Deafness

Within the breed there is a fair percentage of deaf English Setters born every year.
There are divided views as to what should happen to these dogs!
Some would say that they should be put to sleep - so as to end any further suffering.
At the time of writing this we have a deaf Setter called Zoë who is thirteen. She came to us several years ago through are involvement with English Setter Rescue. Again, through the Rescue we have just placed two deaf puppies into homes that believe - as we do that being deaf is not a good enough reason to end their life!

This story and all the photographs which accompany it come from one lady who now has 3 deaf English Setters - and 1 hearing Setter. In her own words she has had more trouble from Bracken, the hearing one, than all the rest put together.

Tarn's Story

When Tarn came to live with us in July 1997 we already had a deaf Setter called Ghyll - by then Ghyll aged nine had life sorted out to just the way he liked it!

Tarn

Ghyll

Tarn was given the nickname 'Tarn the Terminator' which will give you some idea of the type of puppy he was. In typical puppy fashion he tackled everything - radiators, cooker, car interior, shrubs and plants. He was a little terror but also intelligent and soon began to learn the hand signals we use. We also use facial expressions plenty of smiles when he's right, blank expression if you aren't pleased and a really stern face when he's really out of line. Body language also plays a large part. Nice relaxed posture -everything's fine. Stiff and upright - watch it!

These things were not learned overnight and he is still learning. He will actually react to quite small gestures now. It is amazing how little we have to do and he understands.

We took him to obedience classes and he was equally as good as his hearing companions, but in true Setter fashion his heart wasn't in the organised discipline. We did find out at classes that there is Training Book for Deaf Dogs called 'Hear, Hear', by Barry Eaton. It is very straightforward and full of common sense.

Tarn soon started to exercise off the lead and he behaved really well. He would run through the undergrowth in the woods, but kept returning to the track when we would give him is 'OK Good Boy' signal' or recall him if he was a long way in front. He's always full of enthusiasm and comes at full gallop. Fortunately the woods are quiet, so not many people see the 'mad woman' waving and smiling at her dog!

Tarn is now aged 2¾ years. He is still full of mischief. He really is a pleasure to own. When we go walking he is always well behaved whilst still enjoying plenty of exploring. He is a very good 'bird dog' and when he freezes it's always a bird, not just a scent. It really is grand to watch him enjoy himself.

We also have a hearing Setter, Bracken aged 8 years. He is very loveable but has caused more grey hairs through frustration than the two deaf Setters put together. He'll be good 90% of the time but then he'll do his own thing despite whistles and shouts. In a way it is amusing as the two deaf Setters are close at hand and the 'hearing' one just won't hear!!

Tarn

Bracken

Ghyll

We took Tarn to visit the gentleman who had bred him and once he was watching him run about in their garden with his dogs, he said. 'You wouldn't know he was deaf!' That was the best thing he could have said because - no, you just wouldn't!

Deafness is certainly not a problem for our dogs. The challenge is for us to open up lines of communications.

Fern

Relaxing

Tarn

Since writing this Judith and her Husband have taken on another deaf
English Setter puppy - Fern as she is lovingly called.
Watch this space for an update on Fern's progress!

With time and commitment you too can give a 'deaf dog' a good home.
It is not a disease or illness - neither is it cruel to give the dog a 'life' if you approach it correctly and sensibly!

If you would like to write to Judith or obtain a copy of Barry Eaton's Training Book, then please email me and I will pass on the relevant details.

setters@seaville.freeserve.co.uk

   Fern
   strangling
   Tarn

Deafness in English Setters

No Problem!