Hand signals can be used to train a dog that is blind.
There is a myth that deafness is harder to train.When communicating with each other, all dogs use body language and vision.It's easy for any dog to learn hand signals.When training a deafness dog, focus on the dog's keen senses, rather than the one sense that is missing.You can keep your dog safe by training it.
Step 1: Hand signals can be used to teach your dog.
You will need sight to communicate with a dog that can't hear.It's a good idea to use established dog hand signals instead of creating your own hand signs.You will need to learn how to teach your dog these hand signals.You can learn a few hand signals at a time.You can learn new signals as you train your dog.Many veterinarians, groomers and shelter employees use established dog hand signals.
Step 2: Pick a few hand signals and use them consistently.
You should use a few hand signals for things the dog does every day when training your deafness dog.The first letter in sign language is an easy way to start.Before giving the dog water or food, you should make a "w" in sign language.
Step 3: Accompany hand signals with voice commands.
Voice commands should still be used with your dog.A deafness dog won't hear the command, but it will respond better because of your facial expressions and body language.
Step 4: The hand signals can be used to coordinate facial expressions.
Dogs are able to read human facial expressions and may rely on them more than hearing dogs.When using hand signals with your dog, use facial expressions to reinforce the message.They should smile, make a sad face, and act excited when they are playing.
Step 5: Positive reinforcement training can be used.
Good behavior should be encouraged when training a deafness dog.When you want your dog to do something, give it a treat, toy, or pat on the head.When your dog does something you don't want repeated, hold those rewards.
Step 6: The length of training sessions should be limited.
Obeying lessons should be limited to about 15 minutes.This will keep the sessions fun and keep your dog busy.You want to do these short training sessions frequently.Your dog will learn your commands more quickly and easily if you have several sessions a day.If your dog still needs a treat, consider giving it a pat on the head or some other type of physical affection instead.You should transition from treats to praise after your dog is responding to commands.
Step 7: Take your dog's vocabulary to the next level.
A dog can be taught more than just the signs used for formal commands.Continue to expand its vocabulary by making up more signs for everyday items that it likes to do after it has mastered some basic commands.It's a good idea to teach it signals for common objects, such as "toy" and daily activities.
Step 8: Do your hand signal.
When you think your dog is going to sit down, make a hand signal for "sit" just before it does.The goal is to have the dog understand the connection between the signal and the action.The signal to use for sit begins with your right hand.Slowly bend your arm at the elbow, keeping your fingers straight and lifting your hand up until your right shoulder.You can communicate the connection between the signal and action if you wait for the dog to sit.
Step 9: When the dog sits, give a reward.
Reinforce the dog's positive action with a reward and a "yes" sign to show that it will be rewarded.If your dog doesn't understand the link between "yes" and the reward, keep repeating it.The "yes" and reward connection can be used to teach your dog additional hand signals and to reinforce good behaviors.Even if you catch your dog sitting naturally, give a reward and the "yes" sign.
Step 10: Transition to a "yes" signal and no treat.
You can't give your dog a treat every time.Once the dog responds to the signal consistently, you need to stop giving the treats.Once your dog has responded to your commands, begin giving smaller and smaller treats.Give it a treat every now and then.Over the course of the next month, gradually eliminate the treat.You can use other forms of positive reinforcement, such as petting or playing with your dog, if you eliminate the treats.You may need to give your dog treats if he stops responding to your commands.It wasn't ready to do the trick without the treat.The dog should get back on track with its training.
Step 11: Don't startle a dog.
You need to be able to get a dog's attention without using sound.It is easy to scare a dog that is sleeping or not paying attention.When approaching it, be careful so that it doesn't get scared and snap at you.Don't touch the dog unless you know you are there.If you put your hand in front of the dog's nose, it will wake up.Every time you wake your dog, do this.If you give the dog a treat when it wakes up, it will associate waking up with pleasant emotions.
Step 12: Light can get your dog's attention.
If your dog is awake but not looking at you, you can use light to signal that you are nearby.When your dog isn't looking at you, use a flashlight or laser pointer to get his attention.A light switch can be used to get the dog's attention.Attach the flashlight to the handle of the dog's leash.You should have a flashlight with you when you take your dog for a walk.
Step 13: Make the ground vibrate to get your dog's attention.
If you don't have a light on, you can use vibrations to let your dog know that you want it to pay attention.The floor of your home should be at least 2 feet away from your dog.The dog knows you are approaching.If your dog is sleeping, you can gently scratch the floor or something near the dog to get it to wake up.If you and your dog are outside, this trick may not work.
Step 14: Put a collar on the dog.
When you hit a button on a remote, the collar will vibrate to your dog's neck.These can be used to get your dog's attention when it isn't looking at you.An e-collar emits a small electrical pulse onto the dog's neck, but this is a different product.Don't use e-collars.They are not considered humane as they can be painful for the dog and can lead to aggression or fear.
Step 15: Put a bell on your dog's collar.
While training a deafness dog can increase its safety dramatically, you will still need to do a variety of things to decrease the chance of it getting lost or injured.While a trained hearing dog can come when called, you will need to track your dog down to get its attention.Attach something that will make noise when it moves around to make this easier.The bell will not bother a dog that can't hear it, but it will irritate you at first.You can either get used to the sound of it or just make your dog wear it at certain times, such as when you are outside.
Step 16: Your dog should be on a leash.
Keep your dog on a leash during walks and whenever it's in an unfenced area.Keeping a dog on a leash protects it from being called back when it wanders off.If you want your dog to be able to explore and play off leash, you should take it to a dog park.If you have to intervene, you should always keep an eye on your dog around the other dogs.
Step 17: Put an identification tag on the dog's collar.
It's important that your dog is returned to you.Anyone who finds your dog can get an ID tag to return it to you.Your name and phone number should be on the ID tag for the dog.Make sure that your dog has an ID on.It is possible that it could get lost without an ID tag.Make sure that your dog has an ID tag.Your vet can make sure that your dog is returned to you safely.