Baypath Humane Society Finds Creative Way to Help Hearing-Impaired Dog

Pigeon is a hearing impaired dog who’s taught us all that a disability doesn’t have to hold you back. She’s shown everyone here at Baypath Humane Society that she’s one of the smartest dogs around!

Training a young, exuberant dog like Pigeon good manners is important for helping her find a home. However, the traditional means of training using praise and clickers wouldn’t work for Pigeon since she can’t hear. Plus, getting a dog’s attention when they can’t hear is a challenge.

Not to be deterred, Baypath’s Director of Dog Programs Jeanine Lorusso came up with a plan. She taught a team of volunteers hand commands to use in place of voice commands, and used visual markers so Pigeon would know when she was doing a good job. The team embraced the idea, and quickly set out to work with Pigeon every day.

Luckily, Pigeon loves yummy treats, which helped motivate her! Soon she could do things like sit, stay, and down, simply by following a hand signal.

This smart cookie is learning skills that will make her a wonderful pet companion. And because dogs learn best when they try out their new skills in lots of different environments, Pigeon is enjoying plenty of field trips, where she can reinforce what she’s learned (and get plenty of time to swim, hike, and zoom around!)

Now for the most important part: Finding Pigeon the right home!

You don’t need special training to adopt this special girl. She simply needs someone who’s ready to give her lots of love (and plenty of exercise!) She’ll do best in a dog-savvy home with older children or adults.

This sweet, social two-year-old girl is a great walking buddy with other dogs, but she’s looking to be your “one and only” furry family member.

Please visit baypathhumane.org to learn more about Pigeon, check out her adorable video, or stop by the shelter at 5 Rafferty Rd in Hopkinton, MA to meet her today!

About Baypath Humane Society

Baypath Humane Society of Hopkinton is dedicated to providing shelter, care, humane treatment, and loving homes for stray and unwanted companion animals. We seek to serve our community by fostering relationships, promoting education, and making a positive impact on pet overpopulation. Follow us at www.facebook.com/baypathhumane.