Communicating With a Deaf Senior Dog: Tips and Techniques

Signs of hearing loss include ignoring commands, startling easily,

and sleeping through loud noises. Always rule out ear infections or

wax buildup before assuming permanent deafness.

• **Teach visual cues.** Use consistent hand gestures for sit, stay,

come, and praise. Reward with treats and affection.

• **Vibration cues.** Lightly stomp on the floor or tap the dog’s

bed to get their attention through vibrations.

• **Leash outdoors.** Keep your dog leashed in unfenced areas since

they cannot hear dangers like cars.

• **ID tags.** Ensure your dog wears a collar with contact

information, and consider a GPS tracker.

Deaf dogs rely heavily on sight and touch. Make eye contact often,

use positive reinforcement, and keep training sessions short and

fun.

With patience and creativity, communication barriers fade away.

Learning new ways to connect can deepen your relationship with your

hearing‑impaired senior dog.

Missed our previous article? Read it here: Helping a Senior Dog With Vision Loss: Adapting Their World.