recall for deaf dog

[lazysummer]

Our old and lovely golden retriever (15 years) is deaf, and no longer responds to recall. Is there a whistle she would be able to hear and return to? At the moment, I am reluctant to let her off the lead, as she can't hear me calling her name. Thank you! She still has energy and enjoys her walks.

A very long retractable lead is your best friend esp in areas where you can’t always see where she is , like woodland walks.

She might respond to a whistle? Maybe your vet can establish which sounds, if any, she can hear?

Our Boxer became totally deaf so we never took him anywhere enclosed. Always the beach or an open area where we could always run to grab him back. Kept us fit!

Thank you.

Can you attach a long line to her harness? Then she can be off lead but you can grab her if necessary.

You could try training her to a vibrating collar too.

Deaf ddog is on a long line now

Could she wear a vibrating collar?
ETA: Obviously only if she finds it comfortable, I don't mean as an aversive tool just as a signal that vibrates=treat in hand, so come back!

For our very ancient deaf border collie we used to clap our hands very loudly to get her attention, might have been the pitch of the clap, movement of arms or air vibration but it mostly worked . We didn’t tend to go into open spaces that we not our own though

There are some very reputable dog professionals on this group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedeafdognetwork, you could try there.

Thanks for all the help!

Vibrating collars are really frowned on in the deaf dog community.

They are horrible to feel if you put one on your skin. So I would not use one ever.

I would work on check ins. Every time the dog looks at you reward. Your dog will learn to check in with your frequently. Also long line etc whilst this is in training.