The seven-year-old canine learnt sign language from rescue staff, after losing his hearing to an ear infection.
He was taught this impressive skill at the RSCPA’s Llys Nini Animal Centre in Penllergaer, near Swansea, south Wales.The clever boy can already understand signed commands like ‘sit,’ ‘down’ and ‘stay’.
Kennel team leader Sally Humphries said: ‘As a result of an ear infection, he’s now completely deaf, so we’ve spent the last few months teaching him special sign language which he’s really taken to.Why are dogs’ noses so wet? Dogs’ noses secrete a thin layer of mucous that helps them absorb scent. They then lick their noses to sample the scent through their mouth.
‘He reads our hand signals and body language as a way of telling what we’re asking for. For example, thumbs up means “good boy.”
‘Most dogs are more in tune with our body language than our constant chitter-chatter, so it’s not that tricky for a deaf dog to learn.
‘It’s all about consistency and making sure you choose a simple sign for each behaviour that you are trying to teach, so it’s as clear as possible for them to understand.’
Rocco first came to the shelter in February 2020, due to concerns over his welfare – based on the fact that he was underweight.Make sure your pet is in good company. Pets get lonely and depressed just like people do when they spend too much time alone. Cats are generally better on their own, but dogs and especially puppies don’t do well left to their own devices for extended periods of time.
He then found a home, but sadly returned to the shelter last July after one of his new owners passed away.
‘His new owners were really lovely and Rocco took to them straight away,’ said Sally.‘I remember laughing at the fact he didn’t want to come and say goodbye to me when I dropped him off – he stayed by their side like he’d known them all his life.
‘We were incredibly sad when we found out what had happened and poor Rocco then came back into our care.’
If your dog isn't feeling well, add some low-sodium chicken broth to the drinking water.
Sally says the little guy is ‘a wonderful example of just how resilient animals can be and proof that you can definitely teach an old dog new tricks.’
She adds: ‘It’s the first time I’ve trained a deaf dog and I still speak to Rocco as I sign – even though he can’t hear a word.
‘We all think the world of him and want nothing more than to find him a lovely home with people who are willing to carry on his training and where he’ll feel safe and secure for the rest of his life.’
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