One thing that you could do for Gus would be to get a vibrating collar for him. This is not a shock collar or a pinch collar. You have a device held in your hand and when you press it, there is a slight vibration on the collar. It is like the vibration on your cell phone. This is very effective for deaf dogs. And of course when he looks at you you treat him big time and use his sign name. Arlene

One thing that you could do for Gus would be to get a vibrating collar for him. This is not a shock collar or a pinch collar. You have a device held in your hand and when you press it, there is a slight vibration on the collar. It is like the vibration on your cell phone. This is very effective for deaf dogs. And of course when he looks at you you treat him big time and use his sign name. Arlene

well he has been deaf since day one here...
but Gus is getting better. he does know lots of sign language already.
he picked it up fast for the treats..lol.

I can not use a flashlight for Gus, he will attack the light. NO matter what I do..lol. I tried a laser pointer in the start to get his attention and wow the reaction was not what I expected. I know that lights are great for deaf dogs, seen it a number of times in rescues but in Gus case, best NOT to use one.

I just feel awkward saying Gus when he does not have a clue..what I am saying.

thanks for suggestions
any little bit helps

well he has been deaf since day one here...
but Gus is getting better. he does know lots of sign language already.
he picked it up fast for the treats..lol.

I can not use a flashlight for Gus, he will attack the light. NO matter what I do..lol. I tried a laser pointer in the start to get his attention and wow the reaction was not what I expected. I know that lights are great for deaf dogs, seen it a number of times in rescues but in Gus case, best NOT to use one.

I just feel awkward saying Gus when he does not have a clue..what I am saying.

thanks for suggestions
any little bit helps

Hi, I am currently studying sign language. My 3 dogs are all therapy dogs and have also been given sign names from a deaf person. In the deaf culture only a deaf person can give you a sign name, but in you circumstances, You can develope an easy sign that Gus will relate to and whenever he sees it, he will respond. Hand in a prayer position and positioned at the lips is a great one, or how about the letter "G" in sigh. Your right thumb and pointer finger pointing left is short and it is the letter G. Also, when you train Gus, use a flashlight and get his attntion, use the sign and then treat and praise him. I am just new on the board and am a close friend of Deb. and Mr. Higgins. Hope I helped you arlene

Hi, I am currently studying sign language. My 3 dogs are all therapy dogs and have also been given sign names from a deaf person. In the deaf culture only a deaf person can give you a sign name, but in you circumstances, You can develope an easy sign that Gus will relate to and whenever he sees it, he will respond. Hand in a prayer position and positioned at the lips is a great one, or how about the letter "G" in sigh. Your right thumb and pointer finger pointing left is short and it is the letter G. Also, when you train Gus, use a flashlight and get his attntion, use the sign and then treat and praise him. I am just new on the board and am a close friend of Deb. and Mr. Higgins. Hope I helped you arlene

that might just work for him.
it is easy to do and I think he would catch on to it
I will try it and see how it goes..

that might just work for him.
it is easy to do and I think he would catch on to it
I will try it and see how it goes..

That is a sign not used in any other 'signal' for a dog that I know of, yet it is something that could work, especially if you then point the clasped hands/fingertips toward him. ??

That is a sign not used in any other 'signal' for a dog that I know of, yet it is something that could work, especially if you then point the clasped hands/fingertips toward him. ??