I just rescued a white boxer from the death chamber, and am fostering it through the boxer rescue association that I am a member of. Well, this boxer is deaf. Has anyone here trained a deaf dog in obedience using arm signals or another method beside verbal or sound cues. I would like some information on ideas and techniques. I'm thinking of using the American Sign languange signs for this instead of the normal ones we use for dogs (sit, heel, down etc), but am unsure. I might just use the "dog" hand cues becuase that is what I'M familiar with, but I have to think about the family that will adopt her and their experience. Also ideas to get the dog to look at me when she is out playing, so I can give a command. I obviously can't call her name. I was thinking of (I know trainers won't like this) using a laser light or some other bright light to cue her that when she sees the flash to look at me or come to me. This is just my planning thoughts, but any suggestions would be appreciated. I set my goal to get her an obedience title (either CD or BH) through just hand signals. I think this would say a lot for her and my reputation as a dog trainer. I'll have to contact a SchH trial judge on using hand signals for obedience. This would be the only title I would seek for her through SchH. She is spayed so no worries there...Thanks for the help.

Oh, and Ed, I would buy a video on this topic in a heart beat. If you have one, let me know...

Jason, Having never trained a dog that was deaf from day one I am no expert on the subject, but when my schnauzer lost her hearing I did use a electric collar with the 'page' setting to get her to look at me for the hand signals. I think that is far more effective than the laser idea would ever be. It won't matter if she is out of your sight or behind something. The pager setting is just like a vibrating pager or cell phone.

Yes, it will be more expensive, but you need to bridge that gap somehow.

Another idea I have seen used. A small flashlight was used to get the dogs attention. The trainer I'm familiar with used two short flashes to get the dogs attention then used hand signals he had devised himself. It was simple and cheap.

DFrost

Thank you both..Deanna, I didn't even think of the collar. I only have a Dogtra collar...Do you think maybe a low setting would no work...I know I've put the collar on my arm and on a low setting it only tickles. Do you think that would work, or should I just purchase a vibrating one? And David, I originally thought about you idea, but I also have to think of something that would work during the day in bright light..I don't know if a flashlight would work...A laser pointer probably won't work either. Keep the suggestions coming....Thanks <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Jason,

It may only be a tickle to you, it could be very annoying, even painful for the dog. Why take the chance. Either get the vibrating one or use a light or something similar.

DFrost

Ive trained deaf dogs and worked with someone who specialized in training deaf aussies.The vibrating collar is defanitely the way to go.I dont see why you would want to use sign language.The regular hand signals are effective enough.I dont think training a deaf dog to do basic obedience is any harder than teaching a hearing dog. I belive dogs are much more visual and pick up on the hand signals easier anyway.

True David...I was looking around on the net and found some ideas on vibrating collars. I also saw the directions on how to make your own using a remote control car motor. Seemed simple and inexpensive until I can afford a good collar. Just something to get her to look at me. I know I can do it with time. I taught my other boxer, who can hear, hand signals for noisy situations. But then again, that was giving the signal and voice command. I'll just have to teach her the same way I taught him the voice commands except use signals. Thanks for the help...

Also, with a vibrating collar you could teach commands like is done with retrievers based on a set # of Vibrations. 1 sit, 2 down, Long recall.

Well, you sold me on the vibrating collar. Any recommendations. I really don't want one that has a 2 mile range and $400!! If she gets that far away, its a lost cause to begin with...