Successful Move for Newly Blind Dog?! : (

Our 14 year old bichon went blind in a new home we just purchased.

Try and keep furniture arrangements somewhat similar during the unpacking process, try and keep your dog kenneled or leashed to a table leg or something so all of the boxes and such won't throw him off. Get one room done quickly so that your dog can become familiar with that layout. Just walk the dog around, show him the corners of the couches and such.

Using the bell on the back door is a good idea too.

Our dog would get stuck behind things, for instance she would walk around furniture and then get stuck behind the wall of it, so make sure that there aren't small crannies behind tvs and such he can get stuck behind.

I haven't been in this situation but here is what I thought of. Take him to the new house and try to get it settled furniture wise as quickly as possible. Then keep him on a leash with you for some time sort of showing him around. He may take to it a lot quicker than you think. My neices dog is blind and she just treads lightly and when she bumps into something backs up and figures out how to go around it. Anyway, back to your situation. Lots of treats to let him know this is a good place. Praise too, to let him know this is a good thing. I also thought a crate might help if he is either used to it or takes to it okay. When you can't be around you to help him he could be secure in his crate. Hope others have some tips too! Also, talk to your Vet, they may have some good tips or resources.

I'm sorry to hear about you dog. I'm so sad for him too.
Good luck with the move and I agree with the other posters, get everything situated as soon a possible and lead him around the house several times over, until he gets patterns and smells down.

I haven't done it or had a blind pet, but I'm sure he will adjust with some time. I would try walking him around on a leash at first, maybe a wear a bell so you make noise the whole time you are moving and he can follow the noise. You could start doing that in your current house if you have time so he can go ahead and get used to that as a way to find you. If you have stairs try a mat with a different texture near them, so he can find the place easy and know there is going to be a change. Not sure if there is something but you could try a different texture near any walls you think he is likely to run into or in the yard some gravel or mulch around the edges in the new place. That way he has a reference for what is right in front of him and if he needs to turn around or step up or down. The main thing is keeping talking to him and letting him know where you are. If you can teach him left and right that may help so you can tell him to turn if you are right there. You could also try to use something to scent an area so he knows where he is.

Good luck on your move and hope you get some encouraging stories. I did know a sheltie that used to run agility that was deaf and had limited sight. He only practiced, but adapted well to only seeing hand signals, so I hope your guy is adapting well to hearing and smelling more.

Oh, I am so sorry! We recently went through the same with our 10 yr. old pomeranian. He was around 8 when he started with cataracts. He is diabetic and takes insulin 2X day. He is actually our daughter's dog, but we have him now as she cannot take care of him...apartment living, working all day, etc. In the past I did not care for small dogs, but I LOVE this dog!!!! I have rescued him from our pool and fish pond several times as well. We have since fenced off an area of our yard just for him, but he likes to be on the other side of the fence as well if we are on the other side! We generally just likes to be with us and to be reassured where we are. I find myself talking to him a lot more! I have noticed that he is starting to get confused as to where the back door is and where he is in general. It is very sad, but I LOVE him and will do just about anything to keep him healthy and happy! I walk with heavy steps/stomps or slap my thigh when I am walking so that he knows where I am and can follow me. I have christmas necklaces (with large bells) on the doors so that I can shake them to all for his attention. Our large dog used to ring them when she had to go out, but she has since passed and we have left the bells on the doors more for us rather than for the small dogs. I have noticed that he does not like his leash and would prefer not to take walks with us anymore. I do take him on the leash in our front yard....he recognizes where he is! He is really a very happy puppy (!) and our vet is very reassuring as well! I did google this before and there are quite a few hints about staging your house for a blind dog. One recommendation was to put bells around your ankles so that when you walk, your dog will know where you are. I think they suggested cat collars/necklaces. Good luck!!!!