Adopting a blind and deaf puppy is an act of courage. One important question in front of you will be: how to train a blind and deaf puppy to use the potty? Learn all about it here.
Table of Contents
It can take months to train puppies to quit pooping indoors. And if your puppy is blind and deaf, training can be more challenging. Potty training deaf and blind puppies will be considerably more difficult because they cannot hear your commands or read your body language.
As you might expect, potty training a blind and deaf puppy takes a little longer and requires a lot more patience. Here’s a quick rundown, followed by detailed instructions on the best way to toilet train a blind and deaf puppy?
Each step of the deaf puppy toilet training method is described in full below.
How To Train A Blind And Deaf Puppy To Use The Potty?
I know toilet training can be one big deal for a deaf and blind puppy. Interestingly, when puppies lose sight and sound, their other senses like taste and scent become stronger. You can use this to your advantage when training a deaf and blind puppy.
Use A Scented Mat
A dog’s nose works better than ours. It can smell things from a distance, and you can make use of this sense organ for potty training your puppy. Use a scented pee mat for your blind and deaf puppy.
Regularly take your puppy on the mat to pee. Making your puppy realize the presence of a toilet mat will help him relax and pee on it. Puppies get attracted to a toilet mat, and if it has a scent on it, they will automatically understand the mat can be used for potty and peeing.
You can mix lavender (or any other) scent with water and then spray it on the mat. The scent will make your dog understand that the mat is meant for defecating.
You might also like to read : How To Potty Train A Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy?
Regularly Take Your Puppy Outside
Blind puppies can easily differentiate between indoor and outdoor environments. You must make use of this while training your puppy. You must take your puppy out every 20 to 30 minutes until your pup understands the message. They can easily differentiate the difference in air temperature and wind outside.
You can take out older puppies every 45 minutes. It may take a few weeks, but your puppy will ultimately realize that going outside is an excellent time to go potty.
Use A Leash To Control The Puppy When Out
A blind and deaf puppy might get out of control once he is out. When your puppy is out for a pee and potty training, it is better to use a leash to control your dog’s movement.
Pulling the dog when going in the mud or water will make it understand that the place is restricted. Leaving your dog in the open can be risky, as it can either get dirty or will start playing and loitering here and there.
If the dog behaves well when out in the open, remember to award them with a bone or a treat he loves to have.
Make A Potty Area For The Dog In The House
Fix an area for potty training at home. This will ensure that the dog does not go anywhere in the house for potty. Design a specific place so that the dog can smell it and can recognize the potty area.
Limited access to the house is always better to know where he can go and not. Dogs do not like the smell of citrus fruits. Ensure you spray a scent of fruits to all the areas you do not want the dog to go.
And in the area of potty training, you can spray a fragrance of foods that your dog likes. As the dog is deaf and blind, the pup will be very active to smell.
Set A Routine
After every half an hour, make sure that you take your dog to the area in the house or outside demarcated for training. You will see after a few weeks after every half an hour or an hour, and the dog will automatically go to the toilet on its own.
This will set a daily routine and will make the dog less mischievous indoors. Make sure after meals you take your dog out and also after drinking water.
You might also like to read : When To Stop Giving Puppy Treats For Potty Training
Stay Alert
Keep an eye out for any signs that your puppy requires a restroom break. Here are some instances of warning signs:
- Whining
- Scratching the sides of their container or pen.
- Restlessness and circling.
- Taking a breather as though about to squat.
Put your puppy on a leash and take her outside as soon as you notice her performing any of these behaviors. If she poops or pees, remember to compliment her with a treat.
Give Your Puppy A Treat
When your blind and deaf puppy goes outside to do their business, give them a treat. This can be done in several different ways:
- Patting or caressing them on the back or head.
- A rump scratch is also enjoyable.
- Allowing your puppy to run free in the yard for a few minutes.
- Playing a game with your canine companion.
- Providing her with one of her favorite snacks.
Answers To More Questions About Training Your Deaf And Blind Puppy.
How do you potty train a deaf puppy?
You will surely come out victorious if you religiously follow the above steps to potty train your deaf puppy. You can also use the basic principle of clicker training on deaf (but not blind) puppies.
However, instead of a clicker sound, a flick of a penlight or a hand signal, such as a thumbs-up sign, can be used to denote the desired response.
Are blind puppies hard to train?
Blind puppies are not hard to train. Puppies born blind may have it simpler because they do not have to acclimate to a new environment. They are accustomed to being blind.
A puppy who goes blind later in life may require some time and assistance to adjust, although most blind puppies adjust successfully, maybe because they already rely significantly on other senses.
Is it cruel to keep a puppy that is blind and deaf alive?
Puppies’ eyesight can be affected by traumas at any age, and some congenital eye abnormalities can result in puppy blindness.
Allowing your puppy to function as a blind pet or considering adopting a vision-impaired puppy is not cruel. Blind puppies rely on their senses of smell and hearing to get around.
How can I potty train a deaf puppy using signs?
Remember that your puppy will not respond to vocal commands such as “go potty” if he is deaf. As a result, you’ll need to devise visual cues to alert your deaf puppy that it’s time to go to the bathroom.
Deaf puppies are intelligent and learn rapidly. Make a hand motion that they can relate with the phrase “go potty.” It won’t be long before your puppy associates this gesture with “it’s time to go potty!”
As a hand signal for the toilet, puppy trainers propose utilizing the ASL Fingerspelling for the letter “T.” This is a signal that your puppy should be able to recognize.
After displaying your puppy this signal, you might also point down to the ground. When they’ve finished their toilet, give them a thumbs up.
You might also like to read : Is 14 Weeks Too Old To Get A Puppy?
Conclusion
Many blind and deaf puppies wind up in shelters because their owners are tired of them causing trouble in the home. The symptoms of such puppies can be misinterpreted as disobedience. As a result, they are never potty-trained correctly. You can potty train your puppy even if it is blind and deaf.
I have penned down a few ways you can potty train your blind and deaf puppy. I welcome you to share your suggestions and experience in the comments sections below to benefit everyone in the community.
