Winston, an English Springer is 7, was diagnosed with PRA 3 years ago, and is now totally blind. Has anyone had experience with teaching blind dogs tracking?
From what I've read on this site, am thinking sport tracking would help him regain his former 'springer zest for life'. His nose is excellant, as is his hearing. He's very bright. Mainly he's bored (unless I walk him 24 hours a day on lead)
Just bought some balls that talk, etc for him which he loves. Have experimented with scenting them with peanut butter, oil, vanilla.....he definitely likes that too.
Threw a ball on the yard, let him go on the line and he went right to it. He manuvers well now under chairs, can climb hills, etc. Even tho he's older he has a lot of heart and enthusiasm.
Where should I start? I ordered some books on tracking. Is there a class we could join? We live in Southern California, but for Winston would be willing to travel.
Ed Frawley Administrator Reg: 07-11-2001
Posts: 2112
Loc:
Offline
25 years ago Tom Rose trained his Sch 3 dog (Voss) to track with a blind fold on. The damdest thing I ever saw. Tom is the God of Gimicks and I love him but that was something to watch. Heck I even went out and had a pair of leather blindfolds made for my dogs - they kind of looked like some weird S&M gadget. I could never bring myself to use them - a couple of months ago I was rooting around in my garage and found them - brought a smile to my face. I could not bring myself to throw them away.
Tom had a few that even tried it - if the dogs dont have good nerves it makes them hectic.
Tom's book, "Training the Competitive Working Dog", has pictures and a description on making the blindfolds.
Gary Patterson was the co-author of the book.
I think you still handle that book, Ed.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Blind Dog
#88024 - 10/28/2005 02:34 PM 
Top
Re: Blind Dog
[Re: laura ashlock ]
#88025 - 10/28/2005 07:50 PM 
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic.jpg)
