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Try not to move furniture around or leave
obstacles on the floor
-
Remember we take things so much harder than they do and
they also pick up on our emotions. So try to express "happy"
emotions around your blind baby
-
Emphasize the senses they still have:
A blind dog/pup-their sense of smell, hearing, taste and touch
A blind/deaf dog-their sense of smell, taste and touch (they can feel
vibrations-especially when you walk)
-
Ask people to let your dog "smell" their hand
before touching them. Most blind dogs personalities don't change. Some dogs
however can easily become "startled"
and this could also lead to fear biting in some dogs.
-
Try to treat them as normal as possible. Building
their confidence is key to letting them know they can still do things and
that you still love them....let them know they are still the same dog in your
eyes. For a blind pup it can be the basis for what type of personality
they will developed.
-
Coax, encourage and praise them to do the same things they
did before. However, understand and still praise them if they
"can't".
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Be creative with different scents to mark areas for your
blind babies--just make sure its safe for them. You can use different scents of
flavored extracts or even something as
simple as hanging a car air freshener or potpourri sachet on a door. Using
different scented candles in each room may also help your dog distinguish
from different rooms in your house
-
Use textured materials to mark areas. Throw rugs and
decorative pillows are great (and people don't even realize their
"Real" purpose). Indoor/outdoor carpeting, wind chimes and
something as simple as cedar chips or decorative bricks or blocks can help
guide them along their way outside.
-
Use bells or jingling tags on your other dogs.. not only
help your blind babies to find/follow your other dogs, but will also avoid them
from being startled by your other dogs. You can also use bells on your
shoes to help them find you
-
Don't be afraid to walk with a "heavy foot"
when approaching them especially with a blind/deaf baby....they can still
feel vibrations.
-
Don't under estimate the power of touching and
massage.
-
Be very vocal with your dog.
-
A tabletop
fountain can be used as a water bowl. Get a simple one with a large bowl and
the sound of running water helps to orient the blind dog and helps him to
find his water bowl as well as know where he is from the sound. Some dogs
like drinking from running water too! This can be especially helpful if you
have to move to a new home with a blind dog.
