Rescued Deaf Dog Learning Sign Language with RSPCA

A deaf dog discovered chained in a yard is being taught to respond to sign language to aid her rehoming efforts.

The crossbreed, named Polo, has had the tips of her ears cropped—a procedure that is illegal in England and Wales. Now five years old, Polo is undergoing training at an RSPCA rescue center in Southport, Merseyside, with the hope that her new skills will help her find a loving home.

So far, Polo has learned the signs for recall, lie down, sit, and drop the ball. She was found in Bradford, West Yorkshire, in April last year, tied up on an industrial estate and pregnant.

Lily Dickinson, fostering and adoption coordinator at the center, stated, “While her ears have been cropped, we want to ensure potential adopters are not deterred by her past suffering. We hope the right owners will see beyond her mutilation and deafness to appreciate her as the lovely dog she is.”

Ms. Dickinson added, “We’ve successfully taught her hand gestures for recall, as well as commands for sit, lie down, drop, and find it. I truly hope there’s someone out there who can provide her with the love she deserves and give her a wonderful life.”

“Polo is a gentle soul; we even use her as our introduction dog for new arrivals because she is so laid-back and friendly. She is also playful and has plenty of love to offer. Being a big girl, she can be strong, so her new owners need to understand that and be willing to continue her sign language training.”

Polo’s puppy, Daisy, has already been successfully rehomed.

The RSPCA has reported a rehoming crisis in England and Wales, with last year’s figures indicating a 42% increase in the number of animals arriving compared to those adopted.