Living With Blind Dogs: A Resource Book and Training Guide for the Owners of Blind and Low-Vision Dogs

by Caroline D. Levin

With a unique combination of professional experiences, Caroline Levin has created the first-ever resource book for the owners of blind and low-vision dogs. Both the veterinary community and dog-owners alike are hailing the arrival of "Living With Blind Dogs".

In it, Levin successfully answers the question most commonly asked by devastated pet-lovers: "What do I do now?"



Levin came to write this book, when after a decade in human ophthalmic nursing she left that field to manage an ophthalmic veterinary clinic. Here, she was able to meld her knowledge of ophthalmology with her love of dogs, developing badly needed educational materials for clients. Levin took the opportunity to meet many blind dogs and talk with their owners.



Caroline Levin is also an award-winning dog trainer. She has an in-depth understanding of canine behavior and the methods used to successfully train dogs. She shows her dogs in obedience competitions and the new sport of musical canine freestyle.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Reference, Dogs

188 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Cynthia Skelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been the greatest asset as I recently adopted a 4.5 year old poodle who is completely blind. Like many faced with blindness in a dog, whether a pet that previously had sight or adopting a blind pet, it can be scary and you worry about the dog having good quality of life.

Levin's book takes care of you, the pet parent, as you learn to deal with your pet's blindness, and gives a ton of tips and ideas to help the pup adjust. Dogs are incredibly resilient and with some guidance from you (as well as a happy mindset that the dog picks up on), they can have fantastic quality of life. My dog is one of the happiest creatures I have ever met. She is also a fantastic watchdog because her hearing is so keen.

I randomly found this book at a used book sale the day I decided to meet this cute little pup. I read most of it before bringing her home, so when she got home, I knew what to do to help her adjust to her new home. I taught her a "swerve word" to let her know that she was about to run into something and a phrase to realign on the sidewalk if she was walking on one side and headed towards some overgrown bushes. She has learned to trust me that I will tell her if she is about to run into something and will keep her safe. She feels so safe, in fact, that we have started running together (she started taking off during walks). After a few hours at the new house, she was running around it without issue and rarely bumps into anything.

I am now working on helping her walk down stairs and learn to play with toys (she was a puppy mill breeder and currently has no concept of toys). This book has so many great ideas for each challenge.

If your vet has told you that your pup is losing their sight or you are considering adding a blind dog to your family, this book is a must-own resource. Also, as an aside, blind dogs are amazing. They are able to be happy, healthy, vibrant, fun and productive members of the family. Their sight is their 3rd most important sense, behind scent and hearing, and they will adjust perfectly fine.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an EXCELLENT resource for dog owners who are dealing with a dog going blind or is already blind. The tips are easy to follow and results are achievable. After reading about verbal cues I realized I've already been doing that for her for years. For example when getting in the car, I tell her 'up' (into the floor) then 'up' again to jump on my drivers seat, then 'over' to go over to her seat. I borrowed this book from the library and I think I'm going to buy it on Amazon, it's a very good resource to have on hand.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having never had a blind dog before, I was quite unnerved upon learning this week that my not-yet-7 year-old dog is nearly blind. (How did she pull that off for so long without me noticing?) The ophthalmologist vet recommended this book and I'm glad I got it. There is a lot of information that isn't relevant to me (my dog isn't part of a pack, I have no cats, etc.). But that's what's helpful about the book: that it covers pretty much everything the owner of a blind dog might need to know. I'm not too enthused about scenting my house as much as the book recommends (we've lived here for years and this dog has it all mapped out in her head, so I think I can get by without), but many of the other suggestions will definitely be implemented. And it was just reassuring to be reminded that dogs can happily live this way and lots and lots of dog owners (I mean moms) have dealt with this quite successfully. (In 4 days since the diagnosis, I've already read this book and joined two online message groups. I suspect my dog will be just fine, unless she is driven crazy by her mommy acting like this thing she's been living with for years and doesn't really care about is all of a sudden a huge deal.)

[Mary C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives practical advice for people who have blind dogs. Presented in "chunks" and pictures, it's an easy read.
Note that there are A LOT of suggestions in this book. You may find that there are too many options, but just take what you need.
A lot of the advice supported what I was already doing and thinking, as well as giving me great new ways to help my blind dog.

[John]

Must have if you have a dog who is already blind or going blind, or if you are thinking of adopting a blind dog. Or if you are thinking of adopting any dog...you might consider helping out a poor blind pooch after reading how easy it is to accommodate one.

[Manybooks2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great information. The book has helped relieved some of my worries that my dog will lead a full life.

[Sam Mielo · Rating 3 out of 5]

My husband and I recently adopted a 4 year old blind dog from an animal shelter. We were kind of nervous about what sort of special care the dog would require. A friend of ours used to have a blind dog and she gave us this book to help us. The beginning of the book didn't pertain to us because our dog is believed to have been blind from birth, but I can see how those sections would be very helpful to someone who has a pet that is suddenly going blind. I enjoyed the sections on playing with your blind dog and the tips on training your dog.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you face the challenge of adjusting every day life for your beloved dog due to blindness, this book is an excellent resource. Many great tips and suggestions to help you feel confident that you are doing as much as you can to help your four legged friend.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

very thorough and enlightening. the only all-inclusive book I have found so far as to gain an understanding of why dogs go blind, how to help them adjust, and resources for blind dogs. Caroline Levin is a true expert in her field.

[Kelly Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

This helped us prepare and cope with our dog's progressive glaucoma. We were able to train him and learned to create an environment that set him up for success. Highly recommend this if you're new to having a blind dog.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

very helpful.

[Melissa Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the most informative book out there. Gives good advice and training tips. Found it very helpful.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for blind dog owners.

[Jessie (Zombie_likes_cake) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't really give this 5* because I could never consider a book like this as a personal favorite but it is a great resource for those who need it. It really touches on almost any question you could have and hints at things you might not have thought about. It is very comprehensive and even touches on fringe areas such as training a blind and deaf dog or teaching a born blind puppy.
The best parts for me were connected to training your blind dog. Ours is going blind due to glaucoma and there are things I am just really worried about, mostly not if HE will adapt but if I WILL adapt well enough to help him in the right way. This book really comforted and reassured me that I can do this! It didn't sugarcoat, it was honest about certain difficulties and that there will be bad days but it gave me a strong serving of hope while my little munchkin is still recovering from his last surgery.
Another benefit was that Levin included little personal stories from actual owners and their experience. It ends on a absolutely wonderful note where the author shares a tale of a blind dog saving someone's life!
Definitely a book I will browse through again as needed in the future. If you are in the situation where you are considering this book you will not regret the purchase.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm very sad that I needed to read this book; that being said, it was very helpful and informative. It was almost too thorough - I skimmed through the sections about the very in-depth causes of canine blindness. This book covered topics such as training, new skills, and behavioral changes. It contained practical tips for blind-dog proofing your house, how to make a DIY harness and other devices, and suggested new ways to play with your blind dog.

[Donna Sandidge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straightforward, helpful information written in a compassionate tone. A must-read if you are living with a low-vision or blind dog!