Adopting a Blind Dog
By Michelle Hamed
Volunteer, Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue
Mom of Blind Golden Retriever, Memphis
On a Personal Note
Memphis came to me, completely blind from Glaucoma, Retinitis and Cataracts, on 12/31/2011 from Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue. In our almost 3 years together, he has taught me invaluable lessons about living with a blind dog. First and foremost, blind dogs are very, very high functioning. I have had people say to me that Memphis cannot possibly be blind because he gets around like a sighted dog. With a little bit of help, they can adapt to any environment. Memphis knows his home and our 75 acre condo complex. He knows where he wants to go and how to get there and I fine tune him. For example, he can tell that a curb is coming up (he high steps about 3 feet out) and I will give him a command to let him know exactly where it is. Memphis is not a blind dog, rather, he is a dog who happens to be blind. He runs, jumps, plays and even fetches. With your blind pup, you will enjoy a bond deeper than you have ever known.
Below are the ideas, some from research and some self-taught, that have worked for us. Remember, all dogs have their own personality, energy and confidence level. Memphis is a cautiously, lovable lump. He needs a bit more prompting and guidance when he is unsure. Many of the pups I have read about run around both inside and out. Some freely climb onto furniture, bookcases, woodpiles and trees. Many tear about the house chasing a ball. Your pup may not need much guidance at all. Please know that the following is much of what works for us. Feel free to use what works to keep your pup safe. And when you discover what works best for you and your pup, please pay it forward.
Caution
If your pup has been diagnosed with Glaucoma, remove his collar immediately. Glaucoma causes elevated eye pressure. High pressures cause pain equivalent to that of a migraine and any movement on their neck, such as that caused by a leash, will also elevate the pressure.
I use a Sporn harness on Memphis because it is light enough to stay on at all times and because it has a short lead that extends from the top. I also find that it is easier to guide him with a harness than a leash.
Home Preparation
As your blind pup will learn his new environment by bumping into things, get down on your hands and knees and locate any sharp corners (i.e. tables, bookcases, etc.). These pose a hazard to his face and eyes. Cover any sharp spots with bubble wrap or foam. Swimming noodles work well for the edges of glass. Although I have kept these protections in place, use your judgment. If you feel that your pup knows his home well enough that he will not run face first into an obstacle, you may wish to remove them.
Mapping
Blind dogs have the ability to map their surroundings. It’s like taking a mental picture. They accomplish this by bumping into things and feeling different textures with their feet. By bumping into a known piece of furniture or wall, they can orient themselves in a room. Put it this way – close your eyes, walk into your living room and reach out to find the nearest object. Say you find the arm of the couch. From there you can picture the layout of the room. This is what your blind pup is doing when they bump or cross a floor mat or throw rug. I call these targets or markers.
When you first come home, it is best to leave the leash on your pup and walk him around each of the rooms. This will help him to become familiar with his new environment. Allow him to GENTLY bump into the furniture. Afterwards, a leash, or a short lead, will help you to guide him into another room or out from a corner when he gets stuck (and he will). You can buy a seat belt extender at Petco or even cut an old leash down to about 12 inches – long enough to grab but short enough that he won’t trip.
If you have area rugs, move them in front of doorways, stairs and under his dishes. You can also buy outdoor mats. Because most of my home is carpeted already, I bought heavy rubber scrolled mats and have them wherever there is a step in my home. Make sure it is something that your pup can feel with their feet. Memphis couldn’t feel a throw rug on top of the carpeting. Again, these are targets – they will alert him that a doorway, step, water, etc. is right in front of him. Use like mats or rugs for like areas i.e. the same type of mat in front of every doorway. Be careful not to leave anything (shoes, etc.) on the floor. Many websites will tell you never to rearrange your furniture. Although I have not done a complete rearrangement, I have moved tables and chairs around. When I do so, I walk Memphis around the room and let him bump again so he re-learns the room. For us it hasn’t been an issue. Use your judgment based on your pup’s reactions.
Stairs
It is best to block off the stairs and only bring him on them with you until he is comfortable enough that it is safe for him to go up and down on his own. A fall down a staircase can cause your pup to become overly fearful of them. I taught Memphis how to use the stairs by bringing him to the start and using the command ‘Stairs’. Then I pulled gently on his leash while telling him ‘Step Up’ or ‘Step Down’ for each step. It helps if you step heavily on each stair. The ‘Stairs’ command will let him know that he is facing multiple steps. At the top or bottom, I give the ‘Free’ command so he knows that the staircase has ended and he is free to romp along. You may find that after only a couple of times, your pup is flying up and down on his own.
Food/Water
It is best to feed and water your pup in the same place every time. That way he will learn where his food and water are. I like metal bowls because you can tap the side of them with your nail to let them know where they are until they learn for themselves. When Memphis and I travel, I bump the travel bowl against his paw or wave it under his nose. You can purchase a bubbler water bowl (a pet fountain) that makes sound – some people have had much luck with them. I didn’t, as Memphis can frighten over new sounds.
Toys
Blind pups enjoy toys just as much as sighted ones. You can try all different things like scenting a toy or putting a jingle bell in a ball. Keep his toys in the same place if possible. I keep all of Memphis’ babies in one of 3 piles throughout the first floor. When he wants one, he goes directly to the closest pile. Memphis also loves his Kong and the fact that it rolls away from him keeps him engaged that much longer.
Outside
Blind dogs do best with repetition and consistency. If you have a fenced yard, take him out the same way every time and follow the same path to the yard. It is best to leash walk him out until he learns your yard. The first couple of times, walk him around the fence line. If you have anything special to use as a marker, like a picnic table or a large tree sticking out, have him bump them – he can use these in the future to figure out where he is in the yard. If you have bushes, teach him where they are. Bumping into bushes can cause eye injuries. Some owners put mulch or rocks adjacent to bushes or other potential hazards to give their pup a heads up.
Guiding
You will find that almost immediately your pup will recognize that you will help him get where he wants to go and will ask you for direction. Your leash is your steering wheel. If you want him to go right, say ‘Right’ and gently pull the leash to the right at the same time. Repeat for ‘Left’. Over time, you can train them to respond to their ‘blind commands’ through sheer repetition. I didn’t do ‘training sessions’ with Memphis like you would do for obedience. I just kept repeating the same actions and commands on every walk. When you are walking and there is an obstacle in the way and your pup obviously doesn’t know it’s there, pull back on the leash and say ‘Bump’ or ‘Caution’. Pick a word but be consistent. I guarantee that he will pick this one up after bumping a couple of things harder than intended.
If you walk, follow the same path. Your pup will amaze you – he will learn the way after only a couple of times. They get a tremendous amount of information through their feet. Memphis can tell when we get to our driveway because of the way the road dips. He knows when a curb is coming up again because of the curve of the road. NOTE: Although snow on the ground or wetness from rain do not bother Memphis, if it is raining or snowing, he becomes disoriented. I believe it is because the scents are tamped down. In this case, I take him to a particular tree or fire hydrant he is familiar with. It helps him to get his bearings.
I would also strongly recommend that you teach a ‘Stop’ command. Pull back hard on the leash and say ‘Stop’ in a very firm voice. This command is to keep them safe (a car is coming, there is a hole in the ground, etc.) so they have to know you mean business. ‘Free’ them when the coast is clear. I cannot emphasize enough how important this command is. When Memphis walks up to a road, he cannot see a car coming. He can hear it but, unfortunately, Memphis figured out that cars have people in them (and people pet him!) so he will walk toward one if he hears it coming.
Lastly, talk to your pup – they can’t always tell where you are and talking to them gives them a feeling of security. But be aware, sound gets distorted, especially inside. Memphis cannot tell where my voice is coming from if I am in another room.
Socialization
As you know, dogs communicate with each other using both verbal and non-verbal cues. One dog may warn another with a look or posture before biting. Since blind pups cannot see a warning, extra care should be taken when interacting with other dogs, especially those off leash. I don’t take Memphis to daycare or to dog parks and I watch carefully when he is playing with another dog. I always let another dog owner know that Memphis is blind so that they can pay close attention to their pup too.
Self-Preservation
When you click or call your pup to you, remember – he cannot tell exactly where you are standing. When he gets to you, catch his head or step to the side or you will find your knees bending in a way nature didn’t intend; same idea for when he is following you – do not stop suddenly and make sure you shift to the side when you do stop.
Memphis carries a baby when he walks. In fact, he will not leave the house without taking one with him. If your pup also carries a woobie, please learn from my mistakes. If your pup drops the baby, pick it up asap! Otherwise you are in danger of having to carry a baby home with pee on it. When Memphis and I go on an adventure, I always carry an extra plastic bag and a spare baby.
Volunteer, Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue
Mom of Blind Golden Retriever, Memphis
On a Personal Note
Memphis came to me, completely blind from Glaucoma, Retinitis and Cataracts, on 12/31/2011 from Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue. In our almost 3 years together, he has taught me invaluable lessons about living with a blind dog. First and foremost, blind dogs are very, very high functioning. I have had people say to me that Memphis cannot possibly be blind because he gets around like a sighted dog. With a little bit of help, they can adapt to any environment. Memphis knows his home and our 75 acre condo complex. He knows where he wants to go and how to get there and I fine tune him. For example, he can tell that a curb is coming up (he high steps about 3 feet out) and I will give him a command to let him know exactly where it is. Memphis is not a blind dog, rather, he is a dog who happens to be blind. He runs, jumps, plays and even fetches. With your blind pup, you will enjoy a bond deeper than you have ever known.
Below are the ideas, some from research and some self-taught, that have worked for us. Remember, all dogs have their own personality, energy and confidence level. Memphis is a cautiously, lovable lump. He needs a bit more prompting and guidance when he is unsure. Many of the pups I have read about run around both inside and out. Some freely climb onto furniture, bookcases, woodpiles and trees. Many tear about the house chasing a ball. Your pup may not need much guidance at all. Please know that the following is much of what works for us. Feel free to use what works to keep your pup safe. And when you discover what works best for you and your pup, please pay it forward.
Caution
If your pup has been diagnosed with Glaucoma, remove his collar immediately. Glaucoma causes elevated eye pressure. High pressures cause pain equivalent to that of a migraine and any movement on their neck, such as that caused by a leash, will also elevate the pressure.
I use a Sporn harness on Memphis because it is light enough to stay on at all times and because it has a short lead that extends from the top. I also find that it is easier to guide him with a harness than a leash.
Home Preparation
As your blind pup will learn his new environment by bumping into things, get down on your hands and knees and locate any sharp corners (i.e. tables, bookcases, etc.). These pose a hazard to his face and eyes. Cover any sharp spots with bubble wrap or foam. Swimming noodles work well for the edges of glass. Although I have kept these protections in place, use your judgment. If you feel that your pup knows his home well enough that he will not run face first into an obstacle, you may wish to remove them.
Mapping
Blind dogs have the ability to map their surroundings. It’s like taking a mental picture. They accomplish this by bumping into things and feeling different textures with their feet. By bumping into a known piece of furniture or wall, they can orient themselves in a room. Put it this way – close your eyes, walk into your living room and reach out to find the nearest object. Say you find the arm of the couch. From there you can picture the layout of the room. This is what your blind pup is doing when they bump or cross a floor mat or throw rug. I call these targets or markers.
When you first come home, it is best to leave the leash on your pup and walk him around each of the rooms. This will help him to become familiar with his new environment. Allow him to GENTLY bump into the furniture. Afterwards, a leash, or a short lead, will help you to guide him into another room or out from a corner when he gets stuck (and he will). You can buy a seat belt extender at Petco or even cut an old leash down to about 12 inches – long enough to grab but short enough that he won’t trip.
If you have area rugs, move them in front of doorways, stairs and under his dishes. You can also buy outdoor mats. Because most of my home is carpeted already, I bought heavy rubber scrolled mats and have them wherever there is a step in my home. Make sure it is something that your pup can feel with their feet. Memphis couldn’t feel a throw rug on top of the carpeting. Again, these are targets – they will alert him that a doorway, step, water, etc. is right in front of him. Use like mats or rugs for like areas i.e. the same type of mat in front of every doorway. Be careful not to leave anything (shoes, etc.) on the floor. Many websites will tell you never to rearrange your furniture. Although I have not done a complete rearrangement, I have moved tables and chairs around. When I do so, I walk Memphis around the room and let him bump again so he re-learns the room. For us it hasn’t been an issue. Use your judgment based on your pup’s reactions.
Stairs
It is best to block off the stairs and only bring him on them with you until he is comfortable enough that it is safe for him to go up and down on his own. A fall down a staircase can cause your pup to become overly fearful of them. I taught Memphis how to use the stairs by bringing him to the start and using the command ‘Stairs’. Then I pulled gently on his leash while telling him ‘Step Up’ or ‘Step Down’ for each step. It helps if you step heavily on each stair. The ‘Stairs’ command will let him know that he is facing multiple steps. At the top or bottom, I give the ‘Free’ command so he knows that the staircase has ended and he is free to romp along. You may find that after only a couple of times, your pup is flying up and down on his own.
Food/Water
It is best to feed and water your pup in the same place every time. That way he will learn where his food and water are. I like metal bowls because you can tap the side of them with your nail to let them know where they are until they learn for themselves. When Memphis and I travel, I bump the travel bowl against his paw or wave it under his nose. You can purchase a bubbler water bowl (a pet fountain) that makes sound – some people have had much luck with them. I didn’t, as Memphis can frighten over new sounds.
Toys
Blind pups enjoy toys just as much as sighted ones. You can try all different things like scenting a toy or putting a jingle bell in a ball. Keep his toys in the same place if possible. I keep all of Memphis’ babies in one of 3 piles throughout the first floor. When he wants one, he goes directly to the closest pile. Memphis also loves his Kong and the fact that it rolls away from him keeps him engaged that much longer.
Outside
Blind dogs do best with repetition and consistency. If you have a fenced yard, take him out the same way every time and follow the same path to the yard. It is best to leash walk him out until he learns your yard. The first couple of times, walk him around the fence line. If you have anything special to use as a marker, like a picnic table or a large tree sticking out, have him bump them – he can use these in the future to figure out where he is in the yard. If you have bushes, teach him where they are. Bumping into bushes can cause eye injuries. Some owners put mulch or rocks adjacent to bushes or other potential hazards to give their pup a heads up.
Guiding
You will find that almost immediately your pup will recognize that you will help him get where he wants to go and will ask you for direction. Your leash is your steering wheel. If you want him to go right, say ‘Right’ and gently pull the leash to the right at the same time. Repeat for ‘Left’. Over time, you can train them to respond to their ‘blind commands’ through sheer repetition. I didn’t do ‘training sessions’ with Memphis like you would do for obedience. I just kept repeating the same actions and commands on every walk. When you are walking and there is an obstacle in the way and your pup obviously doesn’t know it’s there, pull back on the leash and say ‘Bump’ or ‘Caution’. Pick a word but be consistent. I guarantee that he will pick this one up after bumping a couple of things harder than intended.
If you walk, follow the same path. Your pup will amaze you – he will learn the way after only a couple of times. They get a tremendous amount of information through their feet. Memphis can tell when we get to our driveway because of the way the road dips. He knows when a curb is coming up again because of the curve of the road. NOTE: Although snow on the ground or wetness from rain do not bother Memphis, if it is raining or snowing, he becomes disoriented. I believe it is because the scents are tamped down. In this case, I take him to a particular tree or fire hydrant he is familiar with. It helps him to get his bearings.
I would also strongly recommend that you teach a ‘Stop’ command. Pull back hard on the leash and say ‘Stop’ in a very firm voice. This command is to keep them safe (a car is coming, there is a hole in the ground, etc.) so they have to know you mean business. ‘Free’ them when the coast is clear. I cannot emphasize enough how important this command is. When Memphis walks up to a road, he cannot see a car coming. He can hear it but, unfortunately, Memphis figured out that cars have people in them (and people pet him!) so he will walk toward one if he hears it coming.
Lastly, talk to your pup – they can’t always tell where you are and talking to them gives them a feeling of security. But be aware, sound gets distorted, especially inside. Memphis cannot tell where my voice is coming from if I am in another room.
Socialization
As you know, dogs communicate with each other using both verbal and non-verbal cues. One dog may warn another with a look or posture before biting. Since blind pups cannot see a warning, extra care should be taken when interacting with other dogs, especially those off leash. I don’t take Memphis to daycare or to dog parks and I watch carefully when he is playing with another dog. I always let another dog owner know that Memphis is blind so that they can pay close attention to their pup too.
Self-Preservation
When you click or call your pup to you, remember – he cannot tell exactly where you are standing. When he gets to you, catch his head or step to the side or you will find your knees bending in a way nature didn’t intend; same idea for when he is following you – do not stop suddenly and make sure you shift to the side when you do stop.
Memphis carries a baby when he walks. In fact, he will not leave the house without taking one with him. If your pup also carries a woobie, please learn from my mistakes. If your pup drops the baby, pick it up asap! Otherwise you are in danger of having to carry a baby home with pee on it. When Memphis and I go on an adventure, I always carry an extra plastic bag and a spare baby.