All dogs do require some training for them to respond to our commands as well as to keep their behavior in check.
Training is an easy task, especially if you are equipped with various tools such as the e-collars. But when it comes to training deaf dogs, the situation slightly changes. You cannot simply use words or gestures, hoping that your pup listens and view your gestures without a proper trigger.
As for e-collars, we will need to be mindful of the dog's hearing disability when we train him. Since all PetSpy e-collars have three modes namely shock, vibration and tone, we will need to choose the correct stimulus that will respond to your dog. We should not be using the tone stimulus. Also, as a general guideline, we will refrain from using the shock stimulation, because we do not want to stress the dog overly.
With that, our article here will be on how to train a deaf dog with an e-collar by using only the vibration stimulus.
Wearing the e-collar
First of all, you will need to introduce the e-collar to your deaf dog. Put the e-collar on him and do not press on any buttons. At least for the first few days, ensure that the e-collar is on your pup for about 10 – 15 minutes a day. After you take off the e-collar, give your dog a treat. Increase the duration once your dog starts to get accustomed to having the e-collar on him.
Introducing the vibration
Once your dog is comfortable having the e-collar around his neck, it is time for you to enter the concept of vibration. Throughout this phase, you will need to ensure that there is no distraction around; otherwise, the training will fail.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not attach the leash to the e-collar! Use the separate collar.
Put your pup on a leash and press the remote button to send the vibration to the collar. After you’ve provided the stimulation, proceed to give the dog a treat immediately. Repeat this process diligently up to 15 times. Each session should be short and last for about 5 - 10 minutes, repeat up to three times a day.
After a few days, the dog will start to associate the vibration with you giving him a treat. Optimally, your pup should begin to look at you once you contact him. This is the outcome that you should be expecting.
Once your dog starts to look at you when you contact him, you can proceed to introduce various distractions around the house.
Getting the dog's attention (at home)
For a deaf dog, this will be the hardest part of the training, which is to get his attention. We should start by placing him in a safe environment that is free from distraction. Send the vibration, and if the dog is looking at you, you should give a visual command, ask him to come or ask him to stay. If the dog indeed responds, then you should immediately reward him with a treat.
Once your pup starts to respond to your command in the distraction-free zone, you should gradually introduce distractions and go to the next step of training.
Getting the dog's attention (outdoors)
When it comes to training the deaf dog with an e-collar outdoor, the stakes are leveled up. You will need to get his attention when there are so many distractions around.
Start with sending the stimulation to the dog and giving him treats, as per what you have done in step "Introducing the vibration to the dog". Similarly, once your pup starts to respond, you should reward him with a treat and stop the vibration immediately. For this part, the dog has to be kept close to you and on a leash and in a place without distractions.
Once the above it possible, it is time for you to keep the dog leashed, but at a distance away. Similarly, the place has to be without distractions. Send the stimulation and once pup looks at you, get him to respond to your visual command. Treat him after that.
Next step, remove the leash from the dog and place him in an area with some distractions. Send the vibration, and when the pup responds, you should be ready to give a visual command. Reward the dog with a treat after that!
Conclusion
Training the deaf dog with an e-collar requires a lot of patience as well as persistence. Do not give up easily! E-Collar can do a great job for you and your dog. No more moments when you can’t call your furry friend. Just slight vibration and your pup will know that you need him.