Deaf dogs are smart, great companions, and learn lots of tricks even though they can’t hear. That’s what we learned from Bryn Borum, co-founder of Deaf Dogs of Oregon, at this year’s Dogtoberfest! At the fund raiser for Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital, Borum explained how she rescues these dogs, and how she trains them to twirl, walk on two legs, box, and do other tricks–tricks that amazed Michael. You can hear him giggling in this video as he learns hand signals from Borum:

Borum’s dog, Duncan, is also blind. She explains that dogs generally learn best by looking at their owners’ body language, and that’s what she relies on when training these dogs that can’t hear: She uses some of the hand signals she shows Michael in this video. For blind dogs that can’t hear, she uses touch signals.

These dogs need to be rescued! Otherwise, they are often euthanized. Borum and her associates rescue dogs from all over the country, train them, and find homes for them.

“Deaf dogs make some of the most wonderful pets,” says Borum. They tend to be very devoted companions. Typically you find deafness in predominantly white dogs with pink skin and/or blue eyes. Deafness is also common in the Blue Merle color family.

We were touched by Borum’s dedication to her cause and her incredibly tight bond with her dog. Learn more about Deaf Dogs of Oregon here: Deaf Dogs of Oregon