Deaf dog. Can she still enjoy an off lead walk?

[Tizzy01]

Our elderly cocker is now quite deaf. She always had good recall but in her twilight years this has gone to pot as she can’t hear when you call. She is a bit arthritic but still loves to go. She is happy on the lead but loves being able to do her own thing, sniff and have a little run when she wants to. However, walking her off lead now makes me anxious as she occasionally runs out of sight. She isn’t bothered by other dogs and wouldn’t run up to them but the thought of her running into a road etc worries me. Does anyone have experience of using whistles with dogs who are hard of hearing? It seems such a shame to deprive her of her off lead wanders but want to keep her safe.

 

[meleeka]

We used to walk mine in fairly enclosed areas so no roads nearby. She would go off into the trees but knew where we were at all times and there was a fence the other side so no other way to go but back. We also used to walk on the edge of a farmers field where visibility was good. She never ran far away and always liked to see us so not a problem. I think it depends on how far yours wants to go and if there’s anywhere without roads. A long line might also be a good choice.

 

[TheOldTrout]

We used to let our deaf jrt off lead in enclosed fields away from the road.

 

[gunnergundog]

Buy a vibration collar and teach her that the vibration means that she has to come to you or at least look at you so that you can either then give her a visual recall signal (arms open wide?) or a cue to redirect/sit or whatever.

 

[Roxylola]

If the dog stays in sight and regularly comes to check in maybe, but, my collie went deaf and it seemed to distort his perception of sound so he'd hear me to some extent, and run to where he thought I was calling from - often the wrong direction.
I'd be very wary on anything but very safe spaces, suitable fences and good visibility

 

[zandp]

Mine was born deaf so is a bit different I think, we taught him the check in when we got him as a puppy and he is very good at keeping us in sight, it may be more difficult with a dog that has lost hearing as they've always relied on hearing previously. I'd keep the spaces open so you have visibility and also put a bell on her collar so you can hear where she is.

 

[ihatework]

I was going to suggest vibrating collar. Friend does that with a dog born deaf

 

[teddypops]

If the dog stays in sight and regularly comes to check in maybe, but, my collie went deaf and it seemed to distort his perception of sound so he'd hear me to some extent, and run to where he thought I was calling from - often the wrong direction.
I'd be very wary on anything but very safe spaces, suitable fences and good visibility

My terrier was doing that, he stays on a lead now if we aren’t at home in the field.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I’d let her off in a safe area. Ours was very used to the routine in the park and responded to hand signals, but we did have to stop him leaving once or twice! If you’re concerned, maybe a harness and a longline?

 

[Pinkvboots]

Stepdaughter has a Dashund who is almost completely deaf and going blind, she does still let her off the lead in certain places but she doesn't really run about or run off so is pretty easy to catch.

 

[TheresaW]

I had a collie cross years ago who went deaf with old age. I used to still let her off lead over the parks/fields. She would wander about, but keep checking back she could see me.

 

[Blazingsaddles]

I think it depends on the dog. You’ve mentioned that the dog will run off due to more interesting stimuli. I would either run in a safe enclosure or walk on a long line.?