avoiding peoples voices

Question
Hi I don't know for sure if my 10 week old puppy is just avoiding the sound of our voices or is hard of hearing. We have only had her for about 5 days and when you call her name or say anything she won't even look in general direction. It also seams that other noises do not affect her either we have a very loud house with 6 -9 kids daily shes play full with her brother litter mate and he responds no problem whistling clapping hands ect. no affect. am I doing something wrong? please help!!!!

Answer
Hi Regina,

A 10 week old puppy has a lot on their minds with all the activity around them.  However it seems unusual for a puppy not to respond to noises. A deaf dog will sometimes react to vibrations such as clapping hands, so that way of testing is not full proof.  
I suggest you put your puppy on a lead and start training her to come when called that way.  Start by calling her name and then pull her toward you.  When she is right next to you, give her praise with a piece of yummy food and tell her that she is a good girl.  Do this several times and then take off the lead and try again.  If she responds, well then she can in fact hear.  If she doesn't not then maybe she is deaf.  

Hope this helps you to find out about her hearing ability.  I don't think that there is really any thing that can be done outside of expensive vet care to help with hearing lose.  I always suggest that pet owners feed a high quality food and give a supplement to keep your puppy/dog at their best health.  I invite you to check out my website for more information and a free sample.

Sincerely,
Susan Potts,CPG
www.pipschoice.com