This reminds me of one of my dear friend's dog, Jack, who was deaf. His brothers, Chase & Ozzy, who evidentally understood he was deaf, would make sure he was included in things by pouncing on him to wake him up if anything was happening that was dog-worthy, like supper or something to bark at. Isn't that great how they took care of him in the only way they could!
(He developed severe kidney problems and they had to put him to sleep this week. RIP, Little Jack.)