Read the full article By Debbie Bauer HERE

Teaching Deaf (and Blind) Dogs to Use Their Mouths Gently is an important topic for anyone living with deaf or blind/deaf dogs. Many guardians notice rough mouthing in puppyhood and adolescence. This behavior is normal, but it must be guided early. Dogs use their mouths to explore, play, and communicate. Because of this, they need help learning to handle human skin with care.

Deaf dogs are often misunderstood. Some people assume they are more likely to bite. However, this belief is false. Rough mouthing usually develops because these dogs miss key early feedback. Hearing puppies learn from their littermates’ vocal responses when they bite too hard. Deaf puppies do not hear these signals, so they may need extra help learning soft-mouth skills.

Once a puppy joins a home, the learning continues. Human skin is sensitive, so gentle play is important. When a deaf puppy bites too hard, calmly pause the interaction. Stand up, move away, and soften or tighten your facial expression to show the puppy the difference between gentle and rough behavior. This visual feedback helps the puppy understand. After a short break, return with calm movements. This encourages gentler play.

Consistency is essential. Each time the puppy bites too hard, pause again. Over time, many puppies respond to just a small shift in body language. However, some puppies become overstimulated. In those moments, they may need a quiet break or a safe chew toy. Redirecting them to appropriate items helps them succeed.

Gentle handling from humans matters as well. Rough play encourages rough responses. Instead, model calm, soft interactions. This is especially important for children.

With practice, patience, and thoughtful guidance, puppies learn to use their mouths softly. As a result, they grow into safe, enjoyable companions. Teaching Deaf (and Blind) Dogs to Use Their Mouths Gently sets dogs up for lifelong success and helps reduce misunderstanding about deaf dogs everywhere.