What should we do about Bichon Frises’ hearing loss?

There are some obvious signs of hearing loss in Bichon Frise dogs. For example, it is difficult to wake up after sleeping and does not respond to the owner’s instructions, or when the owner approaches from behind, the dog will react with fright. Sometimes the owner thinks that these symptoms are just the dog’s intention, and the dog ignores the owner’s instructions. This is not the case at all. The reason for the above may be that the dog’s hearing is slowly declining. Whether the Bichon Frise’s hearing is really declining can be tested by the owner in a very simple way. Clap your hands or make loud noises next to your dog to see how your dog responds. Dogs are naturally quiet, so they can hear any danger approaching. If they hear the noise, they immediately respond, which means that the dog’s hearing is fine.

1. What should be done by owners of Bichon Frise dogs with hearing loss?

The best way to deal with hearing loss in Bichon Frise dogs is to take the dog to a veterinarian to determine whether the hearing loss is temporary or related to ear infections. Owners can also help dogs cope with hearing loss in the following ways:
(1) Be careful when approaching the road: dogs can’t hear the approaching of vehicles when their hearing declines.
(2) The owner always leads the dog with a rope or leash.
(3) Be careful when there are children around: if the child comes close behind the dog, the dog may become unfriendly, and even if the child only plays with the dog, the dog will get angry.
(4) In order to reduce the use of voice command, the owner slowly passed the command by hand gesture.

2. Sign language

Bichon Frise dogs communicate with each other through body language, so it is easy for dogs to accept the potential language. If the dog’s hearing begins to decline, the role of sign language is self-evident. Combining gestures with language makes dogs learn faster. As for which gestures can be used, the owner can choose by himself. However, the following principles should be kept in mind:
(1) When making sign language, do not block the facial expression, the dog will get more information from the owner’s facial expression.
(2) Make sure you use simple and consistent gestures to convey information.
(3) Make sure each gesture is different.
(4) Make sure that the dog can still see the gesture from the owner at a certain distance.

3. Suggestions on sign language

(1) Sitting: the owner puts the hand that is ready to give a command on the body first, then spreads it out to the palm, palm upward, and moves towards your cheek.
(2) Squat: this gesture is contrary to the instruction of sitting. The owner can raise his hand, the palm is opposite to cheek, and then return to the original position.
(3) Don’t move: the owner put both hands in front of his chest, palms outward, and push outward at a 90-degree angle with the body.
(4) Come here: the owner bends his knees a little, then stretches his hands forward, palms down, and taps. If the dog is not completely deaf, the sound you make will give the dog additional information.
The key to signing language is simplicity so that the dog can respond quickly. If you see a dog in danger, make sure the Bichon Frise responds immediately to your gestures. Because a gesture at the critical moment may even be related to the life of the Bichon Frise.