Does anyone have experience with vibrating collars, and if so, how well do they work? We are considering getting one, as our 12 year old dog is starting to go deaf. He is good at reading hand signals and body language when he is looking in our direction, however there will come a point when he will be completely deaf and unable to see our signals in the dark on his evening walks in winter. It would be a shame to have to put him on a lead in his old age when he has been under control off the lead for all these years.

not of much help but didnt want to read and run.
i have not heard of these collars, but it sounds like it might be useful for the situation you are describing.
my friend has a 16 year old deaf and almost blind dog. she still walks her off lead in the fields... but often has to go u to her and touch her to get to to understand whcih direction to walk in.

Great idea, as long as his sight's OK (maybe get it checked by a vet before investing in the collar, they don't come cheap). You should start training asap, that when the collar vibrates, he's to look at you for a signal.

Vibrating collars were specifically designed for use with deaf dogs.
Just make sure you get a good quality one.

The collars are good for getting the dog's attention but you have to train then to know that the vibration means they have come to you to get a treat.

If hand signals work then you are half way there. If you just use the collar to stop the sniffing in the bushes you can use hand signals for the rest.

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Dog Trainer And Walker in Bolton and Bury