Love is truly blind ❤️🐾
#BlindDogLove #blinddogsofinstagram #blinddogs #doublemerle #deafandblinddog #collie #cutedogs #blinddog
I love my deaf and blind dog for exactly who she is, not what I expected her to be.
Every time I bring a dog home, I remind myself of one simple truth: they are their own soul, their own being, with their own instincts, fears, and joys. My job isn’t to mold them into something convenient or expected—it’s to love them for exactly who they are, to nurture their spirit, to guide them, and to give them a life where they feel safe, understood, and free to be themselves.
Darla has never needed sight or sound to be whole. She experiences the world in a way that is uniquely hers, and I am endlessly grateful to witness it. I will never force her into something that doesn’t bring her joy because she deserves to live a life that is fully hers—a life of love, choice, and absolute trust.
#Deafandblinddog #blindanddeafdog #deafblinddog #blinddeafdog #doublemerle #positivereinforcement #deafdogsrock #blinddogsofinstagram #dogtraining
I’m back from vacation! ☀️
And what better way to celebrate than dancing in the barn with my goats while Kachina silently judges me? 😂
But seriously—I’m recharged, refreshed, and ready to help you and your dog thrive! This summer, I’ve got some exciting group classes coming up, trainer collaborations I’m stoked on plus openings for private lessons—especially for dogs who are deaf, blind, or both!
If you’re looking for a trainer who makes learning fun (for both you and your pup), let’s chat! Drop a 🐾 in the comments for more details!
#ImBack #FunDogTrainer #DeafBlindDogTraining #DogTrainingWithJoy #FarmLife
Touch is Their World
For deaf and blind dogs, the world isn’t seen or heard—it’s felt. Every step, every gentle tap, every vibration helps them navigate, connect, and thrive.
Their paws sense the texture of the ground. Their whiskers pick up air movement. A soft touch from a trusted human means love, guidance, and safety.
Touch isn’t just a sense—it’s communication. And when done with patience and care, it builds unbreakable trust.
🐾 Handle with love.
🐾 Move with intention.
🐾 Make every touch meaningful.
Tag a friend who loves special needs dogs! 👇 #DeafBlindDogs #TouchIsTheirWorld #InclusiveTraining #DogsFeelToo #LimitlessLove
Time for some farm content! 🐐💡✨
Here’s how I turn a Jolly Ball into the ultimate goat piñata:
1️⃣ Toss in some grass pellets—because snacks make everything better.
2️⃣ Stuff it with hay to keep those pellets hidden (gotta make ‘em work for it!).
3️⃣ Release the goats and watch the chaos fun begin!
It’s enrichment, entertainment, and a little brain workout all in one. Who knew a Jolly Ball could be this much fun?! 🎉 @jollypets @horsemenspride #GoatPiñata #JollyBallMagic #HappyGoats”
🎥 STOP BREEDING MERLE TO MERLE. 🚨
I am TIRED. As a professional dog trainer specializing in deaf and blind dogs, I see the fallout from irresponsible breeding every single day—dogs born deaf, blind, or both just because someone wanted a specific coat color.
There are too many Double Merles ending up in shelters, bouncing from home to home, while rescues, trainers, and adopters burn out trying to pick up the pieces. I support saving these dogs, but they should NOT be this common.
This isn’t just “bad luck.” This is a preventable problem caused by breeding Merle to Merle. It’s selfish, it’s cruel, and it needs to STOP.
#STOPMerleToMerle #DoubleMerleCrisis #ThisIsPreventable #DogBreedingEthics #DeafDogs #BlindDogs #RescueBurnout #DoBetter
For the last 15 years, I’ve been immersed in the world of dog playgroups, observing and learning from every wag, bounce, and interaction. 🐾
I’ve seen how the right match can bring out a dog’s confidence and joy, and how a thoughtful setup can make all the difference. It’s become second nature to read their body language, understand their personalities, and create spaces where they feel safe and happy to just be dogs.
This isn’t just my job—it’s a huge part of my life. These years of experience have shaped how I approach every dog, every group, and every decision I make.
But let’s make it fun 💜
#15YearsOfDogs #DogPlaygroups #CanineBehavior #LifeWithDogs #DogTrainerLife
Stevie’s sleepover, Days 2 & 3 🐾💙
It’s been such a joy getting to know Stevie better and helping him navigate new experiences. Day 2 started off strong with some fun at daycare, followed by a training session with my dad to work on his jumping. Stevie was so eager to learn and really tried his best! But later that evening, I noticed some anxious behaviors—probably because I pushed a little too hard earlier in the day. It was a good reminder that even when progress is exciting, balance and rest are just as important.
On Day 3, we focused on slowing things down. I gave him plenty of space to decompress and worked on relaxation protocols to help him settle. I also kept a close eye on his play with Clark (my dog, who’s also blind!) to make sure both boys felt comfortable. Stevie did amazing navigating a new experience when we had a guest over. It was a perfect opportunity to help him get used to new smells and polite household introductions.
This boy is so smart, so resilient, and so sweet. He’s still waiting for his forever home, and we know the right family is out there. If you’re looking for a loyal, loving companion with a little extra heart and soul, Stevie might just be your guy. 💕
#AdoptStevie #SpecialNeedsDog #BlindDogs #FosterLife #DogTrainingJourney #AdoptDontShop
Stevie is back for a pet-sitting stay, and wow, what a difference six months makes! Day 1 was all about him settling in and figuring out the flow of my home. We worked on some big stuff—like disengaging from Clark when he wasn’t ready to play and (the hardest part) ignoring the cat.
What really blew me away was how easily Stevie was able to self-entertain and relax. That’s huge for him! In the evening, he and Clark had a blast during a big play session, and we squeezed in some training during dinner.
Seeing how much Stevie has grown and matured is so rewarding. It’s proof of how far a consistent routine can take a dog. I’m so proud of him and can’t wait to see what the rest of the week holds! 🐾💛
Stevie is still up for adoption and if interested, please contact me directly!
#deafandblinddog #blindanddeafdlg #deafdogsrock #blinddog #deafdog
Stevie’s here for the week! 🐾 I’m excited to share his journey and hopefully help him find his forever home.
Last night was all about helping him feel comfortable. He did some pacing around and reacting to things in ways I expected, it’s totally normal when a dog is settling into a new space. We did some light training, but mostly I just let him be himself and offered him support when I could. He’s a bit sensitive to touch, so when he came up to me or Jay, we kept our pets soft and gentle, like a soothing massage which helped tremendously.
It ended up being a pretty calm night—he entertained himself with toys, snuggled up next to his friends, and by the end of it, he was relaxed enough to sleep in. A little bit of pacing here and there, but he let us sleep in until 7:30! 🙌
I’ll be sharing more of Stevie’s week with you, so stay tuned to see how he’s doing! #Adopt
This weekend we lost a part of our hearts. To my sweet Mouse, you came into my life and changed everything. 💖 Even though you were deaf, blind, and faced more than most, you lived with a heart so full of love and joy that it was impossible not to be moved by you. You were my constant companion, my little teacher, and the best friend Darla, Clark, Dipper, Stevie and so many more could’ve asked for. Losing you hurts more than words can say, but I’ll carry you with me always—channeling your strength, your spirit, and your unbreakable love for life. Thank you for being you, Mouse. I’ll never stop honoring you. 🐾🌈 #ForeverInMyHeart #InnerMouse #DogMom #NeverForgotten #EpilepsyWarrior”
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
Certified professional dog trainer specializing in dogs that are deaf, blind or both In college I studied Animal Science and took classes under Temple Grandin.
