Lau2046
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I would rather have a deaf dog than a hearing one
Why is a hearing dog less derserving of love? I'd love any dog, disabled or not.
Laura
I would rather have a deaf dog than a hearing one
in relation to Dals....Dalmatian....
all dogs need a lot of time and attention- some dogs, such as the more athletic and "hard-wired" breeds or types, need much more than "a lot".
Dalmations at one time worked as runners next to and under horse-drawn fire carriages, clearing the path for the vehicle, acting as deterrent for whoever might get in the way of it; also as guards for fire stations.
Before that in the area of origin, was used as an all-around hunting and guard dog.
They're extremely athletic and have high-endurance and due to their background may not as a breed be easy-going around other dogs, strange surroundings and not good for sedate environments.
In some places still today in the U.S, they do offer endurance events with a horse and rider and the Dalmatian working together as a team. One type of event partially judges on how well the dog stays with the horse and wagon <to simulate the fire duty aspect>.
The deaf heritability in the breed is due to how the genes act on the coat characteristics of the breed.
I've worked with dogs who were deaf and there is certainly nothing inherently "wrong" with them.
all beings work for what is reinforcing <what the organism likes> for them - for chimps, that could be bananas, or grooming; for dogs, that is usually food and can also be things like toys, petting, playing a game.
I haven't found Dalmatians harder to teach than any other dog but what I keep in mind is - what does the dog like? What will she work for? If I use "traditional" or "old-school" methods based on "commands", and punishment, then a more rugged, independent and outgoing dog like a Dalmatian will be unlikely to accept that and the "training" will be more difficult.
Ambrosia, you are right to emphasize the Right Household for this dog. One of the biggest things I see as a trainer and shelter volunteer is a family interested in a dog for whom they can't meet that dogs needs, or a dog in a home that is in reality totally inappropriate for them.
I certainly don't agree with the stance in the link provided that all the deaf dals should be put down and never ever be given to families. BUT from what I read, you're absolutely correct. That stance is harsh, but they're probably trying to cut down on future problems with poor things being given to shelters later on, not necessarily some prejudice about them being deaf. It sounds like even a hearing dalmation needs someone who will spend lots of time with, taking it for hikes and whatnot. The parents of small children have their hands pretty full just with the kids, a dalmation almost sounds like a full time job!!
The parents of small children have their hands pretty full just with the kids, a dalmation almost sounds like a full time job!!
Most dogs are a full-time job, cats too. Animals need socializaion or they have the tendacy to become withdrawn and agressive. Sadly, many people buy an animal only to treat it like furniture. Animals, cats and dogs, need you to spend quality time with them, they need play, they need excerise...they need to be treated like a child. You wouldn't have a baby and leave it in the crib all day would you? A domestic animal requires that same level of care.
Laura
Why is a hearing dog less derserving of love? I'd love any dog, disabled or not.
Laura