Dogs with reduced hearing
This is the ideal time to start adjusting lifestyle and interactions to accommodate the loss of full hearing capacity. Picking up early hearing loss can be a challenge, but your veterinarian can test the dog if you have identified any signs of reduced response to sound/voice. Though most dogs go on to become totally deaf, many retain the ability to partially hear for quite a while. This provides a good opportunity for you to spend extra time to teach the dog hand signals—signals that will gradually replace your voice commands. As in the original training phase of the dog, use plenty of positive praise to reward the dog for responding to the correct signal. Initially, begin by using both voice and the hand/body signal. After a number of repetitions that lead to success and a reward, begin trying to use just the hand/body signal.
Any correct response to a non-voice signal should be rewarded within seconds of the correct response, and whether it is a pat or a treat, make sure that the praise is clear, and start praise as soon as the desired response begins. A retraining phase must occur for the owner too, since we often praise our dogs verbally. Remember to substitute the words "good dog" gradually with the new non-verbal form of praise or he won’t know what a good job he is doing.
Dogs that are completely Deaf
In cases where hearing loss occurs quickly, the transition to the new signals can be more of a challenge. When re-training, avoid shouting, but if some residual hearing remains, perhaps in one ear only, use a loud clear voice signal paired with the hand/body signal at the start.
Use smell signals to get the fully deaf dog to pay attention. Bring out a biscuit and begin to work in short sessions at least twice daily. A session should only last 10 minutes or so. Use your judgment. If the dog is pining for another activity, don’t push it. Whatever caused the hearing loss may also affect other aspects of health and we want to have enjoyable training sessions at all times. It will take a while to substitute commands, and you may need to revert to leash and gentle pressure on the hind end to encourage sitting, or use a long leash to reinforce the "come" command, for example.
Safety tips
Another aspect of caring for a hearing-impaired dog relates to the avoidance of situations that may cause injury. Never let a dog with this handicap run free. They will not hear a dog barking a warning or hear an approaching car engine, squealing tires, or the horn. They may also not be close enough to see your new hand signals, and thus will be unable to respond to the usual obedience commands used to control a dog.
When approaching a sleeping dog, never awake them by touch. Always stamp a foot on the floor to produce vibrations. This will alert them to your approach and thus avoid the startle reaction, which can include a nip.
Your local veterinary team will have additional references available. Talk to them about your concerns, and they can help you accommodate the new situation.