different "shut down" points when being corrected. What I mean by this, is some dogs are particularly sensitive. They will "shut down" over very mild corrections.

Some dogs seem as if they aren't sensitive, and so owners use harsher corrections than necessary. This ends up emotionally damaging the dog. Some owners may feel dogs are "blowing them off" after being corrected, when the dogs are actually showing stress. Stress can come out in dogs in some very peculiar ways. I've seen dogs stress and get the zoomies. I've seen lots of dogs stress by sniffing (called a calming signal by some trainers). Dogs stress through aggression and shyness - two seemingly opposite behaviors with the same origin. Some dogs stress by avoidance, which appears as if the dog is ignoring the owner.

What you need is to get to a professional trainer ASAP. A trainer who uses positive methods can help you deal with your issues. A trainer can evaluate your dog and know what corrections are adequate.

Also, adversive corrections come with baggage. An example of this is a way I've heard to correct barking. I've heard trainers say, "When your dog barks, just grab their muzzle and squeeze really hard. That'll stop the barking." Yes, it may. But, it will also mean that your dog ducks his head every time you reach out to pat him on the head. The correction - grabbing the muzzle tightly - leaves baggage - head ducking and fear of having the head touched (and possibly fear agression).

You need to find a trainer who understands what baggage will be left by what corrections, and who will warn you when you are planning on using a more adversive correction.

I always start my dogs with the least adversive corrections around. Ignoring my dog's bad behavior EVERYTIME my dog offers that behavior (if you don't do it every single rotten time the bad behavior is presented, the behavior will not go away. This method also only works for attention getting behaviors). Time outs (no more than 30 seconds long). A hand signal for no - which is always followed with a non-adversive correction if the no is not obeyed. A squirt bottle filled with water is also a method to try. Telling the dog "no" with a hand signal, and then diverting him to the right behavior. (Example: No, don't chew my shoe. Yes, good dog, chew this dog toy.)

It would take me about three pages of writing to explain how to use the above methods correctly. That's why a professional trainer is a must. Timing and consistancy are extremely important in delivering corrections.

Another word on the squirt bottle. Make sure it is filled with water. Right now, some trainers in my part of the country are suggesting putting vinegar in with the water and squirting the dog. This can damage the eyes, and even lead to blindness. Avoid this techique, especially with deaf dogs.

And, a word on tying up a dog. It appears that tying up dogs is causing more aggression in those dogs. (Note, this applies to hearing and deaf dogs the same.) Apparently not being able to roam without a rope on their collars holding them back is causing some dogs to develop aggressions. I never recommend tying a dog up. Always get a fence if you have a dog.

Good luck with your pup. Get a good trainer!

-Kristin


>i have a deaf puppy and i am having alot of trouble
>with her behavior. i think i may have spoiled her and
>now i am having to live with the consequences. how do
>you correct a deaf dog. i dont believe in hitting and
>on the few occasions where i have tried to give her a
>little hit on the nose or hip as a correction she
>didnt have a clue what it was all about. i have 5
>other dogs and she is the absolute worst puppy i have
>ever had. she really is in her own little world and
>just as happy as she can be. she is getting more and
>more destructive as she gets older. she really is a
>wild child. any advice...i wont consider getting rid
>of her, or tieing her up

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Replies:

  • Re: deaf puppy -- Beth, 20:34:22 05/12/04 Wed
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