Dalmations and some white dogs seem particularly likely to be deaf in one ear or both. Tests exist to check this. The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket, for instance, does them so do some University Vet Schools. Ask your vet for a referral.
In general it seems dogs can understand their owners quite well without sound, either because they are lip reading or because they are reading body language with an uncanny ability.
If the dog is going deaf you can aid this process by accompanying verbal commands with sign language using arms and hands. By the time all hearing is lost, the dog will be accustomed to obeying signs. Work out the signals carefully and make sure all the family use the same ones.
Read 'Hear, Hear! A guide to training a deaf puppy," by dog behaviourist Barry Eaton. More information and price on his website www.deaf-dogs-help.co.uk
You also need to work on keeping our dog's attention. If he is not looking at you, he can't "hear" you. Keep a special toy in your pocket, and play games occasionally with him throughout the walk. (Don't leave it around in the house. It is for walks only). Or "call" him back at regular intervals for a tiny liver treat.
Dogs will notice vibrations even if they are totally deaf. Try stamping on the floor to get their attention if they are not looking at you. Or try clapping your hands with the palms slightly curved inwards - this is said to make enough vibration for a dog to catch. To recall a dog from the garden in the dark, use a torch to flash the signal. Or flick the lights in the house, or in one of the rooms, to get their attention.
Deaf dog Jasmine, a rescue from the Dogs' Trust, has been trained with hand signals. (Copyright Catherine Cooper)
Don't stop talking to your dog. He can read your facial and body language so a message of love or even one of warning will get through and reinforce the other signals. Arm and hand signals are the most important but add wide smiles as a goodboy signal and frowns as a don't do it signal.
Deaf dogs will appreciate body communication. A reader reports: "I used to put my cheek on the top of Rosie's head and speak to her so that the vibrations she would feel gave her a sense of physical communication, even though she was used to hand signals."
Think about dog safety gates to stop your dog rushing out into the road when you open the door - they can't hear traffic, remember. Of remember to put them on the lead first. Make sure the garden is properly fenced in.
A bell on the collar or a collar with flashing lights or just a reflective collar (that can be lit up with a torch) might help you find the dog in a large garden.
Very elderly dogs, that may be going senile as well as deaf, will need treating for senility BEFORE learning signals. There are pills (Selgian) and a special diet (Hills) to boost mental capacity. Do this and afterwards teach the signals.
Mike Cook trains deaf collies. 57 Market Place, Richmond, N. Yorks, DL10 4JQ
To clicker train a deaf dog use a flashlight which blinks on instead of the click, with sign language as cues. Look at www.clickertraining.com
How to make a radio remote controlled collar - if you are good at this kind of thing, email Bob and Miranada at spindel@holly.colostate.edu
Deaf Dog websites (not checked)
www.deafdogs.org
www.deafk9.com
Deaf Dog Mailing List deafdog@bybervision.com
For deaf dog links look as www.Isu.edu/guests/senate/public_html/deaf.htm
The Disabled Animals Club Online only disabledanimalsclub@yahoo.co.uk
website www.disabledanimalsclub.co.uk
It is possible - though incredibly expensive and difficult - to try fixing your dog with a hearing aid. I have an instruction leaflet from an American vet who used to do this but does so no longer. You will need a supportive vet and also (this is the difficult bit) a co-operative hearing aid company. You will also need a brain stem auditory test. Write to me and I will photocopy all this. The only person I know who accomplished this was a very persistence Americna woman living in London who wouldn't take no for an answer!
For details of hearing problems in Cavaliers consult this website:
http://website.lineone.net/~malburley/
Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity is urging people not to overlook dogs who are deaf when thinking of rehoming a rescue dog. Catherine and Arthur Cooper have recently found this when they adopted Jasmine, a deaf Terrier Cross Collie from Dogs Trust Salisbury Rehoming Centre. As Jasmine was a puppy the Coopers thought it important that she attended a good dog training club early on. Jasmine was already learning sign language, so she was able to do exactly the same as hearing dogs, but with hand signals. The Coopers actually found it much easier to train Jasmine then their hearing dogs, as she was less easily distracted.
Mrs Cooper comments: "We are so pleased that we were able to adopt Jasmine, we feel she is one of life's special dogs, she is affectionate, loyal, funny and a pleasure to have around. She also is a lot calmer than our other dogs as she doesn't get stressed by noises, she doesn't bark when the door bell rings and has no problems getting to sleep.
"She is also lovely with all the other pets and also our Grandchildren. Even two year old Granddaughter Millie has learnt the signs to communicate with her. We would totally recommend rehoming a deaf dog, as it is very rewarding."
Alison Rodger, Dogs Trust Salisbury Rehoming Centre comments: "While we don't tend to have many deaf dogs at the centre, when we do they are often overlooked. People are either concerned of the commitment that they are taking on or feel that they won't be able to cope.
DISCLAIMER: All normal safety precautions should be taken when dealing with animals. Whilst I make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the advice and information provided on this information sheet, letter or website is accurate, it does not constitute veterinary or expert behaviour advice. Because it is not based upon an analysis of your own personal circumstances, it may provide information, which is inappropriate for you and your animal. In addition the information and practice upon which it may be based may very well be subject to advance and change and despite my efforts the information may not always be up to date. For this reason the information on this website, letter or information sheet is no substitute for the advice of your own vet or pet behaviour counsellor based upon a full understanding of you and your animal's individual circumstances. Accordingly, you are urged, if you do require advice upon which to place full reliance, to seek the assistance of a vet, a pet behaviour counsellor or some other suitably qualified professional person having the relevant expertise to assist you with your problem. As far as the liability of myself is concerned all implied warranties and conditions are excluded to the maximum extent permitted by law. Neither I, nor my suppliers or affiliates will be liable to you in contract, for negligence or otherwise in tort or otherwise for any indirect, consequential, special or incidental damage or loss arising from your use of this information nor for any information contained in it or omitted from it.