Living with a Deaf English Setter: Caring and Training Guide

The English Setter is a beloved working and family dog known for its kind nature and beautiful spotted coat. However, around 10% of English Setters are born deaf or hard of hearing due to a genetic condition linked to the piebald gene, which causes unpigmented skin and affects ear nerve endings, leading to congenital deafness.

Understanding this helps owners and breeders support these dogs to thrive despite their hearing loss. Early testing with a BAER test is vital for breeders to identify deaf puppies and ensure responsible rehoming of these wonderful dogs. Deaf English Setters remain just as affectionate, playful, and loyal as their hearing counterparts, making excellent companions.

Understanding Deafness in English Setters

Deafness in English Setters is usually congenital, present from birth, and associated with their characteristic white spotting patterns. Deaf puppies may be deaf in one or both ears, and hearing ability cannot be judged simply by ear colour or appearance. The brain and nerve endings in affected ears fail to develop properly due to pigmentation issues during early puppy development.

English Setter puppies with hearing loss can enjoy a full life if given the right support and care. They exhibit typical behaviours such as pointing and alertness to scents, showing their remarkable adaptability.

Crucial Role of BAER Testing

The Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test is a painless veterinary procedure that objectively tests a puppy's hearing by recording brain signals in response to sound. Responsible breeders must have all puppies BAER tested to identify deaf individuals early.

This ensures that deaf puppies are either adopted by owners ready to train and care for them or placed in suitable rescue environments, reducing the likelihood of these dogs being relinquished due to misunderstandings about deafness.

Training a Deaf English Setter

Training a deaf English Setter requires adapting communication to visual signals. Hand signals work exceptionally well and are often clearer than spoken commands for all dogs.

Owners should use distinct gestures and body language to communicate commands like sit, stay, come, or down. Using gentle stomps on the ground or tapping surfaces can help get the dog's attention through vibrations.

Positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency are key. Deaf dogs tend to form strong bonds with their owners and can become highly focused, often finding it easier to learn signs than vocal commands.

Safety Tips for Deaf English Setters

Because they cannot hear potential dangers, safety precautions are essential. Keep your deaf English Setter on a lead or in securely fenced areas when outside. Avoid letting them roam free in unsecured spaces to protect them from traffic or wild animals.

Make your dog's deafness known to others by using special collar tags or harnesses indicating they are deaf. Maintaining up-to-date microchip details with this information can help if your dog is ever lost.

Living with and Enjoying a Deaf English Setter

Life with a deaf English Setter is full of joys and sometimes surprises. They don’t get startled by common household noises like vacuum cleaners or fireworks, which makes stressful events easier for both dog and owner. They rely more on their excellent sense of smell and vision.

• Expect quieter greetings at the door, as their deafness prevents barking on hearing the doorbell or phone ring.
• Enjoy peaceful evenings as they won’t be triggered by other dogs barking or loud disturbances.
• Engage in scent games and other fun activities that stimulate their natural instincts and keep them happy and mentally active.

Their focused attention on you and their endearing nature make them wonderful pets that enrich daily life.

FAQs: How to Care for a Deaf English Setter

What is the best way to communicate with a deaf English Setter?

Quick Answer: Use clear hand signals and body language to guide your dog. Gentle foot stomps can get their attention through vibrations.

Clear visual communication helps your dog understand commands. Consistency with signals and positive rewards encourages effective training and bonding.

Can deaf English Setters live normal active lives?

Quick Answer: Yes, with safety measures and adapted training, deaf English Setters lead fulfilling lives full of activities.

They remain active, enjoy pointing and hunting instincts, and can participate in activities like scent work and obedience using hand signals.

How do breeders ensure puppies are not unknowingly deaf?

Quick Answer: Through mandatory BAER testing of all puppies before sale or adoption.

BAER testing interfaces scientifically with hearing nerves to confirm hearing status, allowing informed decisions and responsible placement of puppies.

Conclusion

Living with a deaf English Setter is a rewarding experience that requires understanding, patience, and adaptation. These intelligent dogs can be lovingly trained using hand signals and vibrations, responding eagerly to their owners' attention.

With care to ensure their safety and communication needs, deaf English Setters make gentle, loyal companions who enrich family life. Responsible breeding and early testing reduce the risk of deaf pups being misunderstood, ensuring these special dogs find happy, informed homes.