A Simple Solution for Training Your Deaf Pet: Vibrating Collar that Inflicts No Pain!

Training a dog with a hearing disability can be a challenge, but it can be accomplished. Since it's hard to get the dog's attention, many experts recommend the use of a vibrating collar. However, if your dog isn't trained to respond to the collar, then its presence is useless. Just like you train your dog to sit, you must also train him to respond to the vibrations. If you set aside a few minutes each day, your dog will respond to the vibrating collar in no time.

A vibrating collar should not be confused with a shock collar; it is not painful for your pet in any way. Like the name suggests, the vibrating collar lightly vibrates when you press the control, getting your dog's attention (after he has been properly trained to respond). The collars are about the size of a deck of cards. Some are placed on an existing collar, while others come with their own collar. Depending on the brand, each collar will work for a certain distance. If you live in an area where your pooch may spend time away from you (out in a field, the woods, etc), then you may want to purchase one with considerable range.

Before you ever push the vibration button, you have to get your dog accustomed to the feel of the collar. Since it is fairly large and awkward, you don't want to introduce too many new "feels" at once. The first day, place the collar on your dog, and then take it off after a few minutes. Repeat this a couple of times. The next day, do the same thing, but leave the collar on for longer periods of times. Continue progression into the third day. Once your dog seems accustomed to the collar, then it's time to start the training. If you make the collar vibrate now, your dog will either be frightened, try to find the source of the vibration, or ignore it entirely. This is why training is so important.

Like all forms of training, vibration training requires some treats! Don't overload your pup on large or calorie-filled snacks. Remember that a cut up carrot or apple can be just a delightful and rewarding as a sugary treat. The first day of training is extremely simple, and it is best performed in an area free of distractions. Make the collar vibrate, and immediately give your pooch a treat. Don't give him time to wonder what is going on. Repeat this a handful of times, then take a break. A couple of hours later do the same thing. Take your time with the training; you want to continue to do this until your dog learns that the vibration is linked to you and a reward. To test to see if your dog is catching on, vibrate the collar but hold off on the treat. If he looks to you, then he is probably starting to understand. Add distractions, and continue the process.

Once you feel that your dog completely understands that the vibration is linked to you, you can move on with the next step. Now, instead of immediately giving him a treat, you will be giving him a treat when he looks to you. Page the collar and wait. If he looks to you, then give him a treat. If he doesn't, then you will have to add something else to get his attention. If you normally stomp or wave (or have a specific hand signal for "look at me"), then use this simultaneously as you press the button. Give the treat when he looks to you. As your pooch gets the hang of things, add distractions and distance. This training can take many days, but soon your dog will know that a vibrations means to look for you (i.e. coming to you) to get a reward. Eventually, replace the treats with another form of reward, such as a rub on the tummy.

It can be extremely difficult to get the attention of a deaf dog, which is why vibration training is so helpful. It can take awhile, but you need to make sure that your dog is ready before you move onto the next step. If your dog is unable to learn new things, then you may have to regress and start over. Your work will pay off, though, when you page your dog after dark and he runs home to you! Learn more about how to compliment your dogs disabilities by looking into dog carriers and dog crates.