BWCA New rescue canoe buddy Boundary Waters Group Forum: Doggie Paddle
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giddyup
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09/04/2021 08:01PM  
I’m not sure what happened to my post, but I’ll try it again....

Wilder is about 2 years old, new rescue for us. We’ve had him for about a month. He is totally deaf and came to us knowing some hand signals. He has learned a couple more since he’s been with us and seems to be really smart. He is well behaved for a two year old and can settle down but is also impulsive.

He seems to be water curious but doesn’t seem to have ever been around water. We have gotten him comfortable enough to get on our pontoon boat, and now seems to enjoy boat rides.

I’m guessing the next step is getting him comfortable IN the water and then start training in and out of the canoe on land.

I’m guessing he will be in the bow, but facing away and not able to see hand signals, and I’ll be paddling so I couldn’t give them anyway. Anyone have any thoughts about how much his deafness will affect his ability to be a good canoe dog?
 
09/20/2021 09:39PM  
Nice looking pup. I've never dealt with a deaf dog so can't give advice but best of luck.
 
giddyup
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09/21/2021 10:14PM  
Thanks, TomT. Yes, he’s a handsome boy. Still settling in. We had him camping this weekend and it didn’t go well. I’m thinking he needs to mature a little more before we try canoeing or camping anywhere near other people.
 
09/24/2021 08:36PM  
Do you have space at home to set up an old tent? It can really help to spend time napping and hanging out in the tent for short periods.
 
giddyup
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09/25/2021 03:23PM  
That’s a great suggestion. I think he would enjoy that.

 
10/02/2021 02:35PM  
What part of camping didn't go well for him?
 
10/02/2021 06:28PM  
I’m speculating as I’ve not worked with a deaf dog, but the problem that seems obvious is your inability to give him a command if he isn’t looking at you. Is there any chance he hears some high or low tones? Would a dog whistle help? If not, in the canoe you could keep an 8-10 foot rope on him and back to you so you could flick it to get his attention. I keep a painter lose and in reach, why not a dog rope? Another option down that line would be a shock collar. They typically have a vibrate function which could serve as the “look at me” command. Just thinking off the top of my head. Congrats with your new boy and good luck!
 
giddyup
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10/03/2021 10:37PM  
Thanks for your suggestion, Jaywalker. He is totally deaf. He does respond well to a vibration collar. The problem I see with that is having to set my paddle down to have a free hand to use it. Same issue with the rope idea but a great idea.
 
PVnRT
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10/08/2021 06:17PM  
My dog is now deaf. Not relying on voice commands has taught me to be a much better dog leader. Visual cues like hand signals, body language, facial expression go a long way. Regarding your specific q: long leash that responds to sensitive tugs will work. Remember, you need to get the dogs attention first, then use your visual signals.
 
Duckman
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11/02/2021 06:44AM  
He looks like he has some heeler in him. If so, hopefully he has a full dose of the velcro gene and training will be easier than you expect.
 
PeaceFrog
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11/02/2021 01:28PM  
giddyup: "Thanks, TomT. Yes, he’s a handsome boy. Still settling in. We had him camping this weekend and it didn’t go well. I’m thinking he needs to mature a little more before we try canoeing or camping anywhere near other people. "


You might try canoeing or camping with another experienced dog. As long as he is socialized and gets along with other canines. Like a big brother or big sister showing him the way.
 
giddyup
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11/05/2021 10:18PM  
He is definitely a “Velcro” dog and we have grown to love him. He’s two years old and we rescued him about 3 months ago. Smart as can be and I had a lot of hopes for being a great canoeing and camping companion. He loves being on the lake on the pontoon boat and I thought he’d be a natural in the canoe once he got some experience.

However, about five weeks ago he developed a cough, treated with antibiotic and cough medicine. He did improve but not much, back to the vet for chest X-ray. He has swollen lymph nodes in his lungs. After multiple vet visits, labs and ultrasound to rule out fungal infection and other causes, we have been told he has cancer, metastasis from a fluid filled cyst he has had for months before our rescue that had been of no concern to the vet.

For now he is doing ok on prednisone. We are considering our options for his care and treatment, but his prognosis is poor no matter what we do or don’t do. It’s a heartbreaking situation, especially since he’s so young and such an amazing dog. He’s already, in such a short time, become such a special part of our family. It’s a hard situation to go through.
 
12/16/2021 06:37PM  
Oh my goodness I'm so sorry
 
12/17/2021 05:42PM  
Wow that is tough to hear. Some people and animals get dealt a bad hand. So sorry for you and your pup.
 
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