Introducing Walter (Wally)

[Rebecca]

Hi everyone, I am new to owning a cocker but not to dogs, I also have shown dogs in Conformation with AKC and done obedience and rally as well. I am owned by a Doberman Pinscher, a Catahoula Leopard Dog, and just most recently Wally, a blind and deaf 7 month old puppy. I can only speculate as to where he came from because of what the woman we rescued him from told us but by looking at his AKC papers and a few reviews on the kennel he came from that it wasn't a stellar place. Right now we are working on potty training and finding our way around the house.
I have trained many dogs before (My Doberman is actually my Service Dog and he is owner trained) I have also worked with blind dogs and deaf dogs but I have never trained a dog that was both so I am having quite a few problems with this fellow on learning exactly HOW to communicate with him (he is highly food motivated it turns out)
Here are some pictures of my pack. Wally was a little urine stained when we got him and so I gave him a good grooming. There are a few before pics and then the rest are after I gave him his bath and cut.
Any advice on how to help with training Wally would be super appreciated! Thank you!


Wally (before grooming)

Wally (before grooming)

Wally (after grooming)


Wally (after grooming)


settling in...

wearing his belly band around the house.

I love his face.

finally asleep ZZzzz...

Pepper my Catahoula Leopard Dog

Jager my Service Dog and best friend <3

 

[karenwalksthedogs]

So glad to see another post with pictures of your pups. They are both beautiful. I'm sorry all I have been able to do is suggest contacting a good trainer for Wally but I've never worked with a blind and deaf dog before either. I had on that was blind and one that was deaf at the same time but not one that was both. I think calling a good trainer, telling them the situation, and asking if they could help would be a good idea.

 

[Polly]

Hi Rebecca a big welcome to you and your crew. They are all beautiful. I had a little girl who was blind when I adopted her but she still had some hearing.
I can imagine that you would be having trouble teaching him, thank you for taking him. I think tapping him then treats would be the way to go.
Or even stomping on the floor near him, but, I have no experience either. Yes I think a good trainer would be a plus, also join some deaf/blind groups either on yahoo or FB for more info.

Wally is a beautiful little merle puppy isn't he.

 

[karenwalksthedogs]

Also in many cases one dog has appointed nimself the seeing eye dog for a blind dog. That could happen one of your dogs.

 

[Polly]

Oops LOL I see that you posted on both forums, I wondered where my original answer to your post went lol..

 

[manuel]

Welcome and I'm so glad you already have some experience with training. I hope you find a trainer who specializes in your case. Thanks for sharing your pictures.

 

[DJ's Three]

Wally is very lucky you have him, someone who is trying to find all means to help him. He is adorable, good luck.