This is Sprocket, a deaf mix red heeler and shepherd who is looking for a loving forever home with someone who will cherish him and always keep him safe. Sprocket is looking for a home with no small children.
From his caregiver: Sprocket is deaf and has been since he was rescued from a back yard breeder in 2020. A consultant said. “a deaf dog is not that much different than a hearing dog. We do not consider deaf dogs disabled or their lack of hearing a weakness. Many deaf dogs go on to be therapy dogs and some even work in correctional facilities because their lack of hearing is a strength as they are not anxious from the loud noise like a hearing dog would be.”
He is healthy and has had basic obedience training at reputable facility when he was a puppy and multiple brush up training as he was older using visual commands and markers. With a deaf dog trainers mark the exact second the deaf dog makes the right choice by smiling and giving the dog a thumbs up sign as a marker. Positive reinforcement. After using the visual marker, the handler follows up by giving the dog HIGH VALUE treat as a form of currency to reward the dog. Using a visual command vs. a verbal command and using a visual marker vs. the sound of a clicker, to mark the correct behavior from the dog means with a deaf dog, the dog must be looking at you to be able to give the dog a visual command. So, Sprocket will practice “watch me” training often.
Sprocket is also muzzle trained for when in situations that he is not 100% comfortable in. This loyal dog loves to go on walks, get the mail, and chill at home with his people. Typical of a working dog, when on walks he loves to have a “job” so he will carry his muzzle instead of wearing it. He is fully house trained and goes outside on his own throughout the day whenever he wants. When left at home, he can free roam the house when both adults are at work. Sprocket will need to be adopted into a home where there are no small children present, kids can be unpredictable.
Sprockit’s adoption fee is $350 (he is fully vetted) to a screened and approved home only. You also much live within a 125 mile distance from Menifee, CA to be considered for adoption.
