Dog fostering (also deaf pets)

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I’m about to take on my first foster dog, the home check went super well and she arrives on Thursday. Does anyone have any tips and most importantly has anyone got any experience with a deaf dog? She’s 3 and a white boxer who are commonly deaf but I have zero experience. Sounds like she hasn’t been a main priority for the family for a while so I think I’m in for a crazy ride
 

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I'm sorry I have no advice, but well done you for fostering her, hope it goes well.
 
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I also don't have any advice, sorry. But what a lovely dog! I don't know if we're allowed to recommend Facebook groups on here, but there are some good ones on there if you search. Good luck!
 
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My old boy went completly deaf at 11, all I can say is it takes patience, and we had to learn to be careful we didn't accidentally sneak up behind him as he would get a fright (something we somtimes forgot about with him poor soul lol) we had the bonus that when I trained him I also used hand movements so when he went deaf he already knew the hand movements to what I was meaning, so it might take that little bit extra to train, they are clever though an they understand your emotions so if they do somthing right an you react positive (even if they can't hear) they still pick up on that

Also just be sure to keep her on a lead at all times an a good hold of it, with them being deaf more things can spook them an it can be out the blue as well, our boy used to be used to running around with no lead but after he went deaf we obviously could not call him back so he stayed on his lead as its surprising what can spook them, somtimes it could even be sudden movement out the corner of their eye they see

She's gorgeous an wishing you the best of luck with her
 
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Thank you! I’ll defo be popping back to read these tips when she arrives. It’s a short term foster but going to be my best to get her more used to hand movements etc.
 
Thank you! I’ll defo be popping back to read these tips when she arrives. It’s a short term foster but going to be my best to get her more used to hand movements etc.
Good luck, it helps somtimes to have a treat in your hand since they will follow it lol so if you lower your hand to the ground with a treat naturally they will lower their body down
 
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Ooommmggg!! I used to foster dogs and I also grew up with white boxers, one of which was born completely deaf!! Do you have any other dogs at home, or will she be on her own? I ask because my deaf dog used our other dog as his ‘ears’ basically! Also to get their attention we just made the floor vibrate by banging on it lol.
As for fostering dogs, it is hard work.. we have had tears over the years. If you feel that the dog is truly not a match for you do not be afraid to say you don’t think it’s working it!! We had this once with a foster dog who ended up going somewhere else more suitable. Most important thing is to be patient with them and give them as much love as you can, they are in an unfamiliar environment with a stranger and will be wondering where their humans are… so give them time to settle in. It is SO rewarding tho. Our deaf boxer is still alive and loving life at 13 years old!!

Happy to answer any other questions as we fostered 6 dogs altogether

Also.. maybe try and get a long lead (I think you can get 10m ones) so they don’t get lost. We lost our deaf boy as a pup for a few hours and he was incredibly shaken for a while and never left our side since but seeing as she is in a new environment she may do a runner!
 
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Aw wow, that’s all so useful, Also 13 for a boxer is amazing

we have a old toy poodle who grew up with our boxer, they have told me this is going to be hard work. But my last boxer was a Handful, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to cope.
ive got a long lead here still, I need to find out what she’s coming with.. as she is apparently very strong on the lead
 
If you can get hold of the Halti front harness, that’s really helpful if they are strong pullers (rather than using a back harness). Also you could see about going to an enclosed field (you can hire them for like 5£ if you/the charity are happy to cover the cost) so you can see what she’s like to walk with before going for regular walks? Good luck!! Keep us updated, I am invested now!
 
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We had to hire a field a lot with my last boxer I’ve been lent a halti and hoping we get on ok with it as my previous boxer was having none of it. I have no idea what she’s coming with yet so I went and bought her some toys as apparently she loves play. I’ll keep you updated. Thanks so much for the advice xx
 
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1-beautiful girl
2-13 year old boxer-That's amazing

Im a boxer owner,but not deaf although this is something that doesn't put me off in the slightest,I met a deaf white one,he was under 1,and it was all hand signals,eye contact-absolutely bonkers too,so so happy. Ah I hope it works out well-what a lovely thing you are doing. Mine is 4. I lost my last just turned 8,what I would have given for him to get to 13- ah,they are heart breakers and fabulous company .
 
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Ah it’s so nice to find a fellow boxer lover on here
my last boxer -Thea got to 10 but sadly had a brain tumour. We miss her everyday! So this little girl will be a bundle of fun for me for a few weeks x
 
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She arrived on Wednesday, all has been super good on the whole, she’s far far too thin and there’s defo some issues with her current owners..
We have walked and walk and she loved her first time on the beach, she’s super super affectionate! We have some random pretty loud barking that we need to try and address a little (from being deaf) but she needs more time to settle first
 
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What a brilliant picture especially the clear prints in the sand. How lucky she is now -absolute beauty x
 
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