Emergency Evacuation Checklist for Deaf and/or Blind Dogs
1. Essentials to Pack Quickly:
• Identification: Keep ID tags, a microchip number, and a photo of your dog in your evacuation kit.
• Medications: Pack all necessary medications in a waterproof bag or container. Consider including calming chews to reduce anxiety.
• Leash/Harness: Use a secure, easy-to-handle leash or harness for guiding your dog safely.
2. Comfort and Familiarity:
• Dirty Clothing: Pack a recently worn article of your clothing. Your scent provides comfort and reassurance to your dog in unfamiliar environments.
• Recognizable Scent: Bring an object with a familiar scent, such as a blanket or favorite toy, to help orient your dog.
3. Written Care Instructions:
• If you need to place your dog in temporary care (e.g., with a shelter or a friend):
• Write detailed instructions about your dog’s needs, including feeding schedules, medications, handling tips, and how to use tactile or scent cues.
4. Quick Response Plan:
• Know your dog’s safe zones or crate and be prepared to guide them calmly in emergencies.
• Safety first: Your presence is what your dog needs most. Don’t worry about packing too many items—focus on keeping your dog calm and safe
.
5. Additional Tips for Readiness:
• Emergency Contact List: Include numbers for vets, shelters, and nearby friends who can assist.
• Practice Evacuations: Familiarize your dog with evacuation drills, teaching them to follow tactile or scent cues in a calm environment.
• Shelter Plan: Research pet-friendly shelters or locations in advance.
Remember: In emergencies, your dog doesn’t need much. Your presence, reassurance, and preparedness are the most valuable things you can provide. Prioritize safety and stay calm to guide your dog effectively.
#PetSafety #DefendBlindDog #BlindAndDeafDog #LAFires #Wildfires #Evacuation #NaturalDisaster #EvacuationPrep #EvacuationKit #Deaf dogs Rock #BlindDogs Rock #BlindDo
Some days, training looks less like structured sessions and more like weaving it into everyday moments. When I’m not feeling 100%, we keep things simple – down stays while I cook, ‘leave it’ practice with every dropped veggie, and positive paw wipes after snow play.
It’s a reminder that even on the slower days, we’re still building connection and trust. And by the time I’m ready to rest, they’re calm and ready too.
Training doesn’t have to be perfect – just consistent.
#DogTrainingAtHome #LifeWithDogs #SlowDayTraining #PositiveReinforcement #DogTrainingTips
This year has been… a lot. Full of growth, change, and challenges that tested us in every way. But as I sit here now, I can’t help but feel like I’ve spent my whole life working to be exactly where I am.
Our farm, this place we’ve poured our hearts into, feels like home in the deepest sense. It’s a place of joy, peace, and welcome – not just for us, but for everyone who visits. And none of it would have been possible without Jay.
Jay, you’ve been my rock through every high and low. I truly don’t know if I could have made it through this year without you. Together, we’ve built something beautiful – not just a home, but a life that feels right. We’re an incredible team, and I’m so proud of everything we’ve created side by side.
Dreams really can come true. I’m living proof of that.
Here’s to many more years of love, growth, and chasing dreams together. 🖤
#GratefulHeart #FarmLifeDreams #BuiltWithLove #TeamworkAndLove #QueerJoy #DreamsDoComeTrue
Training isn’t just for the dogs – sometimes it’s for the whole farm! 🐐✨
In this reel, you’ll see Darla, my deaf and blind dog, gently working around our goats. At first, they were unsure, but Darla’s calm, steady presence helped them settle right in.
Special needs dogs have a way of teaching patience, trust, and understanding – not just to us, but to every animal they meet. 💙
#DeafBlindDog #FarmLifeTraining #GoatAndDogBond #PositiveReinforcement #SpecialNeedsDogs #DogTrainingJourney
Controversial Topic: Why I Don’t Use Shock Collars with My Deaf and Blind Dog
When Darla was a puppy, she was naturally easy to spook. I wanted the outdoors to be a space where she felt free, enriched, and safe — not on edge or fearful. We spent the first few years of her life building her confidence outdoors, especially when creating distance between us. We focused on skills like jumping over obstacles, navigating through different terrains, and checking in with us along the way.
Darla is also epileptic, so it’s crucial that her outdoor adventures remain as stress-free as possible. Reducing stress helps lower the risk of seizures, which is another reason we prioritize calm, positive outdoor experiences for her.
I’ve also never found it necessary to use a shock collar. We hike in familiar, safe locations and often have Darla drag a long line for added security. If her tracking isn’t as sharp one day, I’ll clip the line to myself. If she’s doing well, I’ll drop the line but still use small physical cues (like gentle bumps) to communicate when she needs to check back in.
This approach has worked well for us for nearly 4 years! Darla is highly food-motivated and naturally good at tracking us, which has made this method effective. Of course, every dog is different, and not every deaf or blind dog will respond the same way. It’s all about finding what works best for your dog.
This post isn’t meant to judge anyone for the tools they choose to use with their dogs. I’m simply sharing our experience in hopes it might inspire or encourage others.
If you have a deaf, blind, or sensory-impaired dog, I’d love to hear what’s worked best for you! Drop a comment below.
#DogTraining #DeafDog #BlindDog #PositiveReinforcement #DogHiking #DogMomLife
✨ It’s me again — here to gush about Stevie! ✨
I’m long overdue for an update on this incredible boy and all the progress he’s made with his amazing foster family. Sometimes, all a dog needs is a soft place to land, and that’s exactly what Stevie got. With time, patience, and love, he’s learned how to:
🐾 Play gently with his foster siblings
🐾 Be comfortable when left alone
🐾 Embrace life as a confident adult dog!
Stevie is still searching for his forever home, and we would love to see him find his perfect match in the new year. If you’ve been looking for a sign, this is it!
Not ready to adopt but still want to support him? His Christmas Wish List is still live (link in bio), and he’s been loving all the thoughtful gifts he’s received so far. A huge thank you to everyone who’s contributed to his journey — every little bit makes a big difference!
If you’re interested in adopting Stevie, please reach out directly to me at [email protected]. Let’s find this sweet boy the happy ending he deserves! ❤️
#AdoptStevie #FosterDogLove #ForeverHomeNeeded #DogTrainingJourney #EnrichmentForAll
🎄🐾 Introducing “12 Days of Stevie”! 🐾🎄
Hey everyone! Many of you know Stevie, the amazing deaf and blind dog who has been in foster care since the spring. Stevie’s foster family and I want to give him the ultimate Christmas this year—complete with gifts under the tree and, most importantly, a forever home. ❤️
If you’ve been following me for a while, you might remember “12 Days of Peaches” from a few years back. Well, the family who adopted Peaches is now fostering Stevie, and we’re bringing back the tradition—this time for him!
Starting today, I’ll be sharing daily posts highlighting all the reasons why Stevie is such an incredible dog and would make a wonderful addition to someone’s family. Along the way, we’re also raising funds to spoil him with holiday gifts and show him just how loved he is. 🎁✨
Even if adoption isn’t an option for you, this is a great way to help make Stevie’s holiday extra special!
Stay tuned, share Stevie’s story, and let’s work together to give this sweet boy the Christmas he deserves. 🐶💖
#12DaysOfStevie #AdoptDontShop #DogTrainingLife #FosterDog #SpecialNeedsDog #ForeverHomeWanted
Just a bunch of rescue dogs loving life! Keeper and Mae are from All 4 Paws Rescue and my own dog Clark is from Speak Rescue and Sanctuary 💙
I feel like my dog and horse people will understand. When it gets below 40° I just choose to live in these. 🤣
Now all I need is to be sponsored by @carhartt
#horse #dogsofinstagram #carhartt #skit #humor #bibs
Holiday Prep Part 2: Communicating with Guests & Deciding if Your Dog Should Join the Fun!
As we continue the holiday prep series, today we’re diving into two important points for navigating the holidays with your dog: how to communicate about your dog with guests, and whether or not you should bring your dog to family gatherings.
1️⃣ Communicate Your Dog’s Needs to Guests
When guests arrive, it’s essential to set everyone up for success by communicating your dog’s needs. This includes giving clear guidelines to children about how to interact with your dog, and sharing what works best for your dog’s comfort. For example, I always make sure to set up a safe space for my dogs when my parents visit, so they don’t jump on my dad, who’s a fall risk. By preparing your environment and informing your guests, everyone can enjoy the time together, and your dog stays safe and comfortable!
2️⃣ Should You Bring Your Dog?
One of the most common questions I get is whether or not you should bring your dog to a family gathering. Sometimes, it’s better to leave your dog at home where they’re comfortable—especially if you want to enjoy some quality time with family without worrying about your dog’s stress. Think about your dog’s personality—will they enjoy being around a crowd? Or would they prefer a quiet day at home, waiting for you to return for a cozy snuggle and a movie?
Remember, the holidays are about enjoying time with loved ones—whether that’s with your dog or without them. Have a safe, happy week, and enjoy the holiday season in whatever way makes you and your dog happiest!
#HolidayPrep #DogTraining #PetParenting #FamilyTime #DogSafety #DogTips #HolidayWithPets
🎄 Holiday Tips for Your Dog: Part 1 🎄
Is it just me, or has this year felt like it flew by? If you’re feeling a little last-minute when it comes to prepping your dog for the holidays, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some quick tips to keep everyone safe and stress-free! 🐾
1️⃣ Plan Ahead for Door Dashing: The holidays mean guests, and that can mean door-dashing pups! Make a plan for how you’ll manage your dog when the doorbell rings or when guests start arriving. A little preparation goes a long way!
2️⃣ Manage Food Overload: With all the delicious food around, it’s easy for your dog to become overstimulated. Watch out for signs of resource guarding, jumping, or excitement towards guests (especially with food in the mix!). Keep their environment calm and set boundaries ahead of time.
Stay tuned for Part 2, and make sure your pup enjoys the holidays as much as you do! 💙
#HolidayDogTraining #DogTrainingTips #HolidayPrep #ResourceGuarding #OverstimulatedDogs #DogTraining #TrainingForTheHolidays
Today is a perfect day to practice @hideandscent! In the final installment of my Hide & Scent series, I want to share how I adapt the game for my deaf, blind, and deafblind dogs. Each dog requires a unique approach, and I always tailor my cues to ensure success in their training. Creating a supportive environment is key to helping them thrive.
If you have any questions about how to play Hide & Scent with your deaf and/or blind dog, feel free to reach out – I’m happy to help!
#deafandblinddog #blindanddeafdog #deafdogsrock #blinddogsrock #disableddog #hideandscent #sniffingwithpurpose #deafdog #blinddog #scentgames #enrichment #dogenrichment
