K-9 help

[kwack smacker]

with things going the way they are i know everyone is stressed to the gills but this year has been verry hard on myself, 1st off i learned that my dog or hunting partner is diabetic, we got that addressed but know her eye sight is going. I know that this is because of her diabetes and is going to progress. She turned 7 this year and is by no means a true hunting breed, but that little girl has got a nose that cant be beat, ive watched her putt a lot of lets say upland breeds to shame. Ive never had a dog that whas gifted and a mutt so i had to learn training myself, never done it before. She was taught hand signals and would hunt or seek at my command. never used her for waterfowl because she is to small and could not handle the cold, and having her stay put for any more than a few minutes was not going to happen. nothing will make me madder than having to listen too someone scream at there dog because is not trained or mind, its not the dogs fault only the owner anyway i know that surgery wont last so dose anyone know of any supplements or other that may help her eyes, also tips on training for me and her on blind dogs. This is 4 times harder on me than her and there have been a few cases where ive gotten scared or upset about some thing she has done, like hitting the door and not the dog door. when i see this i freak then she will cause she can feel my emotion and has never got that feeling from me. Im very confident and she has been to up to this point. nothing like having your best friend and hunting partner go blind but you have a language barrier so its one sided. this is very hard for me to watch and is weighing heavy on me.she still has a little sight some days are better than others so any tips or help no matter how small will be greatly appreciated thanks,
BRANT

[mulvany]

Kwack,
I am very sorry to hear that for you. I have Kate who is an almost 2 year old yellow lab, so I have not had to deal with the issues you are. I do know that GUN DOG Magazine actually ran several articles in their most recent issue about handicap dogs, older dogs and had several helpful articles and tips. Here is a link to their website: http://www.gundogmag.com/

I know it's going to be very tough to work with her through the next few years, but according to the magazine it can be done. Good luck and I know that the more experienced guys on here can probably be there to help you out.

[wackemnstackem]

there are supplements you can give but IMHO they really don't do that much for them....I think it make us feel better knowing that we are giving them something more than it really helps our k-9 partners......but that's just my opinion

[kwack smacker]

thanks for the help,I did pick up that issue of Gun Dog Mag and it picket my spirits some until me and tippy played fetch. What a bitter pill to swallow, my girlfriend works for a vet and we have gone as far as we can. In two weeks im headed to Billings Montana to met a vet that specializes in eyes. So much for that new 1/2 doz full bodies i was going to get ,LOL. Last weekend I had her out at a friends place and she did real good in the house,but i kept her on a leash outside. I took her for a little walk in the scrub, and not paying attention, she kept pulling on the leash. Well 3 minutes later 4 pheasants took to flight. The nose still works but man she ran into every possible thing out there. In gun dog mag one of the dogs had goggles on to protect his eyes, im trying to figure out to fit a welding hood to tippy, poor girl is going to give me hartattack but thanks annyway ill keep you posted