New puppy, fireworks and a show for the neighbours!

zebidee1

We've just come back from the vet as the pup had his first jag today (he's 8 weeks old exactly). During conversation the subject of hearing came up and we told the vet the pup doesn't seem to pay any attention to us when we call him or whistle etc.

We put it down to just the pup being a bit overawed by his new surroundings as this is only his 3rd full day here, but the vet said he doesn't react as he would expect him to. He did see the pups ears rise slightly when he clapped loudly but he didn't seem to respond to normal sounds.

He said this is reason for returning the pup should we want to.

We don't know what to do. Part of us feels it's too cruel to contemplate returning a pup just because it's not perfect whilst another part feels we couldn't train a deaf or partially deaf dog.

We also have disabled people in our family and wonder if this is just too much to take on as well.

How difficult would it be to train a dog with a problem such as this? You have no idea how bad I feel right now even considering the option of giving him back to the breeder but I'm scared of owning a dog which we can't deal with.

Please, please advise me? Where can I find information on issues like this?

candygirl

What breed is he as some are more likely to have deafness, as are white dogs for some reason.My friend has a white boxer that's deaf and she's lovely, and very well trained and behaved

tifnstav

http://www.ukwebpages.co.uk/deafdogs/signing.htm

Tulip

Sorry I cant advise you but so sorry to hear about your pup that it might be deaf,Any decision is hard but hope you reach a satisfactory one.

*hugs*

Katie

tifnstav

http://www.deafdogs.org/training/signs.php

good luck with it, i'm sure you'll make the right choice.

i_need_help_3

How sad, i really do hope it works out for you all, but as much as everyone on here can advise you only you and your family can make that decision. If you feel you won't be able to cope because of your family commitments then i think it will be best for you to return the pup sooner rather than later otherwise you will get more attached and so will the pup. Keep us updated xxx

Sagz_2

PLEASE if you bought the pup from a breeder then let them know, and if they are registered with the Kennel Club then let them know too. Any honest breeder will be as upset as you are to find one of their pups is deaf and will hopefully not continue to breed from the same blood lines.

Training a deaf pup is possible, but not easy. You will have to invest hours of your time in the early months but will have a dog that can lead as full and active a life as any hearing dog. If you don't feel you have the time and commitment then, as heartbreaking as it is, it's probably in the pups best interest to return him to the breeder or find a rescue charity that can place the dog with people that can cope.

If you do decide to keep the pup then have a look at http://www.deaf-dogs-help.co.uk/, and try and find a trainer locally who can give you some help.

My thoughts are with you
xx

zebidee1

Thanks everyone. We did buy the pup (it's a lab btw) from a reputable breeder, and I will phone her to tell her of our suspicions but I can't do it tonight as my voice breaks too easily right now.

Thanks too for the links. I've had a quick read and I've bookmarked them for a proper read once the youngest is in bed.

i_need_help_3

awwww hun xx

Jummy

Sorry to hear about your pup.
Hope it all works out for you and the pup.