Vibrating Collar For The Deaf Dog

[Miz J]

Hi, I am fostering a deaf dog. A 2 1/2 yr old boxer. Hes pretty much been left to is own devices. He does really well when I have his attention. Hes learned the basics of sit, drop, waiting to eat until a hand signal command etc . We have also been working on the principles of people first then him as he was barreling through the doors and gates. He waits now just with a hand signal. Not bad for 4 days worth. Getting his attention is the key here I think.He has bolted out of the gate early on and fortunately he has looked back and returned when he sees us but getting his attention is difficult. Hes good on lead, he keeps checking evety few seconds. I havnt put a great amount of work into him yet as he is just settling still and is sleeping quite a bit. Hes also learning to live with other dogs which he hasnt done before. If he stays her longer term we will be off to obedience.

My question regarding vibrating collars ( not the nasty shock collars just so I am clear) has anyone used these on a deaf dog to get their attention? I know Innotek make a collar specifically for deaf dogs. Would love to hear from anyone with experience in training the deaf dog and / or using the collars.

[Tilly]

Check out http://www.deafdogs.org/

[sas]

Your knowledge of 'nasty shock collars' isn't accurate but anyways.

I use a collar on vibration function on a 10 year old dog (not deaf) and I like it as a training tool but you need to have a training program to go with it.

Edited October 7, 2010 by sas

[Miz J]

Your knowledge of 'nasty shock collars' isn't accurate but anyways.

I use a collar on vibration function on a 10 year old dog (not deaf) and I like it as a training tool but you need to have a training program to go with it.

Thanks sas and thats good advice regarding the training program, yep a vibrating collar is only a tool to complement any training program.

I don't claim to have accurate knowledge regarding shock collars except that I personally wont use one on any dog in my care. I know that there has been some evidence of effectiveness with them and in the right hands maybe but I cannot condone the use of them. This is a personal choice for me and its up to the individual dog owner to make the decision on how they train their dog. I do appreciate the feedback though

[Staranais]

I'm glad you aren't using electric collars on your dog if you don't have any accurate knowledge about them. :D Although incidentally, a good trainer who sometimes posts on this forum once said that in his experience, for many dogs a very low level on a shock collar was less aversive than the vibrate function.

I should think it would be reasonably easy to teach a dog what the vibration meant, same process as conditioning the dog to a clicker or to his name. If you wanted the collar mainly for a recall then you could probably use the really reliable recall system (by Leslie Nelson), only using the vibration instead of the recall word.

Edited October 7, 2010 by Staranais

[sas]

Your knowledge of 'nasty shock collars' isn't accurate but anyways.

I use a collar on vibration function on a 10 year old dog (not deaf) and I like it as a training tool but you need to have a training program to go with it.

Thanks sas and thats good advice regarding the training program, yep a vibrating collar is only a tool to complement any training program.

I don't claim to have accurate knowledge regarding shock collars except that I personally wont use one on any dog in my care. I know that there has been some evidence of effectiveness with them and in the right hands maybe but I cannot condone the use of them. This is a personal choice for me and its up to the individual dog owner to make the decision on how they train their dog. I do appreciate the feedback though

I wasn't inciting a debate, just saying your knowledge isn't accurate.

Good luck with the Vibrate collar :D