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My new puppy seems deaf. Is he ignoring me or can't he hear?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

We just got our puppy yesterday & he doesnt seem like he can hear. My husband says since hes so young maybe he just isnt paying attention. But i think if i yell he should notice since he hasnt been around people very much at all. Hes about 8 weeks old. Does he have a hearing problem or is he just ignoring us?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on March 5th, 2017

It can sometimes be difficult to tell with puppies if they have a true hearing problem, or if they simply get absorbed in what they are doing and don't register sounds around them :) You can try clapping your hands behind his head when he isn't looking, or making a sudden loud sound like clanging pots together - if he doesn't react at all to these things, it's likely that he may be deaf. If you're still unsure, I would recommend having him checked by your vet to get their opinion.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on May 2nd, 2018
Hi there. It's certainly possible that Duke may be deaf or have a hearing problem. To test this informally, you can try clapping your hands, ringing a bell, clanging pots together, or making some other loud noise near his head when he's sleeping - if he doesn't react at all, then it's reasonable to think he probably can't hear.

To know for sure, you could take him to a specialist for something called a BAER hearing test - this involves using a machine to measure brain activity (or lack therof) in areas that are responsible for processing sounds. Your veterinarian should be able to refer you to a specialist who can perform this test if this is something you're interested in.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Kristin DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 7th, 2018
If he is deaf, this is a simple explanation as to why he doesn't listen, and also why he follows you so closely. If you do not have access to a veterinarian, you can test his hearing at home. When he is looking at you, have someone make noises behind him. Try clapping, snapping, or anything to make different sounds, some loud, and some quiet. Watch for his reaction to these sounds. If he is indeed deaf, he can still be trained, but you will need to use hand signals instead of words. It really doesn't matter what these hand signals are, they just need to be consistent. Training a deaf dog can be challenging, and it will take a lot of patience, but it can be done. He is only 8 weeks old, so he is still quite young. House training make take more time. Start with keeping him on a leash at all times. When he is playing or sleeping, you can let him be, but the second he stops playing or gets up from a nap, take him straight outside. You can even pick him up and carry him outside before he gets a chance to pee inside. I wish you the best of luck. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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