So, my question: has anyone worked with or owned a deaf dog that could give me a feel on what it's like? I've read a few things on the method to train them, but none of the pages really tell you what everyday life is like with them and how much of an adjustment it will be from our hearing dogs.

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Haikus are easy,
But sometimes they don't make sense,
Refrigerator.

Honestly, you can't tell that most of the deaf dogs you meet can't hear.

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Like men we'll face the murderous, cowardly pack,
Pressed to the wall, dying, but fighting back.

When you're training the dog, you will have to learn to use hand gestures and looking it in the face. I have heard of people even using sign language and dogs understanding simple instructions. When you're teaching it sit, just show it a hand gesture that means sit and then show it what you're doing. It might take more time to train them but I think it will be worth it.

I personally have thought about adopting a dog with disabilities but I'm waiting to move out and find a place that will allow pets.
Good luck!

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But now, she is happy, and pretty well balanced.
What I have noticed with the deaf dogs I have worked with, is that they tend to be more like the stuck-to-leg types since they are relying on you to hear for them.

Also, if you have other dogs in the house, sometimes deaf dogs will be "adopted" by one or more of the hearing dogs that he will follow around, and they will look out for him.

Also, having another dog is such a big help, he watches Loki and takes all of his cues from him. So, if we want Bartleby...we just call Loki. They both come running. The only probelm being if Bartleby is asleep. Deaf dogs startle when you wake them up. Some have learned to bite, but the best course is to stomp on the floor/ground. They'll feel it and wake up.  

They are pretty needy. Bartleby always has to be next to/on someone, but luckily for us he's usually content to curl up with Loki. So, your new dog is going to be really dependent on you and your other dogs, but it's really no different than any other overly affectionate dog. You're going to have to make sure she is always on a leash when you take her off of your property. Bartleby does not fear cars at all and would happily walk out in traffic if you let him. He does get freaked out by other random things like shadows and his reflection though and will start barking at them. But, that could just be him.

I'll stop now since I've written a book, but if you have anymore questions, just ask.

Post edited at 8:52 am on Mar. 2, 2008 by DancinOnTheMoon

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"Men have forgotten this truth", said the fox, "But you must not forget it.
You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."