ASL 1
6 April 2009
Deaf Dogs and American Sign Language
“Sit”, “stay”, “heal”, “come” and “no” are common vocal commands used by canine owners worldwide. However, one might not realize the number of deaf dogs that are unable to respond to vocal commands. While there is not a clear number as to the amount of deaf dogs it was found that, “thousands of deaf pups are born each year and” (Judkins) it is also definite that there are certain breeds are affected more than others. In research done by Gallaudet University it was found that 86 breeds are known to be born deaf with Dalmatians at the top of the list (Gallaudet). Owners are put to the test when dealing with a deaf dog because the animal requires a great deal of training, this is why American Sign Language has become such a big part in lending a helping hand in communicating with man’s best friend.
“Training a deaf dog is not much different from training a hearing dog; you just "talk" in a different language. It doesn't require any more time, effort, or necessarily different methods, just different cues. Hearing dogs learn the meaning of words through repetition. Deaf dogs learn the same way” (DDEAF). Similarly, when using sign language it is important to emphasize the use of facial expression, hand positioning and orientation these aspects are still very important in teaching a dog. Furthermore, teaching a dog sign language is not that far fetched, dogs do not use words to speak they make sounds such as barking and growling. On the other hand, dogs are used to using their bodies to express how they feel. For instance, dogs wag their tails when they are happy, jump when they are excited, and beg when they want something. One trainer explains, “I can train any dog in five minutes. It's training the owner that takes longer” (DDEAF). Training a deaf dog is extremely important for safety reasons as well, the dog needs to be taught his or her boundaries as far as dangerous places to avoid cars and other animals due to lack of hearing.
Canines are known for quickly responding and picking up on sign language. While not all of the sings are exactly the same as American Sign Language they use parts of the same signs. The most popular way of training involves food, even though the dog is deaf he or she still responds to the reward of food even though it does not hear the praise “good dog”. Some of the most popular signs taught are “sit”, “down” and “stay”, the sign for sit involves, “holding a treat at your dog's nose, and then draw it back toward his ears until he sits” (DDEAF) it is acceptable to sign the sign for sit while showing the dog how to sit. The popular sign for down is usually signed as follows, “lead her under your leg, which should be low enough that she must lie down to fit. As soon as her elbows and belly are on the floor, sign "down" and give her the treat” (DDEAF), while this sign is the one of the more difficult ones it is the most beneficial in controlling the dog. Lastly, the command “stay” is very important it is the basis used for training the dog in other sings. The sign for “stay” is taught by holding the palm right in front of the dogs face, one he or she sits sign “Ok” so the dog knows the trick was done correctly (DDEAF). Again, all of the tricks are taught using treats to positively assure the dog when it does a trick accurately and plays a big role in building trust and confidence.
Sadly, many deaf dogs are sent to pounds because people believe they are “useless” or have a “deformity” but the reality of it is, they are just like any other animal who requires some extra help. Teaching dogs sign language has proven to be incredibly beneficial and rewarding. Deaf and hearing families alike sometimes prefer to have these animals because it brings then closer to their canine and requires them to pay close attention to the needs of their animal. There are many groups around the country that rescue these dogs and train them to be service dogs, not always to be adopted by the deaf or blind but to be companions and special needs animals. All in all, I never realized the endless possibilities of teaching a dog sign language. Through this research I have found that it is important to not give up on these creatures.
Resources
DDEAF, (1998). Training tips. Retrieved April 1, 2009, from Deaf dog education action fund Web site: http://www.deafdogs.org/training/
Harrington, T (September 2002). FAQ: deaf animals. Retrieved April 1, 2009, from Gallaudet university Web site: http://library.gallaudet.edu/Library/Deaf_Research_Help/Frequently_Asked_Questions_(FAQs)/OtherMiscellaneous/Deaf_Animals.html#dogs
Judkins, L (1998). Deaf puppis, deaf dogs, more than you think. Retrieved April 1, 2009, from Deaf puppies Web site: http://www.critterchat.net/deafpuppies1.htm
“Sit”, “stay”, “heal”, “come” and “no” are common vocal commands used by canine owners worldwide. However, one might not realize the number of deaf dogs that are unable to respond to vocal commands. While there is not a clear number as to the amount of deaf dogs it was found that, “thousands of deaf pups are born each year and” (Judkins) it is also definite that there are certain breeds are affected more than others. In research done by Gallaudet University it was found that 86 breeds are known to be born deaf with Dalmatians at the top of the list (Gallaudet). Owners are put to the test when dealing with a deaf dog because the animal requires a great deal of training, this is why American Sign Language has become such a big part in lending a helping hand in communicating with man’s best friend.
“Training a deaf dog is not much different from training a hearing dog; you just "talk" in a different language. It doesn't require any more time, effort, or necessarily different methods, just different cues. Hearing dogs learn the meaning of words through repetition. Deaf dogs learn the same way” (DDEAF). Similarly, when using sign language it is important to emphasize the use of facial expression, hand positioning and orientation these aspects are still very important in teaching a dog. Furthermore, teaching a dog sign language is not that far fetched, dogs do not use words to speak they make sounds such as barking and growling. On the other hand, dogs are used to using their bodies to express how they feel. For instance, dogs wag their tails when they are happy, jump when they are excited, and beg when they want something. One trainer explains, “I can train any dog in five minutes. It's training the owner that takes longer” (DDEAF). Training a deaf dog is extremely important for safety reasons as well, the dog needs to be taught his or her boundaries as far as dangerous places to avoid cars and other animals due to lack of hearing.
Canines are known for quickly responding and picking up on sign language. While not all of the sings are exactly the same as American Sign Language they use parts of the same signs. The most popular way of training involves food, even though the dog is deaf he or she still responds to the reward of food even though it does not hear the praise “good dog”. Some of the most popular signs taught are “sit”, “down” and “stay”, the sign for sit involves, “holding a treat at your dog's nose, and then draw it back toward his ears until he sits” (DDEAF) it is acceptable to sign the sign for sit while showing the dog how to sit. The popular sign for down is usually signed as follows, “lead her under your leg, which should be low enough that she must lie down to fit. As soon as her elbows and belly are on the floor, sign "down" and give her the treat” (DDEAF), while this sign is the one of the more difficult ones it is the most beneficial in controlling the dog. Lastly, the command “stay” is very important it is the basis used for training the dog in other sings. The sign for “stay” is taught by holding the palm right in front of the dogs face, one he or she sits sign “Ok” so the dog knows the trick was done correctly (DDEAF). Again, all of the tricks are taught using treats to positively assure the dog when it does a trick accurately and plays a big role in building trust and confidence.
Sadly, many deaf dogs are sent to pounds because people believe they are “useless” or have a “deformity” but the reality of it is, they are just like any other animal who requires some extra help. Teaching dogs sign language has proven to be incredibly beneficial and rewarding. Deaf and hearing families alike sometimes prefer to have these animals because it brings then closer to their canine and requires them to pay close attention to the needs of their animal. There are many groups around the country that rescue these dogs and train them to be service dogs, not always to be adopted by the deaf or blind but to be companions and special needs animals. All in all, I never realized the endless possibilities of teaching a dog sign language. Through this research I have found that it is important to not give up on these creatures.
Resources
DDEAF, (1998). Training tips. Retrieved April 1, 2009, from Deaf dog education action fund Web site: http://www.deafdogs.org/training/
Harrington, T (September 2002). FAQ: deaf animals. Retrieved April 1, 2009, from Gallaudet university Web site: http://library.gallaudet.edu/Library/Deaf_Research_Help/Frequently_Asked_Questions_(FAQs)/OtherMiscellaneous/Deaf_Animals.html#dogs
Judkins, L (1998). Deaf puppis, deaf dogs, more than you think. Retrieved April 1, 2009, from Deaf puppies Web site: http://www.critterchat.net/deafpuppies1.htm
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