Here is a wonderful blog by PPG member Debbie Bauer on how to teach a blind or deaf dog to wake up gently.
There is a myth that deaf dogs can be “dangerous” because they will bite when they are startled or woken up.
Could this ever happen? Yes, it could. But it could also happen with a dog that can hear just fine.
Does it happen a lot? No. Most deaf dogs are no threat when startled.
Can this scenario be prevented? Yes, definitely! You can teach your deaf dog to wake up easily and happily. By teaching this skill to your new dog, you can prevent this issue from developing.
Start training when your dog is awake and paying attention to you. Let your dog see you reach towards it. Touch your dog and then pop a wonderful treat into its mouth immediately. Don’t wait to see what your dog will do. There should be no lag time. Just touch and pop the treat into its mouth. Make these really special treats. You want your dog to really look forward to being touched.
If your dog is also blind, give it a moment to become aware that you are nearby before you touch at this stage of teaching. Touch gently and quickly give a treat. In the beginning, give your dog a moment to know you are there, sniff your hand, etc, before touching. You can progress in the same way as working with a deaf dog.
