A reoccurring question on the blind dog list and also from private email I receive is what type or specific toys are available for blind/visually impaired dogs and where can they be found. This is especially an important concern for owners of visually impaired puppies or those thinking of adopting. Here are some suggestions for toys that are available for sale and places that sell these type of toys. Keep in mind, all dogs are different and what works for one dog may not for another.

For those that can sew or are "crafty" you may also want to consider altering your dogs present toys by either scenting them or by "safely" sewing bells or noise markers inside them. (When scenting anything make sure it is something that will not make your dog sick if licked. Flavored extracts are something that is good to try)

Most retailers have the following type of toys

These retailers sell these specific toys (Others may also or in the future sell them)

Retail Places that may sell these toys and others

In the US (you will have to check for service to Canada)

*Dogtoys.com, Pets.com, Petsmart.com, Petstore.com are all merchants within the igive mall. When you are a member of igive, make a purchase and have the IMOM Blind Dog Fund as your preferred charity, a portion of the sale will be donated to the fund. For information please click here IMOM Blind Dog Fund

Brenda said: One of Aurie's favorite toys (this triangle toy) -- he doesn't like it to leave his side (This is a great toy for visually impaired dogs -- it has squeakies in all the tips, it's high enough that they "hit" it if they've lost their orientation on it). Brenda could only find the toy at Nobler's Pet Supplies in Winnipeg, Manitoba (5-999 King Edward Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba (1-204-694-6990). Brenda also said Noblers seems to have many, many interesting toys that many other stores do not seem to carry Toll free in Canada and US 1-800-738-7570

If anyone knows anywhere else that might carry the Triangle Toy please let us know. 

NEW Blind Dogs Just want to Have Fun Page

HomeMade Toy ideas

Daria writes: The best toy I have found is a gallon milk jug. There are two different ways I use them.

Pug Hockey: Put small 'cookies' in the jug, leave lid off. Kick it across a linoleum floor or outside on cement, it is noisy so even the blind ones know where to run. The chase ensues and if you have several k9's they will bat it away from one another, try to steal it with the others in hot pursuit. Some goodies fall out and, of course, some dogs temporarily drop out of the game to eat their prize, fun for dogs and to watch also.

Hanging Jug: Loop heavy duty rubber bands together to form a chain. The thick blue bands from broccoli last longest and present the least danger of breakage. Attach the jug handle to the chain. Attach the chain securely to the top center of a doorway (preferably one without a door). Put something noisy into the jug, I use dry beans, or scent it. Dogs will bat it like cats, or grab it and run. When it stretches so far, it will return to the home position. This is a special favorite of blind pups.
* Plastic Jugs may not be suitable for large dogs or chewers, who could chew and digest pieces of the plastic. Supervision maybe needed with some dogs

Re: homemade toys for blind dogs. I have a rescue Sheltie (or maybe she's a collie, hard to tell as she's very big) who has very limited vision. She finds lots of toys around my house! One favorite is any fairly small (12 - 16 inches) corrugated cardboard box. She loves to wrestle w/ them, growl at them, and carry them around. Eventually she begins shredding them and I throw it away. Her favorite outside toy is my big heavy plastic watering can. She can easily grab hold of the spout w/ her mouth and shake the can around. She can also put her leg thru the handle to manipulate it. It's heavy enough that she can't shred it. She either likes BIG toys, or small smelly toys. Therefore my shoes are all fair game. Otherwise she doesn't readily see small toys.
-Mary McComb

You may also get some ideas from Scent Games a site with scent games for sighted dogs

*Information was current as of 5/14/2000