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Bug……The deaf Dog
I would like to tell you a brief story about “Bug”. I am a professor/Dog Trainer at a college that teaches students how to become dog trainers. They are exposed to all disciplines of dog training. Part of my responsibilities is students can pick a special project and they can get credit. A student came to me and wanted to get experience training a deaf dog. I said sure. In the last 40 years, I have had a few deaf dogs. “Bug” is a completely deaf boxer mix. My student told me that “Bug” would not take treats. I told the student don’t worry it may take time. “Bug” was a little nervous and showed some signs of anxiety. I told her to just spend time with him and build some trust. Each week the student said “Bug” won’t eat. So after 3 sessions of no eating, I went to the store and purchased about 40.00 dollars of treats. Bug still had no interest. I was not yet worried but I was running out of types of treats. I tried everything. I switched to toys, no interest. We ruled out any medical issues and did an extensive background with owner. We adjusted feeding schedule and switched environments. “Bug just sat there”. After 6 weeks of no progress, the owner forgot to tell us that she feeds bug cheeseburgers. I went to McDonald’s and got some burgers, still nothing. I am now running out of ideas and the student is looking at me for guidance. The student looked at me and said what if we bring in the other dog that lives with bug. I was a little hesitant because having two dogs in the same room can be difficult but I said why not. I was not able to attend the session but I told student to let me know how it went. Student called me very excited and said “bug” is eating everything, cheerios, kibble, treats, cheeseburgers, etc. It only took bug to have his buddy in the room. It was like a light switch, bug was running around, chasing toys. One thing about dog training, no matter how long you have been doing it , you can always learn something.
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7 Replies
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Oh wow @bmacwatt this is such an interesting story! Thank you for sharing! I would of never thought to bring his buddy into the picture. So interesting!! I am just a baby in the field but it’s always nice to know everyone is always learning something new. I feel like I learn something new with each puppy I interact with! This story just made me smile!!
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What a great story you’ve shared, @bmacwatt ! Will you be advising your student on ways to build Bug’s ability to work for reinforcers in the absence of his doggie housemate? That’ll be a cool addition to the whole story!
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Yes absolutely that’s the plan. It’s should be interesting. It will be a great learning experience for the student.
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Excellent!! ????
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One thing about dog training, no matter how long you have been doing it , you can always learn something. – Bruce M.
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Thank you, @brucwatt…fascinating to hear about your work and students’ work with deaf dogs. I have only met dogs that are older dogs who have lost their ability to hear due to advanced age/senior dog. Much different than a dog who has never heard a sound, I’m sure!
Bug sounds like an amazing dog! That is really cool about his buddy being such a presence to him, making him comfortable to take treats and play!
We underestimate animals’ needs to do certain things while accompanied by a friend! Really and truly a fascinating subject, this could be a study or project in itself.
Always wonderful to hear from your expertise, Bruce, that learning never ceases, at any stage of education.
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LOVE this story! Thank you for sharing @bmacwatt ! Gives me, as a newbie dog trainer confidence in trusting my ability to come up with different solutions I think may work.
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