Deaf Dog Collars, Leashes & Harnesses
Deaf dog safety is a passion of mine, and the reason is simple: our deaf dogs depend on us to keep them out of danger in ways that hearing dogs don’t. Keeping a deaf dog safe and out of harm’s way doesn’t have to be hard, complicated or expensive.
Thinking about these issues now and then coming up with a safety plan that fits your family’s lifestyle and your dog’s needs isn’t just good deaf dog parenting- it may save your deaf dog’s life!
The Highlights of Deaf Dog Safety
Deaf dog safety can achieved in a variety of ways, including:
- training
- implementing a few changes to our daily lives, such as making sure our doors are always securely locked and checking fences for unwanted escape hatches
- staying aware of changes in our dog’s environment, and
- remembering to communicate these changes to our dog,
For a more comprehensive overview of deaf dog safety, check out my post Deaf Dog Safety 101.
Products to Help Keep Your Deaf Dog Safe
There also many products available to help keep our deaf dogs safe. Some examples of products that will help you keep your deaf dog out of harms way or his way back home to you if he gets loose are:
- microchips
- personalized vests, such as Doodie Packs.
- GPS collars devices, such as this one by Nuzzle
- and vibration collars for recall. NOTE: NEVER use a shock collar on any dog, but most especially on a deaf dog!
But on of the simplest and favorite products an “I’m Deaf” collar, leash or harness.
Some Benefits of a Deaf Dog Collars, Leashes & Harnesses
In the event that your deaf dog gets loose, an “I’m Deaf” collar lets neighbors, a vet’s office or a shelter know that your dog isn’t ignoring them; rather, he simply can’t hear them. It alerts these Good Samaritans to your deaf dog’s unique needs and allows them to better care for your deaf dog until the two of you are reunited.
A lost dog is a stressed dog, and stressed dogs often don’t want to be touched. Deaf dogs are frequently more touch sensitive than hearing dogs and, in my experience, this sensitivity is increased during times of stress and fear. Unlike a name tag or microchip that states that your dog is deaf, an “I’m Deaf” collar communicates important information from a distance and lets people know that they should get your deaf dog’s attention before approaching or touching him. This is a great way to prevent your dog from being startled when he’s already scared.
This post and about deaf dog safety tips and products
is sponsored by The French Dog Etsy shop.
Deaf Dog Collars, Leashes & Harnesses from The French Dog
A friend of mine and fellow animal advocate has been creating handcrafted, custom collars, leashes and harnesses for while now. She also makes some awesome bow ties for dogs!
After getting to know Edison and learning more about deaf dogs, she decided to start making “I’m Deaf” collars, leashes and harnesses. She also sent me a set for Edison to try.
You can find the collar and leash that Edison is wearing by visiting The French Dog Etsy shop. These collars and leashes can be personalized with a custom engraved metal buckle with your dog’s name on it or you can add a leather end to the collar.
While testing this leash and collar, I put Edison through the paces without a harness to get a good sense of the strength of the collar and leash. I pushed myself outside my comfort zone and took him on adventures in two parks fronting Biscayne Bay. I found the buckle secure, and the overall quality excellent. I didn’t once feel that Edison, my 92 pound and equally strong muse, was at risk of slipping out of the collar or breaking the leash.
That said, I do I think a well-fitting harness is an excellent safety product and I always use one. The French Dog also offers a matching harness. If you have any questions about measuring your dog or which size he or she might need, please know that The French Dog is available to answer your questions!
If you prefer a Martingale collar, The French Dog can make that happen too. Look here to see all the customization options that are available. The French Dog will soon be offering these “I’m Deaf” collars, leashes and harnesses in different colors and styles.
I’m hoping that an “I’m Deaf” bow tie is coming soon because, well, Edison totally needs one of those!
If you use coupon code Graffiti, you will save 15% off your purchase of a deaf dog collar, leash and/or harness! Just enter Graffiti when checking out and then wait for your hot delivery guy to drop off a handmade, unique collar, leash or harness that will help you keep your deaf dog safe.
TELL ME your favorite deaf dog safety techniques or products in a comment below!
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Hanna Ray Michael says
April 25, 2016 at 4:28 pmEdison looks so handsome in his collar, I love the idea if an “I’m deaf” bowtie, that will be too cute and funny! ?
I like that you said Edison can’t slip out of the collar because when I first adopted Ferdinand I didn’t know his middle name is really Houdini,he can slip out of anything so while he always wears a collar for identification purposes( to hold his id tags) we use a harness to take him out of the house. And I like that it is dine with a yellow color scheme because alot of people are starting to learn about the yellow ribbon project and this kind of ties into that, deaf dogs can be really friendly but its always a good idea to let people know that they might need some space and to see you first before you try to pet them.
I am really excited that the French dog offers an “I’m deaf” harnesses. It might be time to expand Ferdinand’s wardrobe. (And seriously, make the bowties, I will snatch one of those up so fast!)
Sherry Hoeppner says
April 25, 2016 at 7:04 pmThis is terrific! I recently purchased something similar for my recently adopted elderly gentleman beagle, Sir Elmer T. Beagleton, and it has been a great. This collar and lead are much nicer in comparison to the one we have. I think the color the French Dog used is going to be really helpful. the one we have now has been a great conversation starter. It is seriously difficult to resist a beagle grin and he’s a super friendly little guy, but also startles easily if he doesn’t see you coming. Having a lead, collar, and harness like this helps tremendously. I am always happy to talk about elmer, and especially glad when parents bring their children over to ask me about him. It’s a great to be able to contribute to fostering a love for animals and especially nice to demonstrate that being deaf doesn’t mean he’s disabled or difficult or any of the other negative descriptors that are sometimes used. I would encourage anyone thinking of getting something like this for the deaf four-legged friends to do so.
Karen Dibert says
April 25, 2016 at 9:33 pmWe’re super excited to partner with you! We’re looking forward to outfitting deaf dogs with safety collars!
Sarcastic Dog says
April 25, 2016 at 10:28 pmI work with a small bully breed rescue in Colorado and we just took a beautiful, sweet deaf girl into our foster program. SHe’s doing great and one of these leashes/collars would be great for her! If I win this, it is definitely going straight to coloRADogs!
natalie hartmann says
April 26, 2016 at 12:43 amI love this! I would love to see one for blind dogs or i often foster fearful dog that were rescued from puppy mills So something for them too! Thanks for the chance!
Karen Lopez says
April 26, 2016 at 5:21 amI love the leash and harness with the “I love You to the Moon and Back” quote. I used to saY that to my sweet boy Hudson, rip sweet boy, I see you in the moon and feel you in my heart…
nichole says
April 26, 2016 at 2:16 pmI love that they can do so many different styles! If we win, I would probably get either sunflower, starfish or lobster.
Susan Bewley says
April 26, 2016 at 2:18 pmOh my gosh, Bernard, these are so super cute and I LOVE what you chose for Edison. I think the Green Daisies design would look pretty with Ivi’s red fur. 🙂 Hopefully it isn’t wrong that I dresse my malamutes so girly. 🙂
cathy armato says
April 26, 2016 at 3:40 pmWhat a great product! it’s really stylish too, I love that she added the triangular attention symbol to the set. Terrific post!
Love & biscuits,
dogs luv us and we luv them
GiGi Eats says
April 27, 2016 at 12:02 amI give pet owners whos pets are deaf a lot of credit!!! I mean, what happens if they run away – gah!! These collars definitely come in handy!
Carol Bryant says
April 27, 2016 at 4:32 amI love the things from the french dog. love that edison is safe and you have this collar and leash. anything, including the nautical set, would be a fab addition to our dog’s wardrobe.
Lindsay Pevny says
April 27, 2016 at 11:12 amEdison looks great, and the yellow and black is so visible. The French Dog has so many cute things, my dear sweet Cow would look so cute in Red Teal and Floral.
Kelly says
April 27, 2016 at 12:29 pmFirst of all, Edison looks so very handsome and the yellow looks super on him. I think these personalized collars and harnesses are a great idea and what a perfect way to start a conversation.
Mattiedog says
April 27, 2016 at 12:47 pmThis truly is a much needed object for any one who is parent to a deaf dog! having had two we wish we would have thought of this while they were still with us (they have since passed)!! Duh! It’s a no-brainer – when you have a deaf dog they often don’t respond in the same way hearing dogs do when a stranger walks up, they can become startled, etc., and so we learned to say ‘he’s deaf (in our case one was also blind)” to provide a little clue – these products would have made it easier for both the dogs and for us to engage in conversation a little bit earlier!
Ruth Epstein says
April 27, 2016 at 3:22 pmI emailed your blog to a friend of mine who has a deaf pit bull 🙂
Forest Poodles says
April 27, 2016 at 5:07 pmEdison makes that collar look very handsome! What a great idea this is!
Kia says
April 27, 2016 at 6:39 pmEdison is so handsome! This is a great idea for a collar and leash set. This will definitely help with safety.
Michelle & The Paw Pack says
April 27, 2016 at 7:05 pmEdison is adorable! Growing up my family had a dog that was both blind and deaf. She presented us with some interesting challenges but was an amazing dog!
Tenacious Little Terrier says
April 27, 2016 at 10:27 pmI like the “I love You to the Moon and Back” and The cherry pattern. This is a great idea for deaf dogs!
The Daily Pip says
April 28, 2016 at 12:11 amI so love these colars – they are visually appealing and draw the eye to them right away. One of my biggest fears in life is Ruby getting lost – because of her nervous nature I would be afraid she might really bolt If spooked. Imagine I would be even more nervous if she were deaf. I hope these collars really take off and help lots of deaf dogs stay safe.
Katie says
April 28, 2016 at 12:12 amThis is really great information. Thank you for sharing about deaf dog safety.
Kitty Cat Chronicles says
April 28, 2016 at 12:37 amLove Edison’s cool new collar and leash! Practical AND stylish! Thank you for all that you do to educate about deaf dogs. The dog that we have now is deaf (a childhood dog of mine that we took in for my parents back in December). She wasn’t born deaf, she is just almost 16 years old and has lost her hearing. It has been a big adjustment learning to communicate with her. It’s funny you mentioned how people ask, “Are you SURE he’s deaf?” because I get that a lot with Lucy too. lol
Miss Molly Says says
April 28, 2016 at 1:42 amI love this and I loved the post! Great information and I am in love with the collar and the message it would relay. Oh, but! Edison neeeeeeedddddsss that bowtie!!!
Maureen says
April 28, 2016 at 2:02 amThis is a wonderful post! I love the collar- it’s so important to let people know about your pet when there might be something important for people to be aware of.
Sweet Purrfections says
April 28, 2016 at 3:17 amWhat a great idea for dogs with special needs!
Gone to the Snow Dogs LLC says
April 28, 2016 at 4:28 amThis is so great! What an awesome way to let others know that your dog has special needs! I love this! Thanks for the information!
Talent Hounds says
April 28, 2016 at 1:46 pmEdison looks so handsome. What a great way to advocate! Stylish and smart.
sherri says
April 28, 2016 at 2:34 pmthis seems like a good idea. I need one for my dog that says “I am crazy.” Or wait, maybe that’s me.
I too love the question: ‘Are you sure he’s deaf?’ I’d be tempted to say, ‘Yes, just like i’m sure you’re stupid.’ but no,no. think it. I mean just think it.
Lisa Friend says
April 28, 2016 at 6:44 pmI like “Union Jack”
Markita @ sWeshfit says
April 29, 2016 at 2:17 amWow this pulls At my heartStrings and i had no awareness whatsoVer…much we can do to support deaf dogs…
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Shelley P says
May 2, 2016 at 1:52 amGreat post!! I have a deaf dog too and he knows many hand signals as well 🙂
I also love the Colorful Paint Splatter Personalized Dog Collar, Leash or Harness.
Beth says
May 5, 2016 at 12:56 amI think it is such a good idea to have a collar and leash that will help people realize a dog is deaf. They have a lot of cute styles!
Samantha Parker says
May 5, 2016 at 1:17 amI really love the colorful splatter collar/leash. it reminds ME of Splatoon!
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