Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Pets (self.Blind)
submitted by KickButtUsername
Hi all! I just wanted to know about your opinion and experience with pets! My brother is completely blind and 8 years old. At what age would be best to get a pet (specifically, a dog)? Any advice helps! Thanks! :)
Kwizi 3 points
A dog would be a great idea for when he will be able to get a guide dog (if he will want one).
I raise puppy guide dogs in fact! :)
Advice? Maybe get one that is already adult, so you could ask for a calm one that is interested in humans and cuddles. The people at the shelters already know the dogs' personalities so it's a safer bet. Puppies are fine when you know what you are doing but there is still that gamble of the dog being a rambunctious hyperactive hunter or something. And if you don't know what you are doing i.e. it's your/his first dog, you might end up with a barker for example (which is extremely annoying when someone is blind around).
Breedwise you should aim for something that is maybe not a terrier-type (they are more independent which means the dog will often be off looking for critters) and maybe not too hyper (like a border collie or a german shepherd). In your case it is maybe better a close-contact breed (or mix, I prefer mixes and runts that nobody wants, they're awesome!). Toy breeds are fine, but be sure to treat them the same as you would with a big dog.
You can get one now when he is 8, BUT while you shouldn't expect your son to have all the responsibilities, give him a few. For example he can help teach the dogs tricks (just even "lay down" or "let go" while playing tug of war...) Be sure to use positive reinforcement only (as in don't punish the dog for doing bad things, rather redirect the dog to the good thing to do instead and reward with praise or treats). He can help for grooming, mealtime and come on walks.
I raise puppy guide dogs in fact! :)
Advice? Maybe get one that is already adult, so you could ask for a calm one that is interested in humans and cuddles. The people at the shelters already know the dogs' personalities so it's a safer bet. Puppies are fine when you know what you are doing but there is still that gamble of the dog being a rambunctious hyperactive hunter or something. And if you don't know what you are doing i.e. it's your/his first dog, you might end up with a barker for example (which is extremely annoying when someone is blind around).
Breedwise you should aim for something that is maybe not a terrier-type (they are more independent which means the dog will often be off looking for critters) and maybe not too hyper (like a border collie or a german shepherd). In your case it is maybe better a close-contact breed (or mix, I prefer mixes and runts that nobody wants, they're awesome!). Toy breeds are fine, but be sure to treat them the same as you would with a big dog.
You can get one now when he is 8, BUT while you shouldn't expect your son to have all the responsibilities, give him a few. For example he can help teach the dogs tricks (just even "lay down" or "let go" while playing tug of war...) Be sure to use positive reinforcement only (as in don't punish the dog for doing bad things, rather redirect the dog to the good thing to do instead and reward with praise or treats). He can help for grooming, mealtime and come on walks.
iLarsNL 2 points
I don't know where you live, but in the Netherlands you can apply for a guide dog at age 16. Of course, I think it's best to get used to pets at an early age.
A problem with 'normal' dogs is however, that they can be very unexpecting. They do all sorts of things, and can start barking all of a sudden. I know this scares my brother (he is blind), so he doesn't like dogs.
Still, if you make your brother get used to dogs at an early age, I think it'll work out just fine.
As for other pets, at an early age, me and my brother had a guinea pig and a bird.
I hope this helps!
A problem with 'normal' dogs is however, that they can be very unexpecting. They do all sorts of things, and can start barking all of a sudden. I know this scares my brother (he is blind), so he doesn't like dogs.
Still, if you make your brother get used to dogs at an early age, I think it'll work out just fine.
As for other pets, at an early age, me and my brother had a guinea pig and a bird.
I hope this helps!
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