Dog’s Unique Way of Communicating with Deaf Sibling Intrigues Viewers
A hearing dog, Maisy has captured hearts online after her owner shared a video showing her remarkable ability to communicate with her deaf sibling, Levi.
In the heartwarming video shared on TikTok under the username @Levi&Maisy, the dogs owner captured the moment when Maisy used a unique gesture to invite Levi to play.
The video reveals how Maisy gently taps Levi, who is lying on the floor, to get his attention. She then performs a playful gesture, twisting around and biting a nearby cloth chair, effectively signaling her desire to play. Understanding the cue, Levi immediately sprang up and joined in the play.
The overlay text on the video which aptly summarizes the heartwarming scene reads, “Maisy gently taps her deaf brother Levi when she wants to play. She gets his attention. She twists around to give him a play initiation. Levi loves playing like his. Nothing is better than watching them bond.”
In the video caption, the owner expresses admiration for the siblings’ bond writing “Could watch these two play all day. The way Maisy gently invites Levi to play and how he lights up is just the sweetest thing. Their bond is truly one of a kind.”
The video has since gained over 9,000 views and hundred of comments. Viewers express awe at Maisy’s ability to understand Levi’s deafness as well as Levi’ ability to understand Maisy’s gesture.
“So sweet and amazing how she knows Levi has a hearing disability. Like wow, impressive!!” one user share. Another added, “Maisy is the most understanding, caring and loving siblings anyone could ever ask for.”
However, some curious user inquired about the training process behind their unique communication: “He is good with her! And how he trained her to know what it means. Unless you did that but I think he did. They’re perfect together,” shared a user.
One other person speculated that Maisy may have learned to communicate with Levi by observing their owner’s interactions with the deaf dog. “She must be very observant on how you approach Levi and she learned that it was the best way to call her brother oh my hearttttt”
In response to these questions, the owner clarified that the dogs developed their own form of communication naturally. “They did this all on their own! We never taught Levi and never taught Maisy! They have learned each other so well!! That’s what’s so beautiful about it,” the owner explained.
Dogs communicate through a complex blend of visual cues, vocalizations, and scent markings to convey their emotions and intentions. Their body language is remarkably expressive: a wagging tail often signifies joy, while a tucked tail might indicate fear or submission.
Vocalizations, such as barks, growls, whines, and howls, serve as auditory signals for various purposes, from alerting to expressing distress. Scent marking, through urine or feces, allows dogs to establish territory and send social messages to other canines.
While some dogs may undergo training to enhance their communication skills, others learn through natural interaction and observation.
Experts in animal behavior and cognition believe that dogs possess an innate ability to adapt and develop unique communication strategies. This is supported by research by National Library of Science on Social Learning in Humans and other Animals which suggests that animals, including dogs, can learn through observation and imitation, adjusting their behavior based on the outcomes they witness in others.
Furthermore, experts suggests that natural interaction with other dogs is crucial for a dog’s well-being and social development. When allowed to freely interact with their canine companions, dogs can form strong bonds, engage in playful activities, and develop complex social behaviors.
@leviandmaisy Could watch these two play all day 🥹 The way Maisy gently invites Levi to play and how he lights up is just the sweetest thing. Their bond is truly one of a kind. 🤍🤎#deafdog #deafdogsoftiktok #deafdogsrock #redgoldenretriever #goldenretriever #goldenretrieverlife #aussie #aussiethings #australianshepherd #goldensoftiktok #aussiesoftiktok #happydog #dogvlog #dogsoftiktok #dogs #DogBestFriends #LeviAndMaisy ♬ Landslide (Instrumental Guitar) – Go Fret
