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INFORMATION ON WHITE AUSSIES
Some unethical breeders will breed merle to merle aussies. Predominantly
white Aussies are almost always the result of merle-to-merle breeding. These
homozygous (meaning two like genes) merles, have inherited the merle color
gene from both parents. They are usually, but not always, blind and/or deaf.
The defects can be quite variable, so the amount of vision and hearing loss
will range from little to total--with most being toward the bad end of that
scale. Many of these dogs end up in rescue because people don't acquire the
education to deal with living with a deaf dog. Rescuing a deaf aussie can
be the most rewarding experience of your life.
TIPS FOR LIVING WITH A DEAF DOG
- Learn to communicate with them their way. Hand signals is key to
developing a communication system.
- Approach them slowly from the front where they can see you.
- Always be gentle with touch and gesture.
- Use only praise, encouraging touch, and positive reinforcement. And lots
of it !!
- Keep them on leashes and close to you when out on walks. Aussies like to
chase things that move and then the dog can't hear you calling him back.
- Tether them to you in the house in order to help with initial adjustment,
house breaking, bonding, and helping them feel safe. Massage is also a great
way to establish closeness and trust.
- Provide outdoor fencing that is secure and essential for their safety.
They can't hear dangers.
- Work with them in an established and continual training program. Use a
positive reinforcement trainer that has success with teaching deaf dogs.
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