Hello!! I am so very glad to hear from you. There is so much to say about loving and living with a deaf pup that I can only begin here. What I know for absolute certainty is that I would not trade my life with my deaf pups for anything in the world!! –

The best advice I can give anyone with a deaf pup, child, friend, or relative is to establish a solid method of communication. COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS!!!!!!! I bought a pocket-sized book on American Sign Language. I did not know ASL prior to adopting my male, Hogan. I chose human sign language because there are a great number of folks who know at least a bit of sign. Also, when I have to leave the pups with a sitter or the vet, I have to merely leave the handbook or make copies of the important ones. That makes it possible for them to talk with my pups without a great deal of instruction - critical in sudden situations!! My pups are also never left in a totally "silent" environment - someone can always talk to them. I now also have a deaf female, Georgia, and they both (along with my hearing black lab) understand many signs and short sentences. (I use over 60 signs with them.) It is wonderful. You can see them watching my hands and face for messages, and they love to be signed to. They are so intent!!!

I started through simple repetition. "Sit" is great to start along with "cookie" Believe me - once your pup puts together cookie and the reward, you will be off and running!!!! Keep it simple and always use a sign for what you want.

Deaf pups are smart - most pups are - and they learn. They are physical in nature and naturally watch for signals and body language.

My pups love to ride in the car and now when I sign "car", they run for the door. "Kiss" is fun and going for a "walk" meets with approval. "Potty" (I use the sign for toilet which is simply the letter "T") is good - I sign it everytime I take them out to go potty and they now know I mean business - especially if it's late and I want to go to "bed."

Repetition is how I trained my pups to the sign - instead of using the spoken word, I used the sign and then had my pups do what I wanted or needed them to do.

Be gentle, patient, and very positive.

Reward, never punish. The more you reward, the more the pup will respond. This is how I did all my training.

Socialization is also extremely important - and never stop. It must be continuous!!!!! Let others give treats!!! Then meeting someone will be a wonderful treat to our pups.

Desensitization to scary situations (such as being startled or awakened suddenly) is a must and must be done with care, patience, and a slow pace.

Praise is crucial, touch is essential, and massage works wonders.