Re: Deaf JR

In Reply to: Deaf JR
Posted by:  Tabitha Wrinn
Posted on:  May 29, 2001 at 20:59:12

: How do I know if my JR is deaf?? We seem to think she is and are concerned.

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Hi, Tabitha,

Ask your vet to recommend someone that can do a CERF test on your terrier.

As the owner of an exceptional terrier who happens to be deaf, myself, let me just say that deafness is not the end of the world, so don't worry too much. Dogs make up for their "handicaps," we just have to be careful that we don't become handicapped in learning to communicate with them.

Even a deaf terrier is thirsty for you to communicate with him or her, and with a little effort, you'll develop your own language with signs and expressions. I was lost with my deaf terrier at first, but then I realized I was the one with the problem, not him. He now knows the signs for come, down, no, good boy, bad dog, hush, sit, go out, get the kong, get in the crate and more. He's housebroken better than a couple of my dogs who are also older than him. He also LOVES lure coursing at terrier trials and to everyone's amazement, when he finished the race, like a very good boy, he came right back to me. Many people with dogs that can hear have to chase their dogs all over the place to get them back after they finish lure coursing! I just had to open my mind, and the rest was smooth sailing!