3 replies to this topic

[Karen]

So, it's pretty clear to me that our older dog is not being stubborn, he can't hear us. We've made some changes. If we want him and he's asleep, we have to go over and touch him to wake him up, and then let him know what we want. For the last walk of the night this can take awhile - he'd rather not go on it at this point, but he's not quite 12 and it's still good for him. For those on this board who don't know us, this dog is Roscoe, and he's not an AID, he's our pit-lab mix.

I've started using hand signals again, something I never completely stopped but have let fall by the wayside somewhat. Both dogs are solid on sit, down, and stay, but I need more for Roscoe. I don't know how deaf he is, but I want to assume he can't hear at all when it comes to training him, although I still praise him verbally and talk to him. You never know. (I really don't think he hears much, and don't think he hears our voices.)

I need a "come" command, something that can be seen from across the yard and I can use in the house. Obviously, taking him to the park is a different thing now, but he stays closer to me than he used to anyway. Other commands that used to matter don't anymore. "Off", he doesn't need, he's never into things he shouldn't be. But if there are other commands that would make his life easier that I'm not thinking of I'd appreciate hearing of them.

Thanks,
Karen

[Karen]

Just a quick note/update: I figured that since he can still feel vibrations in the floor, I'd try using that for "come" in the house, and did a little session with it this afternoon. He got it the first time. We ran through it about 10 times and stopped, and we'll do more tomorrow.

You should have seen him. He was so happy to have a new avenue of communication and to be interacting in this new way, it was as if 5 years fell of him instantly. And Danza, our AID, somehow knew that this session was not for her. She "got" it too, right off the bat, but stayed away. I rewarded her with a globe tomato and praised and played with them both at the end.

[miz molly]

Karen, on Mar 18 2010, 10:19 PM, said:

Just a quick note/update: I figured that since he can still feel vibrations in the floor, I'd try using that for "come" in the house, and did a little session with it this afternoon. He got it the first time. We ran through it about 10 times and stopped, and we'll do more tomorrow.

You should have seen him. He was so happy to have a new avenue of communication and to be interacting in this new way, it was as if 5 years fell of him instantly. And Danza, our AID, somehow knew that this session was not for her. She "got" it too, right off the bat, but stayed away. I rewarded her with a globe tomato and praised and played with them both at the end.

Hey Karen,
I have this problem with my boarder collie. She is also loosing her eyesight. She is 15 years young, and loves to play fetch with Tolinka and me. It's hard for her cuz she doesn't see much or hear much. I have found that she follows Tolinka when we are walking the property. But for hand signals, I definitely have to have her eyes on me. When I want her to come, I use the hand signal where I bring my hands to my crotch. For "lets go" I use one arm in the air and pull it towards me like I am scooping the air. I also use the verbal commands along with the hand signals, I always have dog treats for extra incentive. This way Tolinka can learn too. The rest of the time the old gal pretty much does what she wants......

[Allison]

Vibration! Brilliant!

Humans are so focused on language; it's always a thrill for me to experience such perfect communication without words--like a light touch of telepathy.