CANINE
Y
Gadgets and Gizmos
In the third article in her series on deaf dogs, Morag Heirs looks at some of the common questions about recall and gadgets
ou may recall from the pictures in previous articles (BARKS from the Guild: April 2014, page 30 & July 2014, page 35) that I am definitely in favor of allowing deaf dogs to run free when it is safe - and I do not just mean in a secure enclosed space (see photo right). Both of my deaf dogs regularly go off leash in unfamiliar locations and have a much better ‘recall’ than many other hearing dogs! The previous article in this series (BARKS from the Guild July 2014, page 35) introduced you to some of my favorite games to build focus and attention (in any dog!) including Uncued Attention, Take A Break and Pattern Games. These are a great foundation as the deaf dog has to want to hang out with the handler before we ask for anything more complicated. If the deaf dog handler finds himself frequently having to use a touch/tap to get the dog’s attention then there are likely to be problems once we introduce wide open spaces – just like the hearing dog who is verbally nagged.
Side Effects
One of the most common questions asked in the Deaf Dog Network Facebook group by people new to living with a deaf dog is whether they should purchase a vibrating collar or other gadget. While this might sound like an appealing idea where the dog learns to respond to the vibration as a hearing dog might recall to a whistle, experienced deaf dog guardians tend to discourage it as an unnecessary expense. It is still relatively difficult to source a good quality vibrating collar in the UK that does not include any unwanted side-effects such as spray/shock or that is not bark-activated. Those models which are available tend not to be waterproof (problematic for the rainy dog30
BARKS from the Guild/October 2014
Three-year-old Aussie mix Tovin runs free at the beach
walking weather experienced in many areas), have limited range and can be quite bulky. Even those guardians who use vibrating collars would be quick to emphasize that these are in addition to excellent check-in and recall training rather than as a replacement. The same principles apply as when working with a dog who is never going to be allowed off lead, you still want to train a basic recall just in case management/leads/harnesses or collars fail! Based on my experience moderating deaf dog discussion groups and with my own dogs, many dogs find even gently vibrating collars quite unpleasant. Conversely, a reasonable number of deaf dogs appear to deliberately ignore the sensations. It is impossible to predict the reaction without purchasing a unit, unfortunately. I do own a vibrating collar purchased from Company of Animals. However, my deaf/part-blind collie Bronte is terrified of the sensation, while Farah (deaf) point blank refuses to acknowledge the vibration or me when she is wearing the collar. I had hoped to use it as a backup emergency recall if we were out on the hills and came across livestock. Instead it has been consigned to my training bag and I use a waist-belt plus bungee lines on harnesses in any potentially difficult areas when walking.