Deb2023 Posted June 10, 2023 Share Posted June 10, 2023 Hi everyone, I’ve recently purchased a beautiful Amstaff pup she is just gorgeous but sadly I’ve realised she is deaf. I will be getting her tested with the BAER hearing test, just sorting out the referral atm. Her training had been going great but earlier in the week something frightened her outside (we think it was magpies at the bird bath) ever since she seems to have these spooky moments where she will jump up startled with ears pinned back or pricked, it’s as if she has heard a loud bang yet we hear nothing when she does it. Since she got frightened she has gone backwards with her toilet training, seems to scared to go outside the door at times unless we are with her. I’m ignoring the spooky behaviour at the moment as I don’t want her thinking she will get comforted every time she is scared but it’s very strange behaviour and very sad to see her so scared. We are wondering if she can hear a certain pitch or tone at times so at least the BAER test should give some answers hopefully. I have contacted the breeders twice with an update and told them Lexa seems deaf and will be getting tested, they seemed shocked and disappointed, I’m happy to keep Lexa as I love her to bits but wonder if paying $1500 for a pup that is deaf is expensive and should I be asking for some sort of refund once the BAER test has been done and I have confirmation ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Gifts Posted June 10, 2023 Share Posted June 10, 2023 I'd be disappointed that the breeders either did not notice she was deaf or they did and sold her without advising she has differing needs. Under consumer law you have been sold a 'product' that is not fit for purpose. Obviously you don't want to return her and get are replacement. So I'd be contacting them once you have evidence of the deafness and asking for a partial refund. You will need to seek a professional skilled in training deaf dogs so you can both develop the skills you need (as opposed to just going to your local doggy training school). Perhaps you can do that homework first and identify that cost as what you would like for the refund, plus the testing fees. She will be loved regardless, but keeping her safe and looking to you for visual cues is obviously needed. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb2023 Posted June 11, 2023 Author Share Posted June 11, 2023 Thanks for your advice, yes if I do go down the road of wanting some sort of refund I want to have the hearing test results first for confirmation. I’m lucky enough to have a friend that owned a deaf Doberman and she has been fantastic with advice on training with hand signals and tools I can use for communication with Lexa and I must say Lexa is a very smart pup, she is already sitting for food/treats and has now started working out the drop command to lay down. I’ve been using a laser pen as a retreat tool( not a toy at all) as soon as Lexa sees the laser dot she now runs to me for a treat so I don’t think training will be a issue at all I guess it’s more about me learning than Lexa haha. I’m also now looking at getting another pup in about a month, I would like to have abit more one on one time with Lexa to get a good head start with her training but I think getting another pup will give Lexa a lifelong companion/ partner in crime and also maybe help her with abit of guidance. Thanks again for your advice it’s very much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted June 11, 2023 Share Posted June 11, 2023 Lexa is a very lucky dog as they should all be, of course. I am very interested in the laser pen tool. Have never heard of it and would be fascinated to see of video of it in action. Continue telling us Lexa's and your stories, please. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mairead Posted June 11, 2023 Share Posted June 11, 2023 (edited) I have no experience with deaf dogs so I went to my veterinary textbooks. Veterinary Pediatrics and The 5 Minute Veterinary Consult. Congenital (present from birth) deafness can be either hereditary or acquired and in purebred or mixed breed. Acquired congenital deafness can be caused by viruses, drugs, heavy metals, antifreeze, chronic ear infections. Hereditary congenital deafness is associated with merle, piebald or hypo pigmentation. Over 30 breeds including the Amstaff are predisposed to congenital deafness. I would not be getting another puppy until you know more about what lies ahead of you and you have picked the brains of as many owners of deaf dogs as you can, and even then I would consider an older already trained and known temperament dog as companion. I searched "deafness in American Staffordshire Terrier" and many sites came up including deafness in Bull Terrier, Staffie or just deaf dogs. One thing I would do is keep using voice commands and voice praise. When you speak the words the intention will be reflected in your body language and your dog will pick up on that. Good luck. Edited June 11, 2023 by Mairead 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 11, 2023 Share Posted June 11, 2023 23 hours ago, Deb2023 said: a lifelong companion/ partner in crime Oh dear .... that does sound like trouble ! Literally .Two pups at once is hard work - and it will be more so with Lexa's extra needs. You will have an instant 'pack' ..and pack mentality is an interesting thing Lexa does sound smart, and you have done well so far 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb2023 Posted June 11, 2023 Author Share Posted June 11, 2023 Thanks for your comment Loving my Oldies, the laser pens are sold as cat/pet toys although I don’t use it as a toy, there is a condition called laser syndrome that pets are susceptible to, it causes anxiety among other things as the dog can never get the laser so becomes anxious from the research I’ve done so I’m very careful not to use it as a toy. When I use the laser I turn it on and as soon as Lexa makes eye contact with the laser dot I turn it off and give her a treat straight away, now when she sees the laser dot, she runs to me straight away for her treat, it’s only used as a tool to get her attention and get her to come to me, never used as a toy. I will keep putting updates on here to let you know how Lexa is going. Cheers 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb2023 Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 Mairead thanks for your comment/advice, since realising Lexa was deaf I’ve done a lot of research on the possible causes and I’m guessing her colour genetics have played a big part ( she is white with a little bit of black ) as for her training, although I am using hand signals I still use voice command at the same time, some of the info on training deaf dogs also states using voice commands as they do pick up on facial expressions and lip reading to a degree, I’m lucky enough to have a close friend that owned a deaf Doberman for many years, she has been great with advice on all aspects of training and living with a deaf dog. I’ve also had advice from half a dozen other people with deaf dogs and they all say there dogs are much happier having another dog in the house for companionship and to a degree guidance. I’ve had Lexa since she was 8 weeks old so have had the last 6 weeks to be able to set a great foundation with her training before bringing another pup into the house, I’m home all day every day as I don’t have a life haha and I’m very lucky that my property is set up so pups can easily be separated for individual training sessions. In the past I’ve had 2 pups at the same time to train and it wasn’t an issue. My neighbor brings his foxie X around for a play date daily and Lexa loves the interaction, she also seems a lot more confident outside with another dog around. I know Lexa is different and needs certain different things to a pup with hearing but she has come along in leaps and bounds so I can’t see bringing a pup into the mix as a negative for Lexa. In saying that I’m happy for any comments/advice positive or negative, any advice gives me more avenues and options to look at before taking the next step for Lexa’s future so thanks again for taking the time to comment. Cheers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb2023 Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 Persephone thanks for your comment/advice, yes bringing another pup into the mix will definitely be more work and at times trouble haha Lexa has been with me since she was 8 weeks old so we have had 6 weeks together and have set a great foundation with her training, I’m very lucky that my property is set up so puppies can be easily separated for individual training sessions, I’m home all day every day so have plenty of time for 2 dogs, I know Lexa will need extra attention in some areas and I’m prepared to bring in an expert trainer if needed with any issues that arise that I can’t get under control. I always planned on getting another pup down the track, I was initially going to wait until Lexa was 6-12 months old but after Lexa getting a fright outside recently she seems scared to go outside at times but when my neighbor brings his foxie X around for a play date Lexa is totally confident outside with the other dog, since she got the fright she has also become clingy with me and I worry this clingy behaviour will become a separation anxiety issue, I recently said goodbye to my old Amstaff Mastiff of 13 yrs that suffered from extreme anxiety and I really don’t want to go down that road with Lexa so am hoping that bringing in another pup as a companion for her will help her with her confidence and independence. Thanks again for your comment/advice. Cheers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb2023 Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 Just so everyone knows who we are taking about, this is my beautiful Lexa 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 12, 2023 Share Posted June 12, 2023 I love those spotty ears ! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted June 12, 2023 Share Posted June 12, 2023 18 hours ago, Mairead said: One thing I would do is keep using voice commands and voice praise. When you speak the words the intention will be reflected in your body language and your dog will pick up on that. That is so right, but good to see something most of us do instinctively put into words by another. Helps to reinforce and encourage. As for those who think another dog is not a good idea, as a person who has not intentionally ever had one dog, I have to disagree. That said, of course it depends on many things, but mostly that the owner knows her dog and knows how to select another. And it certainly appears that the poster does. As many DOLers know, I have lost count of the number of dogs I have fostered and adopted over the years and, although the poster's situation is vastly different from mine, but in her situation, I think she is on the right track. People talk about how hard it will be. Well, that can be said about getting up in the morning, but we have to do it. LOL. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsfevr Posted June 12, 2023 Share Posted June 12, 2023 (edited) I would not under any circumstances get another pup until you have taught this one life changing foundations especilly through the age changes & tackling new outside experiences plus pup learning the sensory changes it will use differently like smell,vibration (walking around traffic,outings to park ) Another pup will just take away vital tool training this pup deserves & may make it overly reliant & focused on the other dog in an unhealthy way . This pup has yet to experience life skills & it is important you set it up to be independent & able to cope on its own . One fright will be a big part of her growing up journey & teaching the pup how to cope during these times is so important Buy the dog buttons & teach to push for commands. Alot of deaf dog owners use them . Your dog may not be clinically deaf but low hearing,it may be uni or completely . Obviously its your choice to get another pup but make sure your prepared for the very extra work the new pup will need & the constantly training the deaf pup to not be a follower & loose focus on its cues to be safe . And yes i have owned medical needs dogs . Edited June 12, 2023 by Dogsfevr 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb2023 Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 Persephone the spots just keep on coming haha the older Lexa gets the more spots she gets and they are more prominent through the white hair too. Her nose also had a lot more pink when she was younger but is now nearly all black. I love the changes happening with her colour, I look forward to seeing what her final coat patterns will be when she matures. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb2023 Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 Dogsfevr thanks for your comment/advice, you raise a lot of very valid points all of which will have great impact on Lexa’s future if I take the wrongs paths. As I’ve said in previous replies Lexa has been with me since she was 8 weeks old so we have had 6 weeks of one on one training and have set a great foundation with her training, even when my neighbor brings his foxie X for play dates, whilst they are playing I can get Lexa’s attention, ask her to sit, lay down and stay without drama, she walks great on the lead with a collar or harness too. I live on a farm so Lexa is exposed to ALOT (horses, ducks, chooks, tractors, quad bikes other dogs ect ) around the outside boundary of her yard area, the neighbors also have light planes that fly low over the house regularly, we have also done a road trip to NSW staying in a cabin for the weekend with my sister and her kids. I’ve made sure Lexa is exposed to a lot because she will be going in the ute (canopy on the back) whenever I leave the farm. Up until Lexa got the fright she had taken everything in her stride, was always super confident with everything, nothing fazed her at all. The main setback since she got a fright is her toilet training due to being scared to go outside the door sometimes unless I’m with her. Otherwise she is still doing great with all her other training, I just think bringing another dog into the family will give Lexa a better life and at times help with guidance. After speaking to a few people that have owned deaf dogs, they have all said they thrive with another dog for companionship. I’m lucky enough to have the time, space and setup at my house to accommodate another pup and be able to separate them for individual training sessions. I’m also very prepared to bring in an expert trainer if any major issues I can’t handle arise. Yes Lexa will have to find her own independence to get over certain things in life as she will with this current situation because if I get another pup it won’t be until at least next month as I know she needs to work this fear thing out on her own and I would like abit more one on one time with her to learn a couple more training tricks anyway but I also don’t see the harm in Lexa having a companion to help her with guidance and sometimes abit of confidence in certain situations. Thanks again for your advice there is still a lot for me to think about and consider before making such a big decision. Cheers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb2023 Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 Loving my Oldies thanks for your positive comment, from the research I’ve done and people I’ve spoken to that have experienced owning and training deaf dogs, they have all said the same thing, a deaf dog isn’t really harder to train it’s just a different training method and I must say with my experience so far with Lexa that’s very true, she is very smart and picks hand signals up very fast. I started giving Lexa the hand signal to drop/lay down one afternoon and by lunchtime the following day she was laying down every time I asked and has done since. I honestly thought it was going to be a lot harder than it has been, I know there will be hurdles ahead especially bringing another pup into the house ( double trouble haha ) but I’ve also always been a 2 dog person and I think Lexa will benefit having a best friend to share her life with. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted June 12, 2023 Share Posted June 12, 2023 from what you say I think you and Lexa will cope with another pup very well. As for the fright outside, if Lexa's temperament is sound she'll bounce back quickly regardless of her hearing. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb2023 Posted June 12, 2023 Author Share Posted June 12, 2023 Rebanne thanks for your comment/advice, Lexa has a beautiful temperament, she gives the best greeting to everyone she comes across, tail and body wagging, she is very much a social butterfly haha, she was doing the typical puppy chew on anything and everything including fingers/hands and clothes with her greetings but I’m winning the arguments on this one haha every now and then she needs reminding not to do it but she is a pup so it’s to be expected. I have no doubt she will get over the current spooky behaviour, I just worry about her getting clingy towards me, I had an Amstaff Mastiff rescue for many years that suffered extremely bad separation anxiety and was very gun shy, I also had a Rotti with him and she helped him immensely.I really don’t want Lexa going down the separation anxiety path and I think having another pup in the house will help her in the future when she does have these episodes or gets frightened by something when I’m not around. I think Lexa will thrive with another pup/dog around 24/7 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dumdum Posted June 17, 2023 Share Posted June 17, 2023 What breed and sex will you select for a second dog ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb2023 Posted June 19, 2023 Author Share Posted June 19, 2023 Dumdum another Amstaff type and preferably another female. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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