As calls mount to have pitbull dogs banned due to several fatal attacks on children across the country, Xena a deaf pitbull in Fish Hoek is making waves for all the right reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pitbull passed the Canine Good Citizen Gold test, an international award by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And according to its trainer Jan Meyer, it is the first time a deaf dog has successfully passed the test at his club in False Bay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is an international award and is proof that both owner and dog were tested by independent evaluators (judges) and both have passed.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meyer, explains what makes Xena different and special is that she went through the tests using sign language and not using verbal cues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cXena is the first deaf dog at my club to have passed the bronze, silver and now gold test with the other hearing dogs. The same rules applied for the dog and owner as with the others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added that gold was the toughest of all the tests. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere are a whole lot of tests they have to undergo such as crossing roads, waiting, going to bed, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFor a deaf dog she has to stay stable, if the dog runs off it won\u2019t be able to return if you call. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe use the American sign language and the dog has to pay attention to you at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n