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Trainer Teaches Deaf Dog Signals To Communicate | digtriad.com | Triad, NC | Local News
Meet Sugar. At least, that's what her owners call her.
"We have lots of nicknames for her since you know, it's kind of sad since she doesn't know her name," says Sugar's owner, Jessica Aldave. "She doesn't even know her name is Sugar."
That's because Sugar was born 100% deaf.
She's full of life and energy, but her deafness has posed a problem for her owners.
"In the house we can't call her if you need her, or if she's doing something wrong, we can't say 'Stop it', because she can't hear."
So Sugar's owners decided to find professional help, to open the line of communication between human and hound.
That's where Jordan Miller comes in. Along with the hand signals, Jordan uses a vibrating collar remote. It's kind of like a magic wand that trains Sugar without having to use her voice.
"More than anything, more than the hand signals, I'd really like for her to look at her owners when they're trying to get her attention."
Jordan uses positive reinforcement, and gives toys, smiles and treats when Sugar responds to the hand signals and vibrations.
"She responds more to the collar. She'll sit more when we tell her to sit. She'll stay more, she'll lay down."
Within months, Sugar's soundless world now has structure; giving her a way to learn, grow, and connect with those who love her most.
The trainer says the vibrating dog collars do not hurt the dogs.
If you'd like to learn more about vibrating collars for deaf dogs, click here to the link to the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund.
Meet Sugar. At least, that's what her owners call her.
"We have lots of nicknames for her since you know, it's kind of sad since she doesn't know her name," says Sugar's owner, Jessica Aldave. "She doesn't even know her name is Sugar."
That's because Sugar was born 100% deaf.
She's full of life and energy, but her deafness has posed a problem for her owners.
"In the house we can't call her if you need her, or if she's doing something wrong, we can't say 'Stop it', because she can't hear."
So Sugar's owners decided to find professional help, to open the line of communication between human and hound.
That's where Jordan Miller comes in. Along with the hand signals, Jordan uses a vibrating collar remote. It's kind of like a magic wand that trains Sugar without having to use her voice.
"More than anything, more than the hand signals, I'd really like for her to look at her owners when they're trying to get her attention."
Jordan uses positive reinforcement, and gives toys, smiles and treats when Sugar responds to the hand signals and vibrations.
"She responds more to the collar. She'll sit more when we tell her to sit. She'll stay more, she'll lay down."
Within months, Sugar's soundless world now has structure; giving her a way to learn, grow, and connect with those who love her most.
The trainer says the vibrating dog collars do not hurt the dogs.
If you'd like to learn more about vibrating collars for deaf dogs, click here to the link to the Deaf Dog Education Action Fund.
