What kind of dogs are great for deaf people?


dogs
Stormy asked:


Wondered what kind of breed or mixed dogs make great dogs for the deaf? There is training classes for deaf people with dogs, but theyre so expensive. I have a german shepherd part doberman dog, 6 yrs old female.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 at 12:00 am and is filed under Dogs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

47 Responses to “What kind of dogs are great for deaf people?”

  1. digs_harleys Says:

    I have an aquaintence who’s daughter is deaf and they have a Dalmation traioned to assist her, he is amazing too.

  2. Imlladris Says:

    Actually just about any dog can be good for a deaf person. The ones that have a problem training for are for blind people because they have to be smart and large enough to let the blind person feel the signals the dog passes. A dog for a deaf person can be any size, and just about any type.. shepards are very smart by nature and being 6yrs old it is not so thoroughly wraped up in it’s ways as to be trainable.. You should be fine with that dog.. :-)

  3. mygpcocoa10 Says:

    golden retiver

  4. esh Says:

    i think it’s boxer or Alaskan Malamute.

  5. still_looking_since_1991 Says:

    a german shepherd. but it has to be between 6 & 12 years of age.

  6. crackacrackacracka Says:

    hot dogs with onions and ketchup

  7. guesswho... Says:

    i recomend alsasions will be a great deal
    they will give some extra protection
    but the blind man must first get a hold of the dog!

  8. 777 Says:

    German Shepherd rock at everything!!!

  9. i_luv_tinkerbell Says:

    german shepards are great dogs

  10. Kiwi#1 Says:

    any dog i think will do.

  11. girl_loves_flyers Says:

    My mopm does fund raising for the deaf. They help raise money so that people who are hearing impaired can get the dog that they need. They use dogs that have been through training to aid the deaf. There are labs(mostly yellow labs) and german shepards. I would contact someone in your area(phone book) that might help. Good luck!!

  12. mkaf2008 Says:

    german shepard or a dalmation

  13. rainstarflyer Says:

    Labs black or yellow and golden retrivers

  14. stretchlim1966 Says:

    Loud barking nuisance ones

  15. kc Says:

    any dog that will be loving and gentle

  16. goodem40213 Says:

    I see German shepherd the most so they must be great dogs for the deaf.

  17. blessed1 Says:

    If you are looking for a dog that would help you, you would need to find specially trained dogs. You may luck out and find a dog who is specially trained to aid people who are blind, deaf or have other handicaps at a animal shelter, but that is not likely. I am a trained Animal Behavorist, I have worked with animals for over 5 years. I am currently doing work at my local humane society. Any dog (no matter the breed or size) can be trained to help you. Your German Shepherd could be trained and she would probably be the best candidate since you and her already have a bond. Other breeds that are good with those who are deaf are Dalmatians, Golden Retrievers and even Austrailian Shepherds. My aunts CockerSpaniel was hear ears for her and my cousin’s Pomeranian was his ears. I know training can be expensive, but it will be worth it. I will provide you with some sites that are great for information. Dogs for the Deaf, Inc. have already trained dogs for the deaf. They undergo a four to six month training. The adoption is free to qualified families with the exception of a $25 non refundable application fee. They are located in Oregon. You should really check them out. I hope I was able to help.

    Blessings to You!
    T. Smith

  18. natural_beauty_of_the_year Says:

    German Shepherds

  19. grammies Says:

    my deaf daughter has a lab real easy to train

  20. Sam Says:

    I would say that a small dog would be good because they will always be by your side or in your lap.

  21. tobinnator Says:

    Dogs that hear?

  22. blondegyrl04 Says:

    what?
    i thought blind people needed dogs

  23. softball_gurl495 Says:

    just about any dog is good for people who are deaf . they just need to be prperly trained.yes the classes coast quite a bit of money but it will help make the person’s life mybe a bit easier.hope i helped. : )

  24. traniece76 Says:

    a goldenrechiver

  25. gege Says:

    Big Dogs!!!

  26. MRose Says:

    labroadors are the ones i see most used for hearing impaired and other disabilities

  27. tropicaldazed Says:

    german shepards or labs

  28. Chrissi Says:

    Well, one of my relatives has a friend who is a veternarian. Her dog is part deaf. He is easy to train. I would say just about any dog would work, Labradors, just because I, hoping to graduate and become a vet, give them more credit for being smart. I did have a Labrador, Yogi, and he recently died. He was super smart. Labradoodles, as the one I own now, are also pretty smart, aswell, considering they are a mix of Two really smart dogs, the Labrador and the Standard Poodle. (Although, since mine is just a puppy, she does have days where she has no clue what she is doing.) Good luck with answers!

  29. ashokbpatkar Says:

    German Shepherd also known as Alsasians are the best.

  30. regina_wie Says:

    I think the best dog you need is border collie? Its big enough. AND the smelling was very sharp.

  31. atkins_rhonda Says:

    med to lg. dogs, 1-2years old and one that has been spade or neutered, you can tell if a dog is trainable by how much he likes to play, and how he reacts to your voice, you know like if he actually listens to you above others. you dont want a dog that likes to chase bcars or one that absolutely ignores you. why even bother! i would suggest going to the pounds and looking for a dog that seems to fit you

  32. Aniket Says:

    a hearing dog

  33. rays2rays@sbcglobal.net Says:

    a german shepherd
    golden retiver

  34. Brown Eyed Girl 27 Says:

    I go to church with several deaf famies and they all have labs or golden (coincidence?) retrievers. They always seem to be on the lookout for their owners.

  35. lilacjersey Says:

    i think the best dog is the labradoodle… combination of labrador and a poodle.. =)

  36. Muffin Says:

    German Shepards have been found to be the best over=all. You likely have what you want at this time.

  37. RoseK. Says:

    German Shepards are the breed of dog most often used with people with disabilities, although any breed can be used, if properly trained. Since this is for your child, which breed of dog does she feel most comfortable with as the relationship between your daughter and the dog is very important. She will also, need to be able to handle the dog properly. “A small child may not be able to keep a large dog under control, as most states require the owners to be able to do this, for safety reasons.” Remember the dog has a choice, too. When my friend’s son chose a dog a few years ago, the dog attatched himself to her other son, to this day the dog follows him around.

  38. silver_fairy_wing Says:

    id say a jack russell or a swiss white sheppard they are bot highly inteligent alert dogs, a lab is also good but they tend to be lazy, but you know even your common mongrels make great pets and can be trained as well, your dog has got a great combination as both breed s are intelligent and very easily trained

  39. precautious_lass Says:

    german shepards r gr8( one of my cousin has dat)..i don know of mixed breeds but on thing i know is da ‘golden retriever’s’ r much better…try that…

  40. ixtlan Says:

    Either a Lab or a Golden Retriever - I got a GR and they have excellent personality and very playfull and love kids

  41. (((beyondsonic Says:

    heariing ear dog?

  42. home schooling mother Says:

    A trained hearing dog.

    ________________________________________________________
    Dogs for the Deaf trains and places hearing dogs with the deaf. This is from their web page of frequently asked questions:

    Where do you get the dogs that you train?
    Almost all of our dogs come from shelters and humane societies in Oregon and northern California. Our trainers visit the shelters on a regular basis looking for dogs. A variety of different sizes of dogs are used, based on the needs of current applicants, with the majority of dogs being small to medium sized. The dogs must be three years old or younger and very friendly, energetic and playful.

    By using shelter dogs, we are able to help alleviate some of the vast population of unwanted dogs. These dogs are then trained and placed in loving homes where they can provide a very important service.

    ________________________________________________________

    If you are considering a hearing dog you may email Dogs for the Deaf at:

    If you would like a contact person, contact:
    Robin Dickson
    Dogs for the Deaf, Inc.
    10175 Wheeler Road
    Central Point, OR 97502

    Voice/TDD 541-826-9220
    Fax 541-826-6696

    She is a very special lady and I know she would be glad to answer your questions!

  43. nivas171 Says:

    I think Labradors and golden retrivers are the best in guidance for deaf people.They are non aggressive and have a great ability to understand what humans are conveying to them.This piece of information is from one of the TV channels telecasted how dogs help the disabled

  44. intelgirl89 Says:

    DOGS THAT CAN SEE VERY GOOD AND CAN FOCUS AND HEAR VERY WELL YOU CAN GO TO YOUR NEARSET VET AND ASK THAT QUESTION TOO.

  45. meganpie87 Says:

    I found this website it has all kinds of good info including a links about what kind of dog would be right for you and another on dog training.

  46. tech_fanatic Says:

    I have heard that St. Bernards are really good for people with hearing disorders. As well as German Shephards. I have a German shephard and he is the absolute sweetest dog. He is about 100 pounds and wouldn’t hurt a fly. He is very helpful and attentive. He also is very smart.

  47. Believer Says:

    German Shepherds are THE BEST by far!!!
    People fear them and they are very protective and loyal. I have one and she has definitely protected me and she is only a year old but weighs 85#’s already. She let’s me know when someone is even walking down my street. They are very faithful companions and train easily.

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