My Pyr Shep was probably deaf for about a year before we knew it. Bit then, she was always under foot and calling her was not a problem. Barb Bowes Chelsea (Pyr) Twister (Pyr) The more people I meet, the more I like my dog! greatpyr@enter.net http://www.penndutchrescue.org http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/PA364.html