All dogs are visual. Deaf dogs are even more visual because they can’t hear. So if you have deaf or hearing dogs or both like I do it is important to take time to have fun with them. I like to engage my deaf boys and hearing girls with crazy body language and “go play” signs. Sometimes it is time to get off this darn computer and just go outside in the back yard to run, jump and make silly faces at my two deaf dogs (and three hearing dogs). Such is the case when snow comes here to Bluebird Farm were our Deaf Dogs Rock headquarters is located.
I love to take photos of my crazy dogs flying through the air doing their own form of deaf dog gymnastics. My deaf dogs Nitro and Bud are white boxers and as many of you may already know white boxers have a reputation of being big goofy clowns. My two boys are the biggest goofball clowns you will ever encounter especially when it comes to playing in the snow. I usually will wrap my camera in a plastic grocery bag so I can get some good shots while the boys are being crazy. Next I gear up by putting on my big puffy winter coat and gear. By the time we get ready to go out into the snow and play, I usually look like a rendition of the Abominable Snow Monster which gets my two deaf dogs running for joy.
If you get a chance to just go outside when it is snowing or nice and sunny be sure to just act totally goofy with your dog. What ever you do don’t forget your camera! You will be amazed at some of the fun (and sometimes serious) snapshots you will take and treasure for a lifetime. Even though Deaf Dogs Rock is a full time job and I stay very busy trying to rescue and list deaf dogs, my two deaf dogs will tell me when I am spending just a little to much time on my computer. Bud and Nitro will both climb on my lap, and just stair nose to nose in my face until I turn around and take them out to play. They are the head dogs here at Deaf Dogs Rock and they will always come first. I encourage all of you with deaf and hearing dogs to just go out in the yard with them and cut loose. Be goofy and use your body language. Sometimes I act so crazy doing different exaggerated movements that both of my deaf dogs will stop in their tracks, stare at me with a puzzled look of confusion, and then do a perfect head tilt at the same time.
If you don’t have a yard then sit on your living room floor (on their level) and just be goofy with them. They will love you forever for coming down into their world even if it is just for a short time.
The following photos are some of my favorites I have taken over the past four weeks.
Above: Notice Bud’s body language. I was chasing him and then stopped to take a photo. He is in the take off position.
Once I start chasing them then they really start playing with each other. When they slow down I pretend I am going to get them again!
And then there is this kind of facial expression!
Bud the Boogy man dog and Nitro catching some air.
Nitro’s first snow video with his Siberian Husky girlfriend Niko
GOT SNOW?
I love this shot!!!
The middle dog is my little 8 pound Tallulah. She lives for my two deaf boxers. She loves them with all her heart and they are both so gentle with her.
Bud showing his little sister Tallulah some loving….
“Rutt Rooowww!”
Have fun and don’t forget to charge your camera! ~ Christina Lee – Deaf Dogs Rock
