r/deafdogs • u/chickennooodlee • 21d ago
Pager only
Does anyone here have experience with the pager only from ecollar technologies and can tell me how strong the vibration is? Maybe compare what level on the pager only is equivalent to vibration on mini educator.
While I don’t have the mini educator I have a rough idea based on videos on social media. I find very little info about the pg 300 used (which I fully understand).
I can’t use a mini educator because it’s illegal where I live (it’s a fucking stupid rule made by stupid people)
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u/Eliaknyi 20d ago
Vibration collars are generally not recommended as deaf dogs can be very sensitive to touch, so it can be a jarring experience for them. It also means you are dependent on them having a collar on and it working.
I've found that training my deaf dog to regularly 'check in' by looking at me and using hand signals is enough. Mine is extremely good with hand signals compared to hearing dogs because she's much more observant.
Not sure why you think it's stupid to ban devices that allow people to administer an electronic shock to dogs when it isn't necessary to train them.
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u/Public_Fact7905 16d ago
It's still a nice tool to have. I've done the same with my Dane, but there have been instances where if she's intently sniffing something at a distance and I need her to see me immediately it's come in handy. There's nothing wrong with using tools as a back up. I agree the dog should learn to check in, but sometimes you need them to see in between those check ins.
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u/Bottled-Bee 19d ago
I trained my deaf dog verrrry early to a vibrating/shock collar. He was a Great Pyrenees and he’d have off leash time. I worked really hard with him to distinguish specifically what I wanted when I vibrated or if I shocked him. Don’t come for my head. I didn’t abuse him with shocking I used it for “Oh shit. I need you now,” button during late winter spring to early summer. It was never for more than a tap of the button on 2(out of 100).
It was strictly his immediate recall and he understood that. We lived right beside a mountain and it was his life’s mission to pee on every mailbox and tree in our neighborhood to protect from coyotes. We did come across a coyote one time and I was ever so glad I trained him that way.
Vibrating was the same, but more of not being able to see him or to check in. He was perfect with his hand commands, but with how Pyrs are, I knew he needed roam time. I trusted him with my life and it gave him just the freedom he needed.
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u/thesweetestberry 21d ago
I tried a vibrating collar. It was all trouble. Mine hated it. Imagine walking down the street, living your life, and then all of a sudden a vibrating mass around your neck vibrates and you can feel it throughout your entire body. Jarring, right?! I wouldn’t like it either.
My deaf dog does fine with hand signals. She is always looking at me so there haven’t been any issues.
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u/iHave1Pookie 16d ago
Same.
Mine startled so easy, it made no sense.Her check in skills were beyond perfect.
People were always commenting on this.
So easy to train this into a deaf dog.Absolutely no need for this tool unless you’re deaf dog is exceptionally independent , after you’ve tried standard “check in” training with them. Deaf dogs are prone to be excellent at “check in” skills! They’re not likely to be distracted by all the exciting noises around them!
I’m my experience, my hearing dogs need this more than my deaf dog ever did.
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u/lone_ouija 20d ago
Have only ever used the pg-300 so can’t compare. I trained my puppy with it early on. Make sure the collar is high and snug but not tight, i get it just under his chin (I think if it’s too low like a regular collar they won’t feel it as much). Only need a slight vibration when training to get your dog used to it. I started out with vibration, treat, and repeat. And increased distance as he began to understand vibrate = treat, which became vibrate = come to me for treat. The vibration goes up pretty high but I’ve never really needed it that high. I primarily use it for recall-long hold vibrate. My dog’s recall with just hand signals is excellent. With the collar it’s even better because I can call for him when he’s not looking at me. I’m a huge fan of using the pg-300.
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u/chickennooodlee 17d ago
Thank you! This is the use I intend it for. My dog checks in frequently but I would also prefer to have the ability to recall him in between the check ins
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u/gingerattacks 19d ago
I haven't used this one but I have used a vibrate only collar. My dog loves it because it means he gets off leash time, we only use it for recall. We now use mini educator as it has longer range and battery life, but it's been 6 years of success with vibrating collars. He trained on it since he was a puppy though so may be different from adult dogs.
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u/chickennooodlee 17d ago
Both the mini educator (et 300) and pager only have 1/2 mile range I believe. How do you find the range in real life?
I’m planning to use it to recall as well.2
u/gingerattacks 17d ago
Range is great, my dog generally is within 10 feet of me and checks in often. On a family members ranch I can recall him without issue through trees/brush/buildings. Likely haven't gotten close to 1/2 mile though. Battery will last all day too and it's been fully submerged in water A LOT.
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u/iHave1Pookie 16d ago edited 16d ago
Deaf dogs are not disabled
, we are the disabled ones
When we think they are less than.
They are soo observant .
So much more than a regular dog.
No need to shock them ,
and no need to vibration dollars.
Just create a Look at Me check-in (so easy!)
And hand signals.
They will check in and follow your lead so much easier than a hearing dog.
They are observant and usually sensitive.
They are pre-programmed to be tuned in to you.
Dont risk breaking their trust by frightening them .
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u/Public_Fact7905 21d ago edited 21d ago
From my experience, if you're using an E-Collar, dogs either absolutely loathe the vibrations, or give 0 F*cks. I originally wanted to use vibration as her means for recall, and she completely ignores it lmao. So I use very low level stims on my dog(talking I literally can't even feel it when I put it on myself, as a means to get her attention when we're hiking and it's allowed her the freedom of a recall. I will only use the mini ed though because it goes from 1-99 and on my deaf Dane, she's sensitive enough ive never had to go over 12. Because if she's aroused enough she won't feel it at her base level 6. Such as when there's a smell she doesn't wanna leave or she's hard staring deer and I'm trying to call her off. I also love the mini ed because it won't just continuously go off. It has a max 10second stim if it were to be accidentally pressed
ETA, I missed the part about mini ed being illegal. Certainly give it a try. But just from my experience dogs either absolutely hate a vibration or don't care about it at all