Deaf Boston

by Alison
(PA)

Hoshi

Hoshi

Does anyone out there own a deaf Boston Terrier? My husband and I got our 4th Boston a couple of months ago and she is 100% deaf. (She is now 5 mo.old) The breeder wanted her back to destroy her and replace with another one. The answer was NO. She is a smart little girl. I have already trained sit, lay down, eat, shake. The most important to me is recall. She is doing pretty well and have put her in classes. What I find is my other 3 Bostons are not big barkers at all. This one barks all of the time. I have done as much research as I can possibly find so really I am just asking for any suggestions if someone else has some experience out there.

Thank you

Comments for
Deaf Boston

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Oct 31, 2011
 4 Year Old Deaf Boston
by: Brutus Buckeye

I have a 4 year old Deaf Boston... He is by far the smartest dog I have ever owned, but he is also the most defiant dog I have ever owned... He knows lots of hand signals, but the reality is that they only work when he is paying attention to you... and when he doesn't feel like "listening" he just turns his head away. When he was a puppy, he barked all the time and had no idea how loud he was, we taught him "quiet" and now he doesn't bark nearly as much, but he still barks his head off when he can't see us... you can try a vibraition collar (not shock, just vibration) and then reward for not barking... but make sure to associate it with some sort of hand signal, so that when he does bark you can hell hime to be quiet.

Hope this is helpful

Brutus, Mom
Aug 10, 2011
 deaf bostons
by: vicki

Hi I have had my Boston for 3 weeks and knew before I got him he was deaf. I have to say he is the most amazing dog he can already sit, lie down come, give paw and knows several other signals for every day things. If you find yourself with a deaf pup don't despair they are in my experience so willing to learn and so devoted all the hard work is worth every minute.
Jul 28, 2011
 Deaf Boston
by: Lisa

I adopted a brother and sister at 3 years of age. The female is stone deaf and I wouldn't trade her for the world. She is very well-adjusted and just an absolute joy. I never even winced at the idea of having a deaf dog. I think she is more well adjusted than her brother.
Jul 27, 2011
 Deaf Female Boston Terrier Puppy
by: Marian

I breed Bostons and had a little girl born deaf. I am looking for the right home for her. Was trying to get a rescue to help me. Anyone out there know of any help on finding homes for deaf Bostons? I would appreciate any help I can get. Please send any replies to marmar3828@ymail.com. Thanks!
May 25, 2011
 Onwer of Hoshi
by: Alison

Hi Philipi,

I read your comment and dont know where else to post for you so I hope you read this. I am the owner of Hoshi in this picture. She is now over 2 years old and is awesome! Unfortunately there really is not anything out there on deaf dogs. Maybe a few websites you can google and one book Living with a Deaf Dog. It is is a shame. I think there is many more than we could ever dream of. Shame on those people for returning the dog to the breeder. I am glad someone like you got him. They are amazing little creatures. The other instincts really kick in. With you having a hearing dog for him to follow will also be a huge help. Use hand commands for everything. You can make them up as you go along as long as they are the same. He will learn to understand you. You can always contact me if you need help or have any questions.
May 25, 2011
 Deaf Boston
by: Philippa

Hi, my 5 month old Boston is deaf (completley) not much of a barker...infact it's that rare it doesn't dawn on me he's barked for a few seconds - sounds quite funny (have heard deaf dogs can be vocal...read somewhere by someone who had a deaf dog who barked a lot to squirt them with water...but you'll need to get the timing right)

I wouldn't be without him (and wouldn't even have him but first owners returned him to my friend who bred him because of his deafness...after having him 1.5weeks)..and as for putting them down cause off been deaf - thats wrong too - he doesn't know he's deaf- and there's absolutley nothing else wrong with him - as long as they're neutered so can't carry on the diffective genes..then breeders should just find them loving homes like any other dog

Good luck with the barking...shame we can't do anything about the snoring !!! lol
Mar 15, 2011
 New Deaf Pup
by: Philippa

I have just adopted a 11 week old deaf Boston - his first owners (of 1.5 weeks) returned him to breeder when they fould out he was deaf.

It cheers me up reading the comments that not everyone rejects less then 100% fit pups, only had him 2 days, but already he has won me over with his cuddles and affectionate nature - and has been running rings around my 100% hearing Staffie...bless her

Just hunting for literature/dvd on training deaf pups, can any one recomend anything and pass any advice that they live by

Thanks
Jan 30, 2011
 Deaf Boston
by: Janie from Ohio

My sons family just got a Boston Terrier as a pup. They were so thrilled with him(Brutus). Then discovered he is deaf. After seeing this website, I feel so much better about them keeping Brutus now. At first we felt so hopeless, but after reading everyones comments about their deaf Boston's, I feel like there's hope now to have a good dog. Thankyou for all your help.
Jan 01, 2011
 Deaf 2 Year Old.
by: Bryden

Hello,

I have to firstly say that I was so surprised to see the number of people with Bostons with the same issue.
I purchased a Boston Terrier 2 years ago, it wasn't until about 8 months that I realized (was told by his trainers) that he was deaf. I live in Korea and English training classes are quite hard to come by, and most don't know how to deal with deaf dogs.
I was just curious, does anyone else have the issue of when they sit down to do work or read something they bark constantly until you let them up or allow them to be on you?
Oscar is very smart and personable but he is a bit of a cling on. I love him to bits but just wondering what I can do about the barking??
Nov 08, 2010
 Living with a deaf Boston Terrier
by: Anonymous

My 5th Boston was born deaf & is 4 yrs. old now. It has taken a lot of patience but well worth it. We have a small dog park by the bldg. & she is very possessive of the ball/frisby & barks constantly for me to throw it.She does good in the house but if she starts barking too much I spray her with tap water & she quits. You have apparently done a good job with the training so far. Enjoy your pup as I have mine.
Oct 22, 2010
 Trauma/Deaf
by: Alison

I am sorry to hear about your little one being hit by a car. I was just wondering why you think he is deaf from the car accident? I am the owner of Hoshi - the deaf Boston. Can you provide more information?

For all of those that have responded to my little girl she is now 2 years old! Hoshi is awesome and wow what a personality she has. She knows over 20 hand commands. She also can read my facial expressions of joy as well as when I am upset with her. She is glued to my hip. My other 4 Bostons continue to help her know when someone is knocking at the door or if she is outside and can't see me to come back in. She is the joy of my life as well as my other Bostons. There is no doubt about it Boston Terriers are the best dog anyone could ever own!
Oct 21, 2010
 Benelli is our deaf boston terrier
by: Nichole

We have a deaf boston as well. She's 7 months old. I wouldn't trade her for the world - in fact, there are many benefits to having a deaf dog! We're working on training her with signs - she's the best dog ever! Feel free to contact me: nichole877@hotmail.com
Sep 18, 2010
 Deaf Boston Terrier
by: Tennessee

I have an 18 month old Boston Terrier and he got hit by a car 3 weeks ago and now can not hear. He was only scratched up a little. Does anyone know why this would have happened? I have carried him to 3 different vets and had Xray, CT scans and not a one of them can tell why he can not hear. All say there is nothing in the test that show he can not hear. Any comments appreciated.
Jun 06, 2010
 your female maybe pregnant
by: Rachel

if your female is pregnant have a good vet. they are known to have trouble giving birth because of the large heads and may need to have vet to go in and deliver them.
Jun 05, 2010
 deaf boston
by: Anonymous

i have a deaf bt. she will b 4 in october. we didnt realize she was deaf when we got her at 6 weeks. she knows a couple of hand signals, she doesn't bark alot, and is the sweetest and smartest dog we have ever had. we also have a male bt that can hear for the both of them. i think my female maybe pregnant but not sure. i wouldnt trade her for anything.
May 29, 2010
 My Izzy
by: Debbie

I have a deaf boston,Isabella I adopted a few years, ago from rescue. Knew she was deaf, I would adopt a deaf dog again, she has adapted very well. She does advoid eye contact when I want her to do something she doesn't want to do. I also have two hearing dogs, she is just part of the gang.
Apr 27, 2010
 Deaf Boston
by: Sherri

Yes, I adopted a deaf female Boston. Emma is well trained and respond well with various hand signals and few sign language. She has a very short attention span and I find hand signals works best for her for most cues. She only barks when she sees someone outside but not a "barker".

I am so glad you kept the pup!!!
Apr 27, 2010
 Vibration Collar
by: Rachel

to Prep my deaf boston Bella for using the vibration collar I started 6 months earlier shaking the leash when I wanted her to come.
so I would get her attention wiggle the leash making her collar shake while tapping my leg after she put these two things together I just wiggle her leash (which makes her collar shake)
and she comes even if she wasn't looking at me
so now that she knows that when her collar shakes that I want her to come.. moving onto the new collar which is basically doing the same thing without the wires attached.
She is one happy Boston :)
Apr 27, 2010
 my deaf boston
by: mandy

Hi. I rescued my boston terrier about 3 years ago. He was only 5 months old. The vet ran tests and he told me he was born deaf. Tread is a great dog. With patients and many dog treats he knows several signs to sit, shake, no! Etc. He's loving and amazing with kids. Just remember they scare easily. I've had to train myself to not sneak up on him. Hope all goes well with your pup!
Dec 05, 2009
 I own 2 Deaf Bostons :)
by: Alisha McGraw

I own two Deaf Boston Terriers :) our female has her CGC for obedience we love them more than anything. A this point I don't think I would ever own a hearing Boston again :) They have a myspace with videos I've posted showing the signs we use and some other fun stuff - if you look at the blogs especially the older ones there is a ton of info I typed on how we trained ours. http://www.myspace.com/cocoboston Hope that helps
Nov 25, 2009
 Deaf as a Rock
by: Chris

I bought our Boston 2 years ago. Never having a deaf dog I was confused as to his lack of voice response. Once I figured out he was deaf I started using hand signals and did try the vibrating collar. It seemed the collar confused him as he would look everywhere trying to figure out where that vibration was coming from :)
He is very smart and loves to learn new things. It truly has been a test for the both of us and he is a happy healthy man and only wants to please. It is an anomaly that the deaf Bostons bark more than hearing Bostons. If it moves, he barks. I have been working on breaking him of this and have gotten him to winning instead.
Good luck with your special Boston. No matter if they are hearing or not, they are wonderful.
Nov 21, 2009
 Update
by: Rachel

I have that book on order :)
along with Ceasar's story
and Dogs can sign to

She was confirmed for being born deaf after my last message. I find it so much easier now.
Yes she Loves to learn and is very very smart.
I wouldn't give her up for the world!
She turns 6 months next week and already she knows how to sit, stay, lay down, give paw and heel all by sign language.
I also have a vibration remote training collar ordered so I can train her for off leash. They are put out by both Pet Safe and Dogra, when you hit the button on the remote it vibrates their collar like a cell phone so they know to come back to you.
For anyone looking for this collar, I ordered the pet safe one the part number is PVPP-300.
Nov 20, 2009
 Emma...my deaf Boston
by: Sherri

As a Deaf person...I have always wanted to adopt a deaf Boston Terrier....I am so grateful we adopted Emma at 15 1/2 months and she is now 3 yrs old. She is very smart and knows some sign language but she respond best with different hand signals due to her short attention. I wished I could attach a picture of her here.

ed., Sherri - If you post a new submission for Emma (rather than the comment function) there is an option to upload a photo. We'd love to see a pic of her!
Oct 25, 2009
 I Love My Deaf Boston
by: Amy

I have a 1.5 yr old deaf Boston. He's so smart and loving, and we never thought of giving him back to the breeder. Two books that really helped us were: Hear, Hear A Guide to Training a Deaf Dog by Barry Eaton and Living With a Deaf Dog: A Book of Advice, Facts and Experiences About Canine Deafness
by Susan Cope Becker. Ms. Becker had a deaf Boston. We also have a tag saying that he's deaf with our phone# and had him micro chipped. So happy you kept your dog, I'm sure that she will bring you many years of joy!
Oct 20, 2009
 suspecting the same
by: Rachel

I have a 4month old boston terrier myself
and I suspect she is 100% deaf.
she only responds when she is looking at you
does not flinch when you call her when you come home. I was standing foot behind her yesterday calling her she didn't flinch when I touched her back she almost jumped out of her skin and she was wide awake standing at the gate!
with that being said I also called the breeder who wanted to replace her and put her down .. I hung up on her haha
I've noticed a big change today now that I'm using signals. I need to wait for 2 months to
get her tested because she has a nose surgery next month they feel it might be connected.
luckily my dad trained hunting dogs when I was growing up ( using hand signals) so hes going to help me with her training
good luck and yes pick up a hand signing book and learn to point alot haha
Sep 08, 2009
 Deaf Bostons are wonderful
by: Anonymous

I love my deaf Boston. My vet even asked me kiddingly if she was really deaf, because she acts like she can hear. She is so loving and affectionate. She knows when my husband comes home from work by watching the reflection on the wall from his car as he pulls up the driveway and greets him just like a hearing dog. She trained real easy. We use some hand signals. She loves people, adores children. She'll give you all the kisses you want. She's always had the whole house to run around in and a big back yard to play in. She's pretty spoiled, as she deserves. She used to sleep in our bedroom at night but we had to put her out in our kitchen because her snoring would keep us up. We get her dog beds that can be unzipped so that she can go into it like a sleeping bag. It's the cutest thing. I would love to get her a play mate and we are looking into it. Hopefully another deaf Boston.
Aug 25, 2009
 Just got a deaf BT and love him!
by: dan

Bo is 2.5 years. We just got him from BT rescue. He is sweet, smart, affectionate, good with people, our cats and other dogs, and housebroken. He does get a little worked up over flashlights and shadows. We would appreciate any tips on training, special precautions, etc. Also, we wonder whether there is any possibility of restoring some of his hearing?

My email: dkb(at)anania-law.com
My wife: cjcrimlaw(at)aol.com

Thanks!
Aug 07, 2009
 i really want a deaf boston!
by: Anonymous

i really want a deaf boston terrier they need people that really want him and will take goood care of them so im dieing to get one! the problem is i cant afford him. i would love him soooooo much but nobody in my family is willing to pay for a deaf puppy. its the only thing on my mind! if anyone could help that would be great! God bless!
Aug 02, 2009
 I LOVE my deaf Boston Terrier!!
by: Melanie

I grew up in a home with deaf parents...with that being said, I had NO CLUE, my Boston was deaf when I bought him...I live in GA and we bought him in FLA on our way home from vacation...we found him online and picked him out of his siblings....when we got him home, we noticed we would startle him when we woke him up and he didnt come to us when we called him....When I called the breeder (just to let her know) she told me I could bring him back (only God knows what would have happened to him then!!)...Chico was placed in our family for a reason...he is the BEST dog EVER!! Yes he has tore up some things (OK ALOT HAHA) but that is what some puppies do!! He is now 3 years old, he is completely housebroken (only took us 2-3 weeks) and is the best friend we could ever ask for...when he wants to go out, he walks to the door, when he does something wrong (like bark when the baby is sleeping haha) we just point at him and he stops! These dogs just need extra love and they will be the bestest friends you could ever have!!
Jun 19, 2009
 Deaf Boston Hand Signals
by: Emily

I have a 9 month old deaf BT. She knows sit, come, good, and no. I see other posts have that their BT knows 14-20 commands. i just wanted to know what they are, and how you taught them. Learning sit was easy for her, because it was when we put down her food, come was when she fetches and good when she goes potty out side. I want to teach her lay down and shake/high five but we are having trouble. thanks for your help!
emmoynihan(at)gmail.com
Jun 15, 2009
 I love my deaf Boston
by: Anonymous

I have a deaf Boston that I bought from a local petshop. I notice she wasn't looking at me when I was calling her to come inside. I took her to the vet in Port St Lucie to do a special test and she is 100% deaf. She is the best dog. She has learned everything from my other Boston. She is very smart and the best dog I've ever had. We joke around saying Mandi listens the best and can't even hear. She never goes to the bathroom in the house or tears anything up. She follows me everywhere. If I go in a room and close the door, she sniffs at the door to get my scent. She does know various signs. Please wear a bell around their necks, in case they get out, they can't hear you call, but you might hear them. I also have a tag saying she's deaf, phone # and address. She is so loving and gentle. Loves to play and watches everything
May 13, 2009
 We Love our deaf Boston
by: Anonymous

We have a 2 year old deaf BT and she is the best dog ever. She doesn't bark a lot, but does bark at shaddows and lights sometimes.

She knows over 20 different sigh language commands, sigh language is actually a really good way for dogs to learn.

I would recommend using a laser pointer to distract her from her barking and give her a nasty looking face with a dissapproving wag of the finger when you catch her barking. It works everytime wiht our little girl.

Props to you for not sending her back and giving her a loving home.
Apr 05, 2009
 Deaf BT
by: Alison

I would strongly encourage you to read as much as possible about deaf dogs. There is much controversy of keeping a deaf dog as a pet. Now it was never a second thought to not keep Hoshi but my circumstances are much different. Deaf dogs are very smart, loving and can adjust but there are some things that you have to keep in mind. It will be very important to never spank this dog in any manner. This dog needs to trust you over 100%.You can never wake up a deaf dog as it gets older unless you start to desensitize it now. They startle and there is a possibilty of the dog snapping out of fear. Hoshi has jumped and snapped at me on occasion but never out of meaness. I find the best way to wake her up is to touch one whisker at a time and she also gets my scent at the same time. I would have to say your dog is deaf by what you have stated. Hoshi knows well over 14 hand commands and is still in training. Training will never stop with her. Please email I have so much info to give you. alleycatpetservices@yahoo.com
Apr 04, 2009
 Deaf Boston
by: Anonymous

The newest member of our family is our first Boston - "Moose". The breeder sold him to us at 6 weeks old. It has only been a week now and he is already a big part of our lives. We noticed that he didn't respond to sound a couple of days ago and today we took him to his vet appointment and voiced our concern. They agreed that he is deaf, after a series of simple tests. Is it possible that he is not deaf?

Whether he is or not, we will love him and care for him just the same. But not knowing much about the breed, does anyone know how common this is w/ Bostons? And is it a possiblity that it is too soon to tell? If I sneak up behind him and clap loudly while he is sleeping or awake, he doesn't even flinch. We have four children from 2 to 8 years old, so raising a deaf dog may be a challenge but we are up for it. As I said, he is already a big part of our family. And he is quite possibly the sweetest little puppy on the planet.
Feb 07, 2009
 Deaf Boston??
by: Shell

i just got a puppy a few weeks ago and I think he is deaf, at first I just thought he was a hard sleeper but now I can see there is a problem.
Jan 03, 2009
 Deaf Boston
by: Anonymous

Hi Alison I was reading your comments when I got curious and decided to do some web surfing on the subject. I came across this website you may be interested in http://www.wagntrain.com/deaf_dog.htm
it gives some good basics from someone who has taught a deaf dog and it also mentions something called a vibrating collar/ pager collar. I thought this maybe very useful for you with your youngster. Another idea is to get a book on sign language from any local library and research some basic signs that you maybe able to use with your pup, not all will be appropriate but some maybe just what your looking for.
Good Luck with your Baby and I know you will have a fun and interesting time with her and she will probably be your best trained Boston when your done, well your never really done teaching your dogs though are you.
Jan 03, 2009
 I love our Deaf boston
by: Tiffanie N Derek

Hi
My boyfriend and I got a 1 year old deaf boston terrier a few months ago and we couldn't be happier with him. He has more personality than we know what to do with. I am appalled at the information on deaf Boston's through the internet was all negative. Many breeders wanted to "destroy" them. When we first met Zeke, we couldn't tell at all that he was deaf and many don't know unless we tell them. He responds very well to hand signals and cries at the back door when he needs to go outside. Other than that you don't hear ANYTHING from Zeke. He never barks!
Dec 03, 2008
 Thank you
by: Alison

Thank you Laurel for responding. It is a challenge raising a deaf dog when there is not a lot of information out there on them. I am learning by trying things and if it does not work try something else. She is a sweetie and can not imagine that breeders and others say these animals should be euthanized before selling to a potential buyer. It makes it much easier having 5 others for her to follow. We love her dearly and hopefully I can learn as much as possible to help others that may face the same challenge.
Nov 26, 2008
 Deaf Boston
by: Laurel

Sounds like you have a challenge on your hands but you seem to be makeing great strides. It is important that you teach with hand signals as you probably are already doing. As for the recall it will probably be repetitition and treats for comming when signaled and using your other dogs as an example will help reinforce this lesson, dogs learn by imitation very easily. I once taught my springer to heal and I found my shepherd pup learned by watching him... it was great and easy a 2 for 1 deal. For the barking I would discipline just the same as if he could hear you , he will learn quickly that it is not wanted. What I have done with a young dog that I want to teach not to bark it every time they bark I will give them a little poke with two fingers in the neck or shoulder area you need to be form but not hurt them (the odd squeak in protest or surprise is normal)... I use this method of discipline a lot and it works well. I have a Bugg that I taught not to bark at every thing this way as well as a pom/papillon cross. All I have to do now is finger snap and point and all my dogs stop what they are doing.
I have known a few people with deaf animals (dogs and cats) that have trained with hand signals and it works well and you would not know the animal was deaf unless you were told.
Good luck with your puppy and I so glad you kept him and he wasn't put down that would have been a terrible shame they should of offered to discount and fix the pup instead.

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