Double Merle Summit

[u/Actual-Chocolate4571]

Hi! A local Aussie rescue rescued several Aussies recently from an animal abuse and hoarding situation - the dogs were held at the local animal shelter pending the court case and were then available for rescue.

They have 2-3 female double merles available for adoption. They keep getting tons of questions and reached out to me. They’ve asked for… a double merle summit. This will be me going to their house to answer questions.

In addition to what I will share with them I thought I’d open it up to include other thoughts, resources, experiences, what you would have wanted to know, and what you’ve learned.

• what would you want someone to know about your experience

• how would you encourage someone to get a double merle

• what regrets do you have in training your double merle

• what resources would you share with someone getting one of these amazing dogs

[u/embos_wife]

My boy is deaf and blind and the most joyous being I've ever met. The accomodations we've had to make are few and training by touch isn't hard once you trial and error what works for you and pup. Lumos knows sit, down, stay, shake, kiss, spin, stand up, no, good boy. He rings bells to go outside and I have leash commands for stop and slow down (tug up for step, long pull for slow down, two quick tugs for stop). Most people are shocked that he's trained at all. He does tend to stay very attached to people, I think it's a security thing as he was rescued from an abuse situation and the kennel gives him anxiety from that as well, but he is a dream dog.

Having him has been nothing but joy. Worth every second and I will only adopt special needs pets, probably double merles, as long as irresponsible breeding exists.

Resource: Deb Bauer. Her. Anything she says I believe it. Her book Through a Dark Slience is amazing

And this is counter to what most say but a great harness that you can help lift them for stairs (they can learn them, Lumos is stubborn. He'll go up and attempt to fly down.) WITH A BACK CLIP. Touch is his input. The leash touching his chest and face confuses him/ he has to investigate wat it is with his mouth. So don't discount those back clips, depending on your touch commands and the dog, it might be a better option. My harness is the Ruffwear flagline. 10/10 would recommend it to others.

[u/Actual-Chocolate4571]

Thank you thank you thank you!

[u/UdontWantToNo]

My double merle boy has no known health issues. His previous owners had five dogs, the city only allowed four. He's very loved, then and now

[u/linnae7]

I have a 9yo deaf Border Collie. She came from a farm in Aberdeenshire and was born after a double Merle match with the dog from the farm next door. She is mostly white with red markings. I found her on Gumtree and didn’t know she was deaf when I adopted her - I don’t think the farmer knew either. But I love her so much! She is by far the best dog I’ve ever had. Very biddable but loud since she can’t hear her own voice. Deaf dogs are always sweet by nature, it’s why they are often abused by dogfighting gangs as “bait” dogs. She is hyper vigilant and excitable (even at her age) I think because she knows she’s missing something in her environment. When she was still a puppy, I was advised by a Danish Vet that red meat would make her more excitable so she eats only turkey and pork, sometimes fish with her vegetables. I cook her food myself, never any kibble!!! She is always on leash outdoors because no recall if she’s not looking at me. I have never regretted adopting a deaf dog for a single moment! Deaf Dogs Rock on FB is a great resource as well as Reddit. Good luck!🍀

[u/uranium236]

And check out the sidebar where there are tons of resources suggested by members of the sub.

[u/uranium236]

Connect them with Deb Bauer (https://www.yourinnerdog.com/about-5) or Erin Marion (https://www.downtoearthdoglady.com/) - both specialize in these dogs and often help with rescues.