Celebrating Deaf Dog Awareness Week - Vancouver Pet Photography

Every year during the last full week of September, Deaf Dog Awareness Week is dedicated to raising awareness and knowledge to improve the lives of deaf dogs. I almost missed it this year, but I wanted to take a chance to share happy stories from real-life owners with deaf dogs in their families. I hope that they will encourage people to find a place in their lives for awesome dogs just like them!

What Causes Deafness in Dogs?

There are a variety of ways in which a dog may end up deaf: some dogs are born deaf due to inherited defects and some lose their hearing from untreated ear infections, the use of some drugs, injuries, illness or just old age.

Deaf dogs are born without pigment that’s why they are often white in colour, but they are also missing important “hearing cells”. These cells start from the same stem cells as pigment-producing cells. so If a dog has no pigment in its body, it’s highly likely that it will also be missing the “hearing” cells, resulting in deafness.

Can I get my deaf Dog photographed?

As a pet photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph deaf dogs multiple times (for both genetic reasons and old age) and even though it is definitely different than photographing hearing dogs, I wouldn’t say it’s harder- it’s just different. Taking photos of deaf dogs actually involves knowing about the dog’s behaviour and body language. Also making sure they know a few key hand signs will make the job way easier.

Last year I have the pleasure to photograph Target, a deaf border collie who knows over 50 words in American Sign Language. He’s not only super smart, but he’s truly a very special guy, but he still has many struggles due to his disability. Despite these difficulties, his family and friends wouldn’t change him for anything! I really enjoyed capturing that special bond he shares with his mom and his fur brother Comet.

I chose Target & Comet as part of a Facebook contest I held last year, I saw those beautiful blue eyes and I couldn’t resist! When I had the consultation with her mom to plan their session she was super excited but was also anxious because and she mentioned that Target sometimes can become quite reactive with strangers. We had a great conversation, I wanted to hear everything about his personality so I could have a better approach to the session and offer a positive experience for both dog and owner.

He came to the studio with his muzzle. As I usually do, I left him to sniff around and get used to the new space, he smelt me and my gear and he started to chill out. We started the session with his brother Comet, that way he could see what we were doing and be ok about it. He patiently waited for his turn, and when it was his time to model he just shined! He followed hand signs from his mom and followed commands pretty much the whole time, I was amazed how incredibly smart he was and we ended up having such a great time.

Are all deaf dogs trainable?

I remember having a conversation with Janine, who is the Director at Aide for Paws & Rescue Society, a foster-based rescue group that works primarily with special needs and senior animals. She is also the mom of Linken Bark, a super handsome double merle Great Dane who is also deaf. She mentioned one of the challenges of deaf dogs that came to the rescue was the fact that some potential dog owners worry that they won’t be able to train a deaf dog. However, just like other dogs, deaf dogs can be trained as they are able to learn hand commands. It’s true that their recall skills may not be the same as hearing dogs, that’s why it’s always a good idea to always keep your dog on the lead, but they could be just as trainable and obedient.

All dogs are amazing at learning visual commands, they can also read our body language and pick up on a variety of other sensory cues. A deaf dog can be just as easily trained as their hearing litter mates, though your approach may differ. As long as you let go of the myths and stereotypes associated with deaf dogs and have patience you can have a wonderful fur friend!

But ultimately, deafness does not take away a dog’s ability to lead a happy and healthy life!! Deaf dogs require attention, support, and love and despite their hearing loss they also deserve a happy and loving home.

In honour of Deaf Dog Awareness Week, let’s celebrate the devoted owners of deaf dogs who enjoy a rich and rewarding relationship with their pets ❤️

Follow @targetstales and @linken_bark on Instagram