Article: The Deaf Dalmation

From Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Jun., 2002
by Stephanie Foust

Then, encouraged by another dog trainer, Stephanie enrolled Felix in a basic obedience class, along with other canine participants and their owners. Stephanie coaxed and encouraged, wondering if he would respond to this attempt at mainstreaming. He did. By the second set of classes, the still-growing Dalmatian was well on his way to learning good canine manners.

But here's the punch line: No one in the class even knew he was deaf, says Stephanie, radiating pride.

Felix went on to learn agility training, which takes dogs through a series of challenges and performance maneuvers in a test of skill for both animal and master. At the command from Stephanie's hands, he dashes through a course. He sails over obstacles with athletic grace, crawls hurriedly on his belly through tubes, and bolts for the finish line. All he wants is a thumbs-up sign of approval---along with a hug, of course. Good dog, Felix!

This deaf canine compensates for his hearing loss by fine-tuning his other senses. While most dogs point their ears to assess their surroundings, Felix constantly looks around and twitches his nose to take in all the local stimuli. And his sense of touch is critical---he always has at least one part of his body in contact with Stephanie to read her next move. The two work as a team.

Stephanie Foust, and Felix are students of Trainer Tonja Osborn, at Canine Training by Mystic Moon Kennel, Inc.

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Canine Training by Mystic Moon, Inc.
Des Moines Dog Training, and surrounding areas
Tonja Osborn, Owner/Trainer

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