I will say this... when we got our first bulldog, I had no idea about how much socialization they needed. I have had dogs all my life, and bulldogs JUST ARE NOT like other dogs. They need to go out and be around people and different experiences... my golden retriever, not so much =0)
Dakota (our first bully) did have some issues because WE did not socialize her well when she was a puppy. She never did really like anybody but her immediate family, and she was most comfortable at home ( and keep things the same, please, no moving furniture or putting somethign down out of place).
I would think with a deaf dog this would even be more MAGNIFIED. (and these people do seem REALLY CLUELESS as to what dog ownership is about!)

~Kellie and Chloe~

I have a deaf bully...and she's the bravest, most social and outgoing bully you'd ever meet....that dog has just been neglected...it has zero to do with the deaf issue...geeez....some people....I still say you should have to pass a test to have a pet

I agree.
hopefully now they seen him playing with the laser and things that will help some.

they need to find things that interest Harley. for deaf dogs things that have some light and lots of movement are usually a hit. even if they could get him to play ball some.

well hope by seeing Gus..this debunks their idea of being a deaf dog.. deafness is a not a catch all for this poor bullies issues for sure.

like the vet said Deaf dogs learn to adapt..
but their are ways for his to learn to adapt to their deafness and also to teach them..
but the reality is the deaf dog usually know no better..especially if they were deaf since puppies.

It is the dog owners that have a problem and have created the dog. Do these people have children? Are they shy and timid?

They are first time dog owners. Doesn't matter if this is a bulldog, deaf, hearing or any other breed...they have done nothing to help this dog be well adjusted and socialized.

I don't want to be mean but they created what they have and I'm sad for the dog. I personally think there is much more going on in the home. And wouldn't be a bit surprised if the dog hasn't had some kind of physical abuse.

It's very nice of you to try and help. The owners need alot of training to learn about dogs. Maybe they should invest in some of the books Lynn has mentioned.

Sounds like they just have no idea. Truthfully I wouldn't know what to do either with a deaf dog but I think I'd know enough to love & play with him. Sure hope things improve for poor Harley. Thanks for helping...



Iz Winter Over?

GOOD JOB! perhaps that dog started out being a bit of a scardy cat and it was accentuated with the dull owner ;o(

Keep at it...I don't know the history but sounds like the woman is planning to keep the dog?

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Andrea, Ruby, Lola and Jigger
XXOO

I forgot to put in my name again..lol. but this is Pat.

you need tons of treats for deaf dogs..
I used lots of treats in the beginning when I taught Gus the hand signs.
but they really do help.

this dog is playing heavy on my mind. been thinking and thinking of him..and how to help him.

and they all picked up easy.
it is amazing that you really do not need to talk to them..
hand signs are easy to teach..
I did the same thing too, taught the sign and used words too at the same time..when I taught all the dogs here as puppies.

getting the dog out more will for sure help. both the bulldog and them too.

think they were shocked to meet Gus. they loved him. Gus is highly socialized and great with everyone but I had to get him out there..

that is the biggest thing these people need to do. get involved with the bulldog, take him out, play and so on..

you need to use EYE contact to teach hand signs and this bully has a bit to go before we even think about that..
thanks for the support

like I told them, I do not get paid to this but will to help out..
Gus says I am a goooood teacher..lol

they said in the beginning they tried to teach him things but he did not catch on. likely since he was deaf and very commands do not work..
they would say shake a paw and NOTHING happened. I shook his paw and gave him a treat. then after a few times..he was putting up his paw. very simple trick to teach.

hopefully they get some self confidence to help this bully.

they have two older children that could play with him too.

did not get this way overnight..
will take time to get him more socialized

they are very inexperienced bulldog owners.
this being their first dog of any kind..

well can only keep on trying to help
that is about all that I can do really
thanks for the support..

nice of you to try to help them, I hope they are open minded to new ideas and will try new things. They need to get on the right track first, I agree.

Onslow is not deaf but when I taught him I used both the word and a hand signal. Believe it or not he will respond to the hand signal far better than the words. It amazes people that I can be silent and he will do what my hand says. LOL

Good luck!



'Twas not my lips you kissed
But my soul ~ Judy Garland
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Sounds like this guy could really thrive with a littel tlc. Poor guy. SO nice of you to be doing this for him.

A little "train the parents" seems in order. Hopefully, their heart is in the right place and they will do right by him once they know what to do.

One should need to pass a test to become a pet owner, especially a companion breed like the Bulldog!

that didn't do such a good job on socializing their bulldog puppy. I was too worried about her getting sick as a puppy! I should probably try to word that differently...I am glad my bulldog puppy isn't the only one that needed socialization to be a high priority? I do feel very bad about it.....

Cathy
when she first came home

some are a bit more skiddish then others.
Bella is more reserved then Gus.
both had the same amount of socialization
Bella is great around other people and things like that but NOT other dogs
Gus on the other hand is great with people and anything and every other dog..

both of my bullies
love all the outside attention on walks and such too
very very friendly

I have lots of bulldog books here they might want to read too.
dog behaviour books too
all kinds of dog books..lol at my house.

I am not sure he was physically abused only because they reached out to get some help. they also had to put up the money for the baer test which is not cheap either. some abused dogs never seen the vet, my abused pug that own, papers for his shots were forged by the lady that returned him to the breeders...all false records. he was physically abused..
and abuse is not something people will come out and say either. but I think that this is a case of no experience and no socialization whatsoever.

this bulldog plays on my brain lots. for sure not the bulldogs fault and like you said they created a dog like this... training has to start very very young too. they bought him from a non reputable backyard breeder here as well....and that did not help him either.

Gus is deaf and wow outgoing, and happy all the time. he plays forever. I had Gus 2 years before I found out he was deaf. I played with him all the time, always got him, he is very socialized. that is what makes me shake my head too....deafness is one thing but neglect that is a good term is another. no idea of what it is like to own a dog or a bulldog some people

thanks for your support