|
AKC PARENT BREED CLUB FOR THE ENTLEBUCHER MOUNTAIN DOG
|
|
Helpful Tips for Living with Your PRA Dog
|
|
|
PRA and Other Eye Diseases
|
|
|
A few things to help you both have fun together:
When training use sound like bells or a clicker as this will help him know where
you are when his sight diminishes.
Play with light colored toys - glow balls are good and make sure that you hit the ground with the toy so the dog can hear it. (Hunter chews a hole in his ball so he
can hear the wind whistle as it goes by him.)
Good toys are those that make a noise so the dog can follow the sound.
While the vision is still good, work with hand and voice commands that will teach directions. Voice commands come in handy later on when your dog can't find the
toy and for lots of other instances.
Watch you dog with unknown dogs as an unsighted dog can get hurt easily.
Do not leave your dog unattended in a crowd, especially where there are children. They do not know the dog cannot see and nervousness or fright could cause the
dog to bark or nip if it feels in danger.
Put night lights around the house to help guide the dog if he wanders at night.
Do not move furniture too much or leave low cupboard doors open.
Install auto-sensory lights outside.
Block off steep stairs. Going up is fine but coming down can be hazardous.
|
|
Do not leave your dog unattended outside in the dark. This will only stress the dog if it cannot find its way back to the house.
You can make a collar from a headset flashlight. Cut off the extra elastic that goes over the head and it becomes a collar. Have the dog wear it out at night on high beam to shine right in front of him. The beam collar is also good for finding him quickly outside at night and could warn off potential problems such as coyotes/raccoons. Sighted dogs can use it too for extra light when walking at night and a warning to oncoming traffic.
If you have a pool or water on your property, keep a watchful eye on your dog. They can fall in and not be able to find a way out.
When walking with your dog always let him know where you are so he doesn't panic.
These dogs adapt better than their human counterparts, but if you can help in any way, you'll have a lot more fun.