Member

Posts: 70
From:Paducah, Ky USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-22-2004 09:49 PM         

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I just recently rescued a 4 month old Solid white APBT from the Animal Shelter where I work.
She was due to be euthanized because she is Deaf and a suitable home could not be found for her.
I am going to keep her I just dont know that much about her breed if anyone has any good advice it would be greatly appreciated I have seen she is going to be very difficult to train due to her deafness Although she is a very Sweet, Loving, Playful puppy. I am also curious is deafness a trait of APBT or possibly just white ones? Thanks So Much

[This message has been edited by GinaH (edited 01-22-2004).]

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Posts: 43
From:arizona
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-23-2004 01:17 PM         

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gina, im glad to hear that you took the time to take apbt,and adopt it,i have some things that will help
1st when you let your dog out, make it visual, and make it the same time everyday like in the morning, afternoon, and night,and have alot of patiance they say that deafness is a trait with albinos, but there really is no studys that prove it try to stay in front of them,you dont want to scare it, it still can feel vibes it will suprise you how well the dog will get around. when it sleeps if you wake it up dont do it fast, and when you are not home keep your blinds open so it can see whats going on around it, if it dont know whats going on around it he/she will chew i have been a vet for going on three years now and i enjoy pits because i have two of them.

** Administrator Note:
Auspet did not verify this user's claims of being a vet and doe's not endorse or recommend that you follow any of the above mentioned advice. Always check with your own vet before acting on any of the information/advice posted here.

[This message has been edited by Auspetian (edited 02-06-2004).]

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Member

Posts: 70
From:Paducah, Ky USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-28-2004 08:00 PM         

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Thank You for your advice :0)

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Posts: 373
From:TX, USA
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 01-28-2004 08:31 PM         

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You are going to want to use hand signals for commands. Which can make things difficeult because the dog has to see you to "listen". I'm glad you are giving this girl a chance. I would be a little cautious about keeping the blinds open. APBTs are strong willed dogs deaf or not. If they want something they may go throw a window to get it and if you not around that could mean trouble. Sometimes they will go throw windows when you leave or when you get home. You are probably going to want to crate train her and buy a crate if you don't already have one. This can help with house breaking. Some dogs may even nap in their crates. It is also a place to keep them when you are not home. A puppy can get into lots trouble when left unsupervised, even cause itself harm or death. Deafness is more prevailent in white dogs of most breed as well as blindness. I didn't see you say she is an albino though which is totally different? Albinos have many health problems that you shouldn't have to worry about with a normal Pit. Pit Bulls can be very "needy" and really bond with you. They are such great dogs when really given a chance by someone who loves them.

Hey Tyed I didn't know you were a vet. That is cool because now you can be here to help and answer health questions. Not that people shouldn't be taking their dogs to a vet to get a real diagnosis where test can be done and a physical exam done, but you know what I mean lots of people have health questions and need info on things or possible problems their dogs could have. Even though 3 years isn't a lot of experience in vet practice, years don't always equal knowledge I know new vets that have more knowledge and general common sense than those who have been practicing for 20 years. Wondering if its because the schools are now different in their teaching and new things are discovered for the students to learn or if the other people don't have an open mind to things and are set in their ways.

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Posts: 552
From:
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 01-28-2004 08:48 PM         

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This is a really good site for info on deaf dogs: http://deafdogs.org/

One form of deafness has been linked to lack of pigment in the inner ear, which means that dogs overall lacking in pigment (read: White) may be more likely to have this type of deafness, though it depends on the individual dog. This type of deafness is more common in both completely (or primarily, with just a few colored body spots) white dogs and in white headed dogs (the rest of the body can be colored, but the head is white) than in their more colored (and in turn, better pigmented) counterparts. Not all white, white headed, or primarily white dogs are deaf, but it is something to be aware of, and does happen more with these dogs than with the more colored ones (though it's possible with them too, just less common). There are different types and causes of "white" dogs, but white coloration in APBTs is caused primarily by heavy white markings (spots, patches, whatever) covering up the dog's "true" color.

Here's a link to a deaf dog board, I know a couple people on there own deaf bull breeds, and one rescues deaf dogs (including bullies), so you should find a lot of good stuff there. http://www.voy.com/140866/

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Posts: 70
From:Paducah, Ky USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 01-29-2004 08:22 PM         

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Thank You all for your advice my lil sweetie and I are getting along great! She is so Smart and so eager to please me that she is starting to learn various hand signals and I have to say I have never seen a more loving dog shes's GREAT!! I named her Pinky cause she has a pink nose :0)

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Posts: 70
From:Paducah, Ky USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-12-2004 09:37 PM         

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Goob I have to say I love your posts they are so informative and interesting to read. Thanks for all your help.

[This message has been edited by GinaH (edited 02-12-2004).]

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Posts: 136
From:CT.
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 02-12-2004 09:53 PM         

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I dont no anything about this topic GinaH but your heart is definately in the rite place, Good for you.

Keep us posted
Deus

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Posts: 320
From:Allagash, Maine USA
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 02-13-2004 05:52 AM         

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The people I got my little Jekkyl from had two deaf Pitties. They trained them as adults by using hand signals and a very long rope. When the dog lost focus they would pull on the rope to try to get it to pay attention. My dogs are working on the hand signals thing as well. Better safe than sorry. I really have to say that it takes a lot of courage to do what you are doing and the Pit Bull God will be watching over you. Something else I wanted to bring up that maybe others know, why are most solid white Pit Bull's deaf?? It is something I have notcied alot. Well, good luck with your baby!! I may not be able to give the training advice as me but I am here for moral support.

Angie Saige n Jekkyl (Two dogs who pretend to be deaf but really aren't!!)

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Posts: 70
From:Paducah, Ky USA
Registered: Jan 2004

posted 02-13-2004 11:49 AM         

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Thanks So Much Maine Pitbull everyone on here is so helpful. I have just fallen in love with the breed they are so sweet and so loving I have owned and fostered many dogs through out my life but have never been as much in love with a dog as I am my little pinky.
I will post pictures soon so everyone can admire her to...lol

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Posts: 552
From:
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 02-13-2004 10:53 PM         

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I missed this when you updated before, glad to hear she's doing so well!

MainePB, the link in my first post has a good explanation of the connection between white coats and deafness.

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