Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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I was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with deaf AND blind dogs (that is, a dog who is both deaf and blind)?
I have experience with deaf dogs and also blind dogs, and so do a few other members of our training club, but not with this combination (yet).
She was spayed yesterday, and we take her from the shelter today to foster her. (The shelter isn’t equipped for this level of special needs -- I imagine no shelter really is.)
We don’t know whether she was blinded and deafened by trauma or illness or something or whether she was born blind and deaf. She is an adult.
Any hints about helping the dog to settle in, become less anxious, etc., with this particular combination of handicaps, will be greatly appreciated!
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
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Connie you might try contacting a few of the rescues that specialize in lethal whites or double merle dogs. They may have some advice on how to train and manage a dog like this.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Quote: Melissa Thom
Connie you might try contacting a few of the rescues that specialize in lethal whites or double merle dogs. They may have some advice on how to train and manage a dog like this.
Watching that video it is interesting how much the dog uses her nose.
I bet you could come up with some neat things using her sense of smell....Wear a certain perfume to help with recall and just so she knows where you are?
Tammy Moore Webboard User Reg: 01-14-2010
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Keeping the eyes protected from her bumping into things at her height would be important, it doesn't take much to further damage, especially in senior dogs.
My Pap was Partially deaf and completely blind before she passed away at 16.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
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Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Oh, great reminder.
Especially with lead-with-the-eyeballs Pugs.
The person who has her at her house says that she walks using her front feet almost like a cane -- walks with the lead paw quite far forward and wide out.
This sounds like she has been blind for a while, if not from birth.
Wow, I can't imagine taking in a dog like that! Good for your club!
We had a deaf/blind dog at furrytale. He was mostly deaf when he arrived at the farm, and lost his sight slowly but shortly after he came to us. He was ...dangerous environment... to be around. The poor guy knew his way around the farm (his sight remained long enough for him to get his bearings), but he'd bite anything that was warm. Person, dog, anything. We eventually made the decision to let him go because he was not a happy camper, and even as a specialized no-kill rescue set in a home environment, we were not set up to help him adjust. Plus, the new dogs introduced to the pack always had it out for poor Jed.
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blind and deaf (helpful hints?)
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