Top Activities For Dogs With No Eyes

Introduction

A dog born without eyes adjusts more easily to the condition than a canine that loses their eyes later on in life. Still, our canine friends can adjust remarkably well in either situation, as in fact, they rely more on their keen senses of hearing and smell than they do on sight. Whether your furry pal has had no eyes from birth or the loss of sight is a recent development, there are plenty of activities that will enable your dog to lead a contented, fulfilled life. We’ve expanded on suggestions here that can be used right from day one when caring for a dog with no eyes.

Walkabout

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Normal

10 - 30 min

Items needed

Doggy Waste Bags

Leash

Activity description

A blind dog is just as capable of walking around the neighborhood as is a pup with vision. Although a canine who has just lost their eyes may balk and show fear when out on a walk, there are simple steps and tips that can make the activity fun again. A pup who has been visionless for life will typically be willing to go wherever their trusted owner takes them. Don’t carry around a dog without eyes; let them be a dog, able to enjoy the senses of smell and sound as they explore the neighborhood.

Step

1

Teach commands

Owners of dogs with no eyes find that teaching their dog a few commands and using them consistently to guide their dog when out and about works wonders in helping them gain confidence. “Careful” is a good term to use when you want to warn your dog to slow down and use caution. “Step up” works for approaching a curb. “Wait” can be used when your pup’s leash becomes tangled around a pole or a tree branch is in the way on the sidewalk. Use the terms that you feel comfortable with and stick to the ones that your dog understands first.

Step

2

Start with the familiar

To begin, walk your dog in areas that they are familiar with. A favorite route, the comfort of the backyard or a well loved enclosed dog park at a quiet time of day are all places that your dog can practice the commands they are learning and hone their senses of hearing and smell. Once your furry buddy gains a sense of confidence, take them back to the familiar dog park when other doggy friends are there. Slowly introduce them to their canine pals and watch the fun begin.

Step

3

Consistent socialization

One of the best things for a dog without eyes is to carry on as if they could see. Socialize them well and socialize them often. A puppy born without eyes, for instance, will do well when put into a pack situation at home. Having a buddy or two to grow up with will go a long way to allowing them to grow up not even knowing that they are any different than the other furry family members! A dog who has recently lost their eyes will adapt quicker than you think, especially if they have regular interaction with other playful pups.

Safezone Playroom

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Carpet Runner

Bin of Toys

Dog Bed

Activity description

Having a safezone playroom is crucial to your pup’s comfort within the home. An area they can call their own and that they navigate without fear will go a long way to giving them normalcy. They will learn to move about the home, don't worry - but having a space to call their own is icing on the cake! A comfy spot to rest and a bin of toys in an area that your pup knows will stay constant makes a safezone playroom where your pup can frolic and have fun and just be a dog. Easy to set up with little expense, this mini safezone will be your pet’s go to spot for rest or play. When getting your dog used to where the play area is, put a carpet runner down heading in that direction and they will follow the path to fun.

Step

1

Create the space

What is your pup’s favorite thing to do? If they love toys, fill their toy bin with scented items, plushy dog-safe stuffies and a chew toy or two. Add a dog bed for the days when your dog feels like taking it easy. If space warrants, leave an area open for zooming around free of sharp edges or items to bang into. Your dog has a good sense of direction despite the lack of eyes and once familiar with where the play space is, will head there every time they feel like digging through their toy bin.

Step

2

Game time

Although it is recommended that you do not touch your dog without eyes when they are unaware of your approach, a dog who cannot see still loves to partake in games that include gentle wrestling and tug of war. Speak to your pup as you move forward, inviting them to wrestle. Use your tone of voice to build excitement as you play a game of gentle tussle. Using a rope toy or an old t-shirt as a tug of war toy is also a fun game for a blind dog.

Therapy Dog

Least Popular

1 Vote

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Certification

Leash

Activity description

A dog without eyes can be the perfect therapy dog for those in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and libraries. These dogs who set an example and lead others to compassion can help people who are hurting realize that love is alive. Let your loveable pooch learn the ropes as a therapy dog, enabling them to keep their people skills in top form. There will be an expense to this activity, but well worth it. Training will take place over a few months with evaluations along the way. To become a visiting therapy dog, your companion needs to love to be petted, be comfortable around people and other dogs, be adaptable to sounds and more.

Step

1

Preparation

Your special pup must meet certain requirements before attending a workshop or course in therapy dog training. Vaccinations must be up to date and your dog has to have a calm temperament. They cannot have any aggressive tendencies at all and the minimum age to begin a course is 1.5 years of age. Consult with the training center to learn more about the requirements and to see if your doggy buddy is the right fit.

Step

2

Learning curve

Your four-legged helper will be trained and assessed in many areas such as ease around noise of any kind including loud voices and medical equipment sounds, adherence to the sit and down commands, comfort when in a crowd of people, and staying still to be petted. These are just a few of the many areas in which your dog will be evaluated. A 100% mark on the test is necessary for certification to be awarded.

Step

3

Greet and help others

A working therapy dog brings joy to people every day. You and your unique friend can now go and share the love at approved therapy dog-friendly locations. Your pup’s trainers will gladly send you on your way with a therapy dog card and certificate. Go ahead, show everyone how awesome your dog without eyes is!

More Fun Ideas...

Feel the Hike

A dog without eyes can relish a good hike with their favorite person leading the way. Some pet owners choose to put a harness on their dog as opposed to a collar when walking or hiking. Your dog will adjust to the change and happily trot along enjoying the smells. Keep them assured and use your voice to encourage them along. Of course, avoid tricky or slippery terrain.

Scented Fetch

Your dog may lack sight, but they can still fetch a toy and enjoy the game! Toys that are scented can provide stimulation both mentally and physically. You may need to lead your pup to the toy until they get used to the game, but once they catch on they will play again and again just as a sighted dog will.

Conclusion

As a pet parent of a dog with no eyes, remember that they are just like any other dog. They can have many years of navigating life with enthusiasm and interest in all they do. Be a willing and encouraging friend, including them in activities just as you would any canine companion. Whether born this way or newly without eyes, they will adjust and be happy to accompany you wherever you go!