My deepest sympathies! I know how difficult a HEARING 7-month-old boxer can be, and currently I am also training a 15-week-old deaf english bulldog puppy that I pet-sit. Can't imagine putting those two together!!! Plus having kids, and another on the way... I'm so sorry!! :(
The puppy I'm working with is the SAME way with commands; he's learning them quickly, but will ONLY comply if food is involved. I take him out to potty and he always runs off to find a "spot," which at first I thought was a good that he didn't just "go" all over the place, but it makes it SO hard for me to attach a sign with eliminating (he's usually facing the opposite direction, and even if I run over and stoop down to where he can see me he will look in the other direction). Bite inhibition training is also a challenge due to his inability to hear.
I'm no expert, but maybe some more exercise, stimulation, and one-on-one time might help... but that's really all the advice I can give :o A professional trainer/behaviorist is definitely the way to go here. Have you thought about a vibrating collar? I have read a few deaf dog sites and heard great things about them. Don't know how well that would work for your girl, but it's worth a try, right?
Every boxer goes through the "terrible teens," and some have it worse than others. Good news though -- it doesn't last forever. If you can get through these next few months... you're home-free. GOOD LUCK!!!
