shelter dogs

• 08-01-2009 11:11 AM

  Indy05 Joined on 06-19-2007 Texas Posts 366 Points 0

  shelter dogs Reply Contact Reading lorib's post about the deaf shelter dog made me think about some questions I have.  I have been walking dogs at a shelter since June.  How do you decide which dogs to walk?  The older ones who have been there a while, the young bouncy ones that need to learn leash manners, the shy ones, ones that share a kennel with another dog?  I try to spend time with as many as possible since the goal is to get them adopted out. There is a deaf dog (about 35 pounds, terrier mix) I have not walked.  What are suggestions for handling?  He seems friendly, in fact, I did not know he was deaf until I read his info card. I'll have more questiions later.

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• 08-01-2009 12:02 PM

  In reply to Indy05

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 10,861 Points 3,330

  Re: shelter dogs Reply Contact Please don't be put off by the deaf dog.  The other thread mentioned http://www.deafdogs.org -- it's a darned good website. Approach them from the front, Smile -- *show* them what you are about to do (i.e., show them the collar *first*) -- don't "loom over" them or enclose them and take it slow.  Smile -- they will feel the vibrations from a rumble in your chest if you talk -- so until they get to know you let them know at all times you aren't threatened.  With a deaf dog your body language is THEIR clue -- so if you stand upright with your fists on your hips and legs apart -- they think you're mad or unhappy.  Stay relaxed. The points behind the ears behind the skull where we so often absent-mindedly stroke or pet a dog?  It's actually a trigger point for relaxation.  But petting needs to start from the front -- let them sniff your hand and then caress the side of the head, shoulder and chest.  Don't move fast -- that's probably the biggest deal.  And if you know (or can learn) any ASL (American sign language) -- signs for things like "yes" and "no" or just "come" -- these things really help prepare that dog for a home.   And if you can actually print out copies of those signs YOU are teaching so others can also and pin them up on the crate?  That can really help that dog prepare to go to a home (and then send those papers with them when they get adopted). Any idea if it's a dog who WAS hearing who is now deaf or a dog born deaf?  They ARE different.  I had a theory with Lori -- if the dog she was dealing with had an ear infection (which robs many dogs OF their hearing) that was a deep bacterial infection, just putting on a collar could cause **tremendous** pain that no one would even suspect.

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• 08-01-2009 12:53 PM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  Indy05 Joined on 06-19-2007 Texas Posts 366 Points 0

  Re: shelter dogs Reply Contact Thanks, Callie, for the tips.  I do plan to get to know him and walk him.  That is a good question.  I will ask a kennel staff person if it is known if he was born deaf or if he use to have hearing.  You said there is a difference.  How is it?  Is there something to do differently because of one as opposed to the other?  By the way the shelter has an official trainer who will work with whomever decides to adopt this particular dog.  She is really busy, but if I see her in passing I may ask her for suggestions also.

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• 08-01-2009 4:37 PM

  In reply to Indy05

  loretta Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 87 Points 90

  Re: shelter dogs Reply Contact  I have been walking dogs at the shelter now for 13 years.  We always take the bigger and older ones out first.  The older ones are far more traumatized and housebroken.  The bigger dogs have a harder time coping in a kennel.  Next we do the hyper dogs that need exercise.  We save the real small dogs for those that can't handle the bigger ones, plus the smaller dogs always get adopted faster.  I have never had trouble with any deaf dogs, although they are usually wilder.  And I love walking the shy dogs and helping them adjust.

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• 08-01-2009 4:51 PM

  In reply to loretta

  Indy05 Joined on 06-19-2007 Texas Posts 366 Points 0

  Re: shelter dogs Reply Contact I do not walk any of the small dogs.  At orientation volunteers were told to walk the larger dogs for the very reasons you stated.  I spend a bit more time with shy dogs simply because it takes longer for the dog to trust.  It took 3 days in a row of sitting on the floor in the kennel of a shy dog, talking to her and tossing treats to her before she'd even let me touch her.  The first time I put a leash on her and we went outside her kennel she ran to the end of the leash frightened of everything.  Now she runs up to me, smiling, wagging her tail, and is willing to step outside her kennel, but she's still tentative and walks with her tail tucked.  She likes to just sit outside with me as I pet her and talk to her.  She'll nudge me if I stop petting so I know she enjoys it.  It is rewarding and I hope someday someone will give her a chance and get to know her and adopt her.

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• 08-01-2009 5:45 PM

  In reply to Indy05

  calliecritturs Joined on 09-10-2007 Central Florida Posts 10,861 Points 3,330

  Re: shelter dogs Reply Contact Indy05: That is a good question.  I will ask a kennel staff person if it is known if he was born deaf or if he use to have hearing.  You said there is a difference.  How is it?  Is there something to do differently because of one as opposed to the other?    It's conceptual to the dog.  The dog who USED to be hearing understands the idea of words and commands.  The fact that sound SHOULD BE coming out of your mouth and he can't hear it is often frustrating for them because they *think* they should KNOW and don't.  So speak AND use hand signals to that dog -- they DO learn to lipread if given the opportunity.  The memory of that spoken word is still in their head. The dog born deaf doesn't get it.  Sound to the deaf dog is  ... well, it's like you mising the sense of SSOIFSOUF ...  really?  You don't know what SSOIFSOUF is??  How odd -- everbuddy knows SSOIFSOUF ... (i.e., it's completely not understandable to them -- they don't even know WHAT they are missing!) Deaf dogs often do better wtih other dogs -- they "get it" that other dogs know things they don't and they will rely on another dog to help them.  A friend of mine has a dog BORN **deaf AND blind** -- and Brownie always hangs with another dog  to help him get around.  BUT ... he is the most astute dog about feelings.  He has become a therapy dog just because he is so in tune with someone's feelings and he doesn't even know them.  But he picks up partly on the pheromes (scents tied to emotions) than others.  The dog deaf from birth is more likely to be jumpy and more easily starteled.  ANY deaf dog may be easily scared -- it's a defense mechanism.

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• 08-01-2009 8:38 PM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  Liesje Joined on 03-02-2007 Posts 9,906 Points 655	Re: shelter dogs Reply Contact  Where I walked dogs there were certain labels on the dogs as far as who could walk them (age and experience).  I generally chose the larger dogs, GSDs first, since I knew the younger volunteers were not allowed to walk them and many volunteers just prefered the smaller dogs. http://vankelderdogs.dutchbingo.net http://www.schhmi.com
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• 08-01-2009 9:07 PM

  In reply to calliecritturs

  ron2 Joined on 09-10-2007 far north central Texas Posts 11,397 Points 595	Re: shelter dogs Reply Contact Callie, you rock. I wasn't even thinking of that. Yes, go to visual or hand cues with a deaf dog. The way you treat your dog in this life determines your place in heaven. - chukchi proverb
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• 08-02-2009 2:42 AM

  In reply to ron2

  lorib Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 2,981 Points 0	Re: shelter dogs Reply Contact I vary who I walk. Yesterday, it was a puppy who was taken into protective custody and who has issues with motorcycles.  He is progressing very nicely. Last week, it was a Husky mix who has been there for months but who doesn't get along with small dogs, so we can't let her out to play with the little guys (there were no big ones she could play with at the time).
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• 08-02-2009 2:15 PM

  In reply to lorib

  Sunshinegirl Joined on 05-03-2007 Florida, USA Posts 1,540 Points 565

  Re: shelter dogs Reply Contact I looked to see which dogs had been out the least during the day and chose those dogs first. There were always several, usually the ones being treated for mange, that were overlooked and hadn't been out all day *sigh.* I started there and then took out the least favorite dogs since I knew the other "cute cuddly" dogs would get lots of attention. And I really enjoyed spending time with the really shy dogs or dogs who's spirit had been broken from abuse. I always seem to root for the underdog. There was never enough time for me and I always hated leaving the shelter because I always felt I could do more. Sunshine Girl

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• 08-04-2009 9:53 AM

  In reply to Sunshinegirl

  Indy05 Joined on 06-19-2007 Texas Posts 366 Points 0

  Re: shelter dogs Reply Contact Sunshinegirl, that's how I feel too.  I volunteer at a large shelter (over 300 dogs and cats) and at most I walk 6-7 dogs in approximately two and a half hours in the morning, less if I am working with a shy dog.  It's because of the heat right now. Obviously we can't walk them when the temps rise.  I always leave wishing I could have walked more.  I also look at the boards that show the dates they have been walked and sometimes pick ones that haven't been out as much if they are not being treated for heartworms.

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• 08-04-2009 2:43 PM

  In reply to Indy05

  crysania Joined on 09-04-2008 Syracuse, NY Posts 158 Points 45

  Re: shelter dogs Reply Contact I've met plenty of wonderful deaf dogs when transporting.  I generally make sure they see me as I approach, unless I know they're the kind of dog who won't snap at you if you startle them (none of them have, actually).  If they're not looking your way, stamp your foot on the ground.  The vibration will often get their attention.  Flicking a light might also get their attention if you're in a room. As someone else mentioned, hand signals are key.  Dogs are masters of body language and so learn from hand signals very well.  My dog (who does hear) knows her commands through both hand signals and voice.  I figure if she ever goes deaf when she's older, she'll still be able to respond to commands that way.  I can do completely silent training sessions with her and do, in fact, do them sometimes (on the flip side, I do all voice commands at other times). So definitely don't be put off by deafness in a dog.  Sometimes it's almost impossible to tell the dog IS deaf they're so responsive to other stimul. Regarding whether or not the dog was deaf.  What kind of dog is this? Is it predominantly white?  Pink around the eyes?  Blue eyes?  Butterfly nose?  Not all dogs who are born deaf are white factor, but you do see a lot of white dogs with vision/hearing impairment in some breeds: Australian shepherds, Great Danes, Pit Bulls, Dalmatians, and Boxers are known for it, I believe.  The deaf dogs I've met (mostly Aussies, one Catahoula) have had a particular "look".   Here are a few pictures.  All three of these dogs are deaf, but not vision impaired despite the odd looking eyes. Jack Tanner Tucker

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