Deaf Dogs of Oregon is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is committed to educating the public about deaf dogs and promoting deaf dog adoption. It all started when three strangers came together and decided that someone needed to speak on behalf of our deaf canine friends.

Here you will find deaf dogs looking for a home, a forum to connect with other owners, dog-related community events, and educational resources for deaf dog owners. We love hearing from other deaf dog owners, so please feel free to email us anytime.

Our Mission

• Deaf Dog Education
• Deaf Dog Advocacy
• Safe Breeding Advocacy
• Deaf Dog Owner Support

FAQ’s


Q:Are Deaf dogs more aggressive than hearing dogs?
A:No not at all. While all dogs need training and socialization to avoid becoming aggressive, deaf dogs will not be aggressive solely because they are deaf.

Q:How can a deaf dog do agility? Don’t dogs need verbal cues to do agility?
A:Agility is a sport where the handler’s body position and body motion are much more important than any verbal cues like “go tunnel” or “jump”. In a lot of ways, when handlers can’t use verbal cues, they become a much better handler. Their dog learns to carefully pay attention and watch the handler more, and the handler can’t get away with sloppy handling by using verbal crutches. To be sure, once you are a good handler, verbal cues make life a little easier. However, it is really fun to do agility with deaf dogs and many are very successful at it. Most of the staff at Deaf Dogs of Oregon do agility with their deaf dogs and have a blast!

Q:How do I figure out hand signals to use with my new deaf dog?
A:The American Sign Language dictionary is a good place to start. Another source is puppy or dog training classes. They have standard hand signals to go along with verbal cues for sit, stay, stand, etc. You should also feel free to make up a few of your own too. You can make them fun for both you and the dog. They then also tend to be easy for you to remember.


Tips and Tricks

• Work diligently on methods for getting the dog’s attention by using light devices, vibration collars, hand signals, and/or floor vibrations.
• Create hand signals using American Sign Language for communication.
• Think about creating active, fun hand signals where it makes sense.
• Practice desensitization exercises to reduce startling by rewarding your dog with treats as you touch them, whether or not they see you.
• Establish gentle methods of waking the dog from sleep like blowing on the dog or placing your hand in front of the dog’s nose so it can smell you.
• Be careful not to allow your deaf dog off leash unless it is in a safe, enclosed area.
• Be prepared to get up and go to the dog to make a correction.
• Let the dog know when you are leaving the room.
• Consider owning a hearing dog in addition to your deaf dog to ease the training burden since dogs learn from watching one another.
• Talk to your dog and use facial expressions as if they could hear to enable them to pick up on your body language and other non-verbal cues.
• Attach a bell to your dog to help locate the dog when it is out of sight.
• Establish hand signals that only require one hand to make training easier – you can hold the treat/leash in one hand & signal with the other.
• Use an extend-a-leash to give the dog a little more on-leash freedom.
• Reward with food and exaggerated expressions and hand movements.
• Buy a tag stating your dog is deaf to help others get an escaped dog back home safely.
• Crate your dog during sleep time to help ensure the dog is not startled and has a restful and secure sleep.
• Pass your hand in front of your dog’s face before touching the dog to minimize startling.

Links

Deaf Dog Connections, Advocacy, Resources & Education

Deaf Dog Education Action Fund (DDEAF)

Deaf dogs in Oregon with loving families.

Spirit of Deaf Dogs (Colorado)

White Angels Hope Rescue

Deaf Paws Haven

Amazing Aussies

Deaf Animals