When you’re considering bringing a new dog into your home, most folks think about the basics like what breed they’d like, the age of the dog, and its personality.
However, not many people take other factors into account, which is pretty normal. Very few people are open to adopting a dog with special needs or disabilities.
This is somewhat understandable, yet I believe many would be amazed at how incredible the experience can be. It can truly transform your life.
Take Alyssa Bernal, for example. When she first brought home her dog, Sadie, she had no idea anything was amiss. The surprise that awaited her was beyond her expectations.
Discovering Sadie’s Secret
When Sadie first arrived at Alyssa’s Oklahoma home, she was as lively and playful as any pup could be. She was just the sweetest dog.
At first glance, her new family didn’t pick up on any signs that Sadie was living with a disability.
Yet, during those initial days, Alyssa began to suspect something wasn’t right. She would call for Sadie, who wouldn’t respond.
Initially, Alyssa thought Sadie might just be a heavy sleeper, which explained the difficulty in waking her up, but it turned out to be more than that.
After a short period, it became clear: Sadie was deaf. Realizing this, Alyssa’s family understood they needed a new strategy for taking care of her.
Sadie required training tailored for deaf dogs, a process on which Alyssa was initially uncertain about how to proceed.
Feedback From The Online Community
So Alyssa shared Sadie’s journey on TikTok, seeking advice from others who’ve raised deaf dogs.
One suggestion read: “Remote collar training could be amazing for her. She could feel the collar’s vibration, gaining her attention even if she’s not looking at you.”
I’m unfamiliar with this method, but it sounds like a fantastic way to simplify Sadie’s training immensely.
Another shared: “Having a Double Merle is tough. I also have a deaf dog, and she’s brilliant yet challenging, especially when she’s somewhere napping and we can’t find her. We’ve had to stomp on the floors.”
That’s a unique way to alert your dog, although I think there must be a sleeker solution. The vibrating collar sounds ideal.
Finally, a viewer recounted: “I raised a completely deaf German Shepherd. We verified it at five months. Adolescence was rough, but with specialized training, we both picked up sign language and he flourished.”
This is truly inspiring. Training is vital for deaf dogs to thrive in everyday life. Thanks to the community’s insightful tips, Alyssa is eager to start Sadie’s guidance straightaway.
Witnessing the camaraderie among people sharing similar experiences is always uplifting, and I’m thrilled that Sadie will receive the affection and support she needs.
@alyssabrookebernal A couple days after getting our Sadie girl and realizing she is completely deaf. 🐾🫶🏽 #deafpuppy #puppytok #loveher #deaf #raisingadeafpuppy ♬ These Memories – Hollow Coves
