My charlie is deaf and so it's really hard to get his attention apart from going up to him and touching him. So when he is doing something naughty, as pups do i have to get his attension before telling him off or telling him no!  Im sure by this time he is wondering what it was that he was doing wrong in the first place and he then looks at me a bit confused. He is mouthing his puppy nashers on us all. I did some research on the internet about vibrating collars (DEFINATLY NOT SHOCK /ELECTRIC ONES) especially for deaf dog training, to help get there attention..........was wondering what everyone thinks and if any one had used one

I've never used one but it's something that I'd definitely think about using - and I know that you mean the ones that just give a gentle vibration and not a shock collar.  I look on it in the same way as whistle training a hearing dog - you're using an appropriate device to gain your dog's attention.

I would imagine that when you get it, you'll need to train him into how it's to work - give a vibration on it and as soon as he looks at you, give him his "good boy" sign, say it as well and give him a treat, so that he learns that the vibration = look at mummy = treat.

 

How are you getting on with his training?  Were the links I gave you earlier any help?

I've seen them recommended for a deaf dog on Dog Borstal - looked like a good idea to me.  They're not nasty and only vibrate gently apparently.

Your tips were great thanx.. Yes i will have to train him to understand what the vibration is for first and reward with a treat...lots of work ahead i think but well worth it i know. I mainly want to get his attention and get him to come to me...to help stop unwanted behaviour ..like mouthing the kids and barking. The vet said he barks unnessesaraly (bad spelling) because he cant hear himself.
The one ive ordered is for deaf dog training and i double double checked that it wasn't a shock one...never the less i will test it on the hubby first LOL

Hi there. We saw this site when we were looking for advice about our deaf 10 week old puppy Tizzy. We have looked on a few sites for guidance although one said that vets suggest putting a deaf dog to sleep! Well that most definately will not be happening - we love her dearly and she has a wonderful quality of life. She has no idea that anything is different about her, so if its not their problem then it must be the human's perception of it. In fact in many ways she is more advanced at this stage that our two year old, Skipper, ever was. We are trying some basic signs with her (mostly no!) and saying it too as apparently they begin to recognise the facial expression as well. Luckily Skipper is a good boy and she tends to copy him (she is much more willful than him though) mind you, we do get some funny looks off him when we are signing good boy as well as saying it! We think that we will definately invest in a vibrating (not shocking) collar to get her attention initially and also an extra, extra long lead and a connection that could keep the two dogs attatched together when she is much older and strong enough. If anyone has any useful tips we would be very grateful. Thanks Bev