07/20/2026
Hi everyone, meet Digby! 🐾
Digby is a sweet senior pup who is almost completely deaf, but that does not stop him from doing his absolute best. His owners would like a little more help with his basic manners, so we have been working on stay, recall, and clear hand signals for each command. He already knows sit and is doing absolutely amazing especially considering this was only our second session!
Digby is calm, loving, and such a fast learner. He is proof that age does not determine a dog’s ability to learn. With love, patience, consistency, and teamwork, senior dogs are capable of accomplishing so much.
Training a dog who is nearly deaf requires clear and consistent communication. His owners are doing an incredible job learning the correct hand signals, rewarding him when he makes the right choice, and making sure everyone communicates with him in the same way. I love how much they adore Digby and how willing they are to participate in every part of his training.
We are currently using positive reinforcement and visual cues while working on his recall, and Digby is responding beautifully. A vibration only collar may eventually be considered as an additional communication tool, especially for recall from a distance. It would never be used to frighten or punish him only as a gentle way to get his attention when he cannot hear us. At the moment, he is doing so well that we may not even need it!
I am so excited for Digby’s training journey, and I cannot wait to show everyone how much progress he continues to make. I am already so proud of Digby and his wonderful parents! ❤️