This year, Deaf Dog Awareness Week runs from 21 to 27 September, and honestly, it's one of my favourite awareness weeks because it flips a slightly outdated idea on its head, the idea that a deaf dog is somehow a "harder" dog to own. They're not. They're just a dog who needs you to communicate a bit differently, and once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Whether your dog was born deaf, is losing their hearing with age, or you're considering adopting a deaf dog, here's everything you need to know.
🌱 Good to know: Deaf Dog Awareness Week was popularised by Deaf Dogs Rock, a US-based rescue and education organisation founded by Christina Lee, who has spent years proving that deaf dogs are just as trainable, adoptable and joyful as hearing dogs.
🗓️ What is Deaf Dog Awareness Week?
It's a week dedicated to raising awareness about canine deafness, whether congenital (present from birth, often linked to certain coat colours and patterns) or acquired through age, illness or injury. The aim is simple: to bust myths, encourage adoption of deaf dogs who are often overlooked in shelters, and share practical training advice for owners who might feel a bit daunted at first.
Some breeds are more prone to congenital deafness than others, particularly those with the piebald or merle gene, including Dalmatians, English Setters, Australian Shepherds and some Bull Terriers. That said, any dog of any breed can lose their hearing with age, much like us.
👂 How would I know if my dog is deaf?
It's often more subtle than owners expect, especially with older dogs, because a dog who's losing their hearing gradually often compensates so well that you might just think they're getting "a bit stubborn" or "a bit sleepy." Signs to look out for include your dog not responding to their name or the doorbell, sleeping through noises that would normally wake them, being startled easily when woken or approached from behind, and barking more than usual (some deaf dogs vocalise more because they can't hear their own volume). If you notice any of this, a trip to the vet is the right first step, as they can check for wax build-up, infection or other treatable causes before confirming hearing loss.
🤟 Hand signals and training tips for a deaf dog
The lovely thing about training a deaf dog is that dogs are naturally very visual communicators anyway, so most adapt brilliantly to hand signals. You can use anything consistent, a thumbs up for "good dog," a flat palm for "stay," a beckoning hand for "come." Deaf Dogs Rock's free "Beginning Sign Training" guide is a genuinely great starting point if you want a structured approach.
🐾 Dog owner tip: A gentle torch or phone light flash can work brilliantly as a "come here" or "look at me" signal in the garden after dark, once your dog has learned to associate the light with a reward.
Because you can't call a deaf dog's name to get their attention, treats become an even more important training tool, both as the reward and as the thing that helps your dog check in with you regularly. Small, soft treats work best for rapid-fire training sessions, and our Healthy Bites are ideal for this, they're quick for your dog to eat before refocusing on you. Our Dental Sticks also make a great higher-value reward for bigger training wins, like a solid recall in a new environment.
🏡 Everyday safety for a deaf dog
The main practical adjustment is around safety rather than temperament. A deaf dog can't hear a car approaching, another dog barking a warning, or you calling them back, so it's sensible to keep them on a lead or a long training line in any unenclosed space, and to teach a really solid "check in" habit using eye contact and treats from a young age.
If your dog is a senior who's losing their hearing with age, it's also worth thinking about their overall comfort in their golden years. Our Senior collection is formulated with older dogs in mind, gentle on digestion and easy on ageing teeth.
💚 The simple takeaway: A deaf dog isn't a "difficult" dog, they're a dog who communicates through sight, touch and routine rather than sound. With a bit of patience, most owners say training a deaf dog isn't all that different once the basics click.
🏆 Real support for deaf dog owners
You're genuinely not alone in this, and there's a lovely community and plenty of resources out there:
- Deaf Dogs Rock: a US rescue and education charity entirely dedicated to deaf dogs, with training resources and a supportive online community.
- Battersea Dogs & Cats Home: the well-known UK rescue, which regularly rehomes dogs with additional needs, including deafness, and has staff experienced in matching them with the right owners.
- The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC): if you're finding training tricky or your dog is showing signs of anxiety or frustration, an APBC-registered clinical animal behaviourist can help, usually via a referral from your vet.
🩺 When to get extra support
Most deaf dogs settle into a happy routine with consistent, reward-based training. But if your dog seems distressed, is struggling to cope, or you're finding the adjustment overwhelming, please don't just battle on alone. Speak to your vet first to rule out any underlying discomfort, and ask about a referral to a qualified behaviourist if needed.
FAQs
Can a deaf dog be trained as well as a hearing dog? Yes, absolutely. Most deaf dogs respond brilliantly to hand signals, facial expressions and touch cues, and many owners find their dog becomes even more attentive to body language as a result.
What breeds are more prone to congenital deafness? Breeds carrying the piebald or merle gene are more commonly affected, including Dalmatians, English Setters, Australian Shepherds and some Bull Terriers, though any breed can be affected.
Is deafness in dogs painful or does it need ongoing treatment? Congenital deafness itself isn't painful, but hearing loss can sometimes be linked to ear infections or other treatable conditions, so it's always worth a vet check to rule these out.
How do I get a deaf dog's attention when we're out on a walk? A torch light flash, or simply crouching down into their eyeline all work well, alongside teaching a strong "check in" habit with treats from puppyhood or as early as possible after adoption.
🛍️ Shop the range
- Senior collection: gentle treats for dogs in their golden years
- Healthy Bites collection: soft, quick-to-eat training treats
- Dental Sticks collection: a higher-value reward for training wins
- Soopa Bundles: a mix of treats to keep training sessions interesting
