Resources for Deaf Dog Owners
These organizations make the effort to help deaf pets. While they may not always have deaf dogs available, they rescue them whenever they are able. They need your support and prove that a handicap doesn't limit a dog's potential to be a wonderful and loving pet. If you decide you are ready to join the ranks of deaf dog owners, these groups are always over-populated with other wonderful dogs in need of a forever home.
If you are already involved in deaf dog rescue, this list will give you someone else to contact for support or other help. If you want to become involved, these people will be happy to help you.
Please understand that rescues, as well as shelters, are often overflowing with dogs needing homes, and they may not be able to take your dog in. Most are more than willing, however, to work to help you place your dog if you are able to keep him or her until a new home can be found. Most rescues rely solely on donations to keep them going, so if you ask for help, please donate generously.
These websites are not affiliated with any rescue group, but list dogs looking for homes from all over the country. While they may not always have deaf dogs, but most will still try to place them - you just have to ask.
Petfinder Home Page - national listing for shelters and rescue groups (when you enter info for an advanced search, check the box for "special needs" pets)
Pets 911 - doesn't presently have a way to search for special needs pets.
1-800-Save-A-Pet.com - doesn't presently have a way to search for special needs pets, though Purina.
Dogs with Disabilities - helps dogs with physical limitations, information and resources (no adoptions)
Deaf Dogs Rock - available deaf dogs for adoption
BAER Hearing test sites (in the USA)
Deaf Dog Education Action Fund
The Deaf Dogs Atlas (find other deaf dog owners in your area)
D2Care (connect deaf dogs with good people, connections, advocacy, resources & education )
Spirit of Deaf Dogs - More Resources (a list)
Deaf & Blind Dogs Forever (journal)
Living with Dogs that are Deaf (tips)
Tail of Two Dogs (blog)
Deaf Dog Education Action Fund--Training Tips
Training Your Deaf Dog
by Stacy Braslau-Schneck, CPDT
A Comprehensive and concise explanation for teaching your Deaf Dog basic commands.
Nothing In Life Is Free
by Debbie McKean
Fix unwanted behaviors with a positive and simple training program.
Louisiana State University: Causes of Sudden Onset of Deafness
Vibrating Collars
A vibrating collar works much like a pager. It has 2 parts, a hand held unit for the person, and another unit that the dog wears as a collar. When you push a button on the remote, the box on the dog's collar vibrates. It does not hurt the dog (although occasionally a very sensitive dog can still have a negative reaction to it). It is generally used as a way to get the dog's attention when he or she is not looking at you (like calling the name of a hearing dog).
A vibrating collar is not needed to train a deaf dog. It is a training tool, not a magical device that will cause your dog to respond to every signal you give him or her. Your dog can still ignore the vibration! A vibrating collar is not the same as a shock collar (which is a correction meant to stop a dog's misbehavior). A shock collar gives off an electrical charge, or shock. A vibrating collar works on the same principle but gives a gentle vibration instead to get the dog's attention.
How to make a vibration collar
