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Working with Deaf Dogs, Reactivity (right shifted), & Recalls
Hi Y’all. Does anyone have any resources that you like with regards to working with deaf dogs and reactivity? This particular dog has a hand signal for “yess” which is thumbs up. I planned on using pattern games, LAT work, mat work (relaxation), and staying under threshold by a greater degree since I cannot engage her auditory. Client wants recalls. But, I cannot think of any way in which to do this safely. Do y’all have any special ways to set up recalls other than auto check-ins?
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17 Replies
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@sacredpaws , it really depends on the individual dog and how focused she typically is on the owner, how strong a prey drive she has, etc. Since the dog you’re working with can be reactive, that makes the goal of being off leash more challenging.
One skill you might want to add with this dog is a gentle flank touch as a cue to turn and orient to the handler, introduced at first without any distractions of course. ????
An incredibly strong auto-check-in skill is really important. Then, perhaps off leash work can be considered in various safely fenced environments. Otherwise, I’d be likely to use a long line in areas that aren’t safely enclosed.
Terrie Hayward has a book about deaf dogs which is a great resource. Interestingly, she does not recommend vibrating collars as a way to get the dog’s attention. Dogs can find the vibration aversive, and with proper training, she finds them unnecessary anyway.
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@virginiad That’s so interesting about the vibration collars. I’ve not worked with many deaf dogs but I’ve always thought the low-stim collars were a boon to the dog and owner. Set very low it feels like my phone when set on “vibrate”, so I can’t imagine it being truly aversive to any but the extremely anxious dog. Do you have more information on that?
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I wondered if the deaf dog organizations would have any tools to recommend – and it looks like they still like the vibration (only) collars – and this one features a light as well.
https://deafdogsrock.com/vibration-collars-for-deaf-dogs
Deafdogs.org has a helpful chart comparing the various collars and their features.
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@programdev It’s definitely unpleasant to many dogs other than just very anxious ones, so it’d rarely be as simple as popping one on and counting on the dog being unconcerned about it. One could do classical counter-conditioning to pair the vibration with high-value treats until a positive emotional response is created. But vibration collars are on the market and successfully inhibiting barking behavior with some dogs just because they find the vibration punishing.
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That makes sense and is a really good point, about how the initial conditioning takes place, for sure. Does the author of that book simply recommend never going off-leash, or does she give other alternatives besides conditioning the check in? I could see where a dog who is very visual/prey driven could get into trouble quickly without a solid recall.
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Unfortunately, I don’t have the book, @programdev . My knowledge about Terrie’s thoughts on vibration collars is from direct inquiries.
Regarding recalls, whether deaf or not, a whole lot of dogs may never safely graduate to off-leash freedom. ????
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Thank you so much for carefully responding to my inquiry. I am also concerned about the vibrating collars. Seems as though its too much of a slippery slope especially with an already emotionally triggered canine. I will check these resources out. Thank you so much for your input.
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@sacredpaws Please keep us posted as to your learning journey with this. I certainly agree with being creative and figuring out what can work the best to bring the dogs to their fullest potential, regardless of their physical abilities or limitations.
This is an interesting discussion and I hope others will also chime in with helpful thoughts, experience and resources to share.
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I will definitely keep y’all posted. I need to update another post from another client too. I just need to find it lol.
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@SacredPaws I find it really easy to locate my previous discussions by visiting my own profile page – you can see all your replies and the channel/forum discussions you started. Check it out.
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Wonderful!! Thank you so much !!
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@sacredpaws I have a question – when you say “right shifted” after reactivity, what do you mean?
So far as a distance-signal… is there such a thing as a remote-controlled flashing light that could signal the dog? Seems like the dog’s vision could pick up on a change in lighting at their neck… or if it is dangling like a bringsel. Just brainstorming… I don’t know if such a thing exists?
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Hi Catherine, thank you for chiming in on my inquiry. Really appreciate your input and insight. Right shifted is a term Suzanne Clothier uses to describe on a sliding scale spectrum of the type of triggered response. Right shifted refers to fight response, left shifted refers to shut down or flee response.
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@catherine Thank you both again for your insights and support. I ordered a book from the author your recommended and very much look forward to learning more. My first session was great and what I did was charge a hand signal first (just like a clicker). I recommended it was a moving hand signal (“bubbly” like the verbal marker “yess”). We came up with the “surfer dude” hand signal for LAT training. We kept the leash loose but with not much slack so that we could effectively deliver the hand signal when client saw trigger. It was so wonderful to watch the owner connect with her canine in this way. What a joy! Thank you both again for your input regarding my client.
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@sacredpaws , this is wonderful news! I’m so glad you shared info about your first session, and look forward to hearing more. ????
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???? Thank you so much for your support and guidance!
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PAWsome!!! ???? That’s such an inspiring story and a wonderful WIN for all! Well done, @SacredPaws !
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