Comments on: How to Live With a Blind Dog

on 10/4/2008 my 12 year old cocker has been diagnosed with cataracts. iam so upset he started walking into things and does not bark. i cannot afford the surgery and iam beside myself. does anyone know where to get thise oil based scents to mark things with that are safe for my baby

on 4/3/2006 I had a blind dog many years ago, and we did not know what to do, so we just tried a variety of things. We used to click our fingers in order for her to find her way to us. We used to tell her up, down, look out; which she completely understood. We used up and down when going up and down stairs, curbs, on the furniture. We never did arrange the house for her, and we moved all the time as my dad was in the Military. She learned her way around and adapted very well.
She was the best dog ever! One thing I would suggest; if she was confused, she would go around and around in circles. We had left a cord hanging down, and it caught her around the neck (we were lucky, and we found her, and all was fine). Never leave cords hanging down.

on 11/22/2005 Our dog went blind from PRA when she was three years old. I think the transition was difficult, but she is now quite happy and willing to learn and please!
We still throw her ball, but I scent it with vanilla extract, which makes it easier for her to find. I also have taught her "right" and "left" which helps with everyday things, such as avoiding furniture or going around a corner. It helps when you introduce this while walking your dog and turning a corner. Just say 'left' or 'right' then when completed; praise them with "GOOD LEFT!" or "GOOD RIGHT!" I have also taught her how to use her nose. I run treats through the grass and then put her at the beginning of the trail. I run my hand down her nose to the ground and tap until she puts her nose down. I then walk the trail with her to the treat. I had to drag a treat along the path until she caught on, but now she will use her nose. It helps with finding her ball.

on 11/22/2005 My Boston Terrier's sight has gone downhill fairly quickly. He still wants to me to throw his squeaky balls and toys, but unless it lands right next to him, he has to find it by smell. I have learned to not throw it until he has started running. I squeeze it and hold it before I throw it so he can hear it squeaking almost until it falls. It really helps his self-esteem when he finds it immediately. I also will just kick the ball a short distance and he can run fast and stop it. He loves that also. He knows when I tap my foot that he should come and see what is there for him -- a snack, or a toy, etc.