Remote Collar Training for Deaf Dogs
When training a deaf dog, it is crucial to have a clear communication system in your training approach so that the dog does not become frustrated. Deaf dogs “hear” through sight and body language so it is imperative that you have the deaf dogs attention in order to communicate with them. Sit Means Sit remote collar training for deaf dogs provides the best, most positive and most clear communication system available. At Sit Means Sit we have designed a new approach to using a remote collar for any dog as a reliable training tool regardless of age, breed or behavior. However, when we work with deaf dogs our unique approach to using the remote collar really shines.
The deaf dog is limited in that when distracted he has no way of having the handler regain his attention verbally. While leash and collar training is an option, some dogs, deaf or not, find leash pressure confrontational or confusing. While leashes are effective tools in situations like outside for safety, it is not realistic to have a dog drag a leash around the rest of his life inside and outside the house. Similarly, it is not realistic to use food exclusively to train a deaf dog – there will be distractions of greater value than food at times and if distance from the dog is involved – you better have excellent aim when tossing that treat!
When training with a remote collar, particularly the extremely adjustable Sit Means Sit Collar – the collar becomes your leash and your voice. You are able to redirect the dogs focus back on to you so that you can give the body cues/hand signals that tell the dog what you are asking. Reward is a huge part of our system to reinforce behavior. Using the remote collar with a deaf dog allows them to give you the attention to realize you have the reward to give them!
The remote collar we use and love for all dogs we train, the Sit Means Sit Collar, is fully adjustable; just like your voice. When we train deaf dogs, as we do with all dogs, we teach the dog that the collar is simply us (our touch) – similar to if we were to reach out and touch the dog to get their attention. Because we have the deaf dog’s attention, we are able to teach them anything that we would teach a dog with full hearing – come, place, sit, down, heel, etc. We also are able to give our deaf dogs freedoms they would not other wise have because of the exclusive Sit Means Sit training system.
It is important to research your trainer’s experience with remote collars before remote collar training a deaf dog (or any dog). It is important that the trainer understands how to adjust the collar properly for the dog and the environment, how to use it as an effective communication system to ensure a happy learning experience, and how to partner the collar with a reward system. Moreover, the trainer must be able to teach YOU how to use the remote collar to communicate with your dog.
At Sit Means Sit Chicago we have a wealth of experience with deaf dogs – both personally and professionally. We are the industry leaders and experts in remote collar training. As with our dogs with full auditory abilities – we pride ourselves on helping shape happy, obedient deaf dogs to live full lives with their happy and satisfied owners.
Let us show you how we can make your deaf dog’s life more rewarding and relaxed with remote collar training!