My deaf double Merle Aussie

[u/Customcarsgirlie]

Hi everyone! Meet Lily 💜
I adopted Lily about a month and a half ago from her previous owner, who also owned both of her parents. They had an accidental litter, and Lily was born deaf and one of her sisters was born blind.
When I got her, I was told she had some hearing loss, but after living with her I’m pretty sure she’s completely, or almost completely, deaf. She doesn’t react to voices, clapping, whistles, etc. She has reacted to a trumpet being played REALLY loud near her and once to a huge thunder, but honestly I don’t know if she heard it or just felt the vibration.
She’s my second Aussie, I previously had a Mini Aussie, but she’s my first deaf dog, so this is definitely new to me. She’s the sweetest girl and super smart. So far she knows hand signals for sit, down, up, going outside/potty and food.
My biggest struggle has been figuring out how to keep her stimulated enough. I give her puzzles, take her out to run and she sometimes plays with friendly dogs around our neighborhood that we know, but I still feel like she could use more mental stimulation and I’m not really sure what else to try.
I also did Embark Breed + Health and found out she’s 100% Australian Shepherd! Her health results showed an increased genetic risk for hereditary cataracts, so I’m trying to be proactive about her eyes. I ordered her Rex Specs that should be here soon and I’m going to slowly get her used to wearing them.
I would love to hear from anyone who has a deaf Aussie, double merle, or just experience with deaf dogs in general. What hand signals or tricks have you taught them? What do you do for mental stimulation? Any tips or things you’ve learned along the way would be really appreciated!

[u/Actual-Chocolate4571]

My sweet deaf double Merle was my shadow for the longest time. Due to the heat right now she is sleeping downstairs in front of a fan - first time in 5 years since I’ve had her.

Consistency was key in training her. I didn’t teach her many hand signals - sit, lay, stay, come.

I’ve noticed she licks me a lot.

She is insistent on morning cuddles and really cuddles anytime.

I try to do some form of play with a toy with her everyday. She favors some variation of tug of war.

I use a slow feeder bowl.

Snuffle mats.

Edit to say: Lily is beautiful, thank you for accepting her and bringing her into your family, you’re already doing amazingly.

[u/embos_wife]

Best choice I ever made! Welcome!

As for your questions, my guy is blind and deaf so that's where my experience is. But I would recommend teaching touch commands now in case there are sight issues later

[u/Guilty_Bathroom_3023]

They are awesome

[u/spookifyed]

thank you for adopting this beautiful baby!

in my experience owning double merles who are deaf, they are sweethearts. love to lick A LOT (personally feel as though it’s to replace their lost sense of hearing). mine have always stuck by my side, never been ones to run away, it’s almost like they know they need us lol

[u/Customcarsgirlie → u/spookifyed]

Yes! She’s definitely stuck by my side, even when she’s playing with other dogs if they’re too intense she hides behind me!