Lynne Chapman is the owner of Snowy, a deaf dog (Staffordshire Bull Terrier) whom Lynne adopted from an animal shelter 4 years ago. Lynne has successfully taught and communicates with Snowy via sign language. It seems odd at first hear that a dog can learn sign language, but after a quick initial reaction, it actually makes sense.
Most dog owners give both verbal and hand commands to get their pets to do something. It is quite natural for dogs to learn and understand both verbal and non-verbal commands.
If people who are hard of hearing have to communicate by sing language then there is no reason why a dog can’t learn it too and my Snowy has come on leaps and bounds.
I have always had animals and when I visited the shelter and saw her four years ago. The poor thing looked such a pathetic mess.I felt so sorry for her being deaf so I wanted to let her get to know me first.
I used to sit outside her cage and she used to come up to me wagging her tail. She also has a bent leg and her eye is a little wonky, but I knew I wanted her as soon as I saw her.
So I told the shelter that when she comes out of quarantine I wanted to take her in. — Read More
Then there’s the story of another deaf dog, Sparky, that was taught sign language and can respond to hand signals to sit, heel, lie down, and stop and is working on additional signs that mean “food” or “outside.”
