The Complete Guide to Owning a Deaf Dog: A Practical Guide to Adapting, Training, and Thriving As a Deafie Owner is written by Amanda Brahlek, an experienced “deafie owner” who recognized a significant gap in the available resources for people adopting deaf dogs.
The book is positioned as the comprehensive guide that the author wished she had before and immediately after adopting her own deaf dog. It uses her personal experience, alongside contributions from dozens of other deaf dog owners, to provide a detailed, relatable, and confidence-building resource.
The guide is heavily focused on practical, day-to-day living and positive reinforcement training, aiming to help owners feel prepared for all aspects of life with a deaf companion.
Preparing for a Deaf Dog: Addresses the initial questions and concerns an adopter might have, helping them decide if a deaf dog is the right fit.
Home Safety and Accommodations: Provides crucial advice on “deaf-proofing” the home and yard, understanding that a deaf dog cannot hear an approaching person, car, or other danger.
Communication & Hand Signals: This is a major section, focusing on how to effectively build a relationship and communicate using visual cues. It covers:
The “Look-at-Me” Cue: Essential training to get the dog’s attention without sound (often involving a gentle touch or vibration).
Teaching Basic Commands: Clear, step-by-step instructions for popular hand signals (which can be American Sign Language or owner-made).
Visual Markers: Using a thumbs-up or a quick hand flash as a “Yes!” marker, similar to a clicker in hearing dog training.
Behavior and Socialization: Offers guidance on how to safely introduce a deaf dog to new people and other animals, emphasizing the importance of visual introductions and monitoring body language.
Comfort and Security: Discusses ways to prevent startling a sleeping deaf dog and how to promote an environment where the dog feels secure and confident.
Owner Mindset: A key part of the book is changing the owner’s perspective—focusing on the dog’s other strong senses and the unique bond they form, rather than on the disability.
Readers and reviewers praise this book for being highly practical, encouraging, and written from a place of genuine experience. It is considered an essential starting manual for new “deafie owners.” While other books exist on deaf dog training, this one stands out for its specific focus on the transition and daily living that an adopter faces, making it a valuable tool to go from feeling overwhelmed to confident.
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