A pet question? How do you train and care for a blind dog.

Kay
by Kay
We are thinking of adopting a blind puppy one year of age, and blind from birth. She doesn't know she's blind. Have had absolutely no experience with a blind pet. Have done a lot of research on line and found some very good ideas. Would like to hear from anyone who has lived with a blind friend/companion before. Coyote is an Australian Cattle Dog so very smart. She'll probably train us? Our yard isn't fenced as yet so she will be on leash when outside. House is an open floor plan with no major obstructions to her. Kitchen and baths tiled, but the rest is carpet. Being in AZ the yard is crushed rock and will have to show her where the cactus is (safe fenced area in plan). Shaded patio of concrete; two large shade trees in back yard. She is kennel trained and loves the car; plays well with other dogs. All our friends have dogs but will introduce her slowly. Dogs seem to know when something is different. Hopefully she'll bond with one of them so that she'll always have a seeing friend. The other dogs all vary in size from chihuahua to ger. shepherd mix.

  7 answers
  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Jan 01, 2018

    you are wonderful to take on this sweet dog and I would look online for an answer to this question because there are many folks out there who deal with this every day or speak to a trusted veterinarian- good luck

  • Landsharkinnc Landsharkinnc on Jan 01, 2018

    Best advice id Caroline Levin's book' Living with a Blind Dog' available from www.petdogbooks.com, or Amazon...remember, Blind Dogs See With Their Hearts!

    • See 2 previous
    • Kay Kay on Jan 01, 2018

      Oh my Lord! That was so hard to watch, especially the last day Oct. 13, 2017. A beautiful and amazing soul. Can only hope Coyote (will call her Ky for short) has such an amazing life. Will check into therapy training also. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

  • Smiley Crafts Smiley Crafts on Jan 01, 2018

    Our dog went blind from diabetes, so had the advantage of knowing the layout of our home. Your sweet pup will need to be guided through several times then she’ll be racing through as a seeing dog would! Our Vet taught us to use essential oil scents in the home. Pick 3 scents and stick with them! Just saturate a cotton swab and rub it several times on the surface where you need to scent. We used cinnamon oil for danger areas, such as the top of a set of stairs, or eye-level hazards like coffee table corners. We used lemon oil to scent all wall corners and door frames so she knew when to turn down halls, into bedrooms, etc. And mint oil was used on the mat where we kept her water dish, handy for her to find it when travelling, too. Using this trick, our dog navigated effortlessly both at home and at work, where she went with me as a therapy dog. Knowing what scent to avoid also lets you keep her safe when travelling. Just pick nice scents you won’t mind smelling everyday too, and refresh them once a month.

  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Jan 01, 2018

    Contact your local animal shelter and ask them for advice. They often take in animals with disabilities and have the resources to help them, so they may be able to help you, too. How decent of you to take on a pet that really needs you and your help!

    • Kay Kay on Jan 01, 2018

      It's a bit out of selfishness that we are considering this option. We are older now and don't have the energy to take long walks, all though several short ones will be good for all of us. The first thing we noticed was that she was gorgeous, then noticed that she was blind. She is coming from a foster home so will ask them for lots of help. We've also been visiting our local shelter on a regular basis so will definitely seek help from them. Have been told that she has no physical issues, and she doesn't understand what "blind" means Will post pictures if everything goes through. Every day will be a new discovery or adventure! Our last forever friend was a Border Collie who lived to be 14 so we understand about good food, excersise, and communication. Mira was great with hand signals so we will have to realize that Coyote will only answer to voice commands. It's exciting!!!!

  • Kay Kay on Jan 01, 2018

    All help is appreciated!

  • 2dogal 2dogal on Jan 01, 2018

    Australian Cattle Dogs are cattle herding dogs and need lots of exercise. Blessings to you for taking on this dog.

  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Jan 01, 2018

    Our adopted shelter cat is blind from herpes virus and is wonderful company....he can hold his own with our other pets except at feeding time where I make sure his food doesn't get "stolen" by the others.......he's a bit shy but wonderful....has been blind since birth so he know no other way and seems quite happy. So glad the shelter gave him a chance at life!