Stumbling on his oversized paws, Dobby looks like any other mischievous border collie puppy.

Key points: Maddie Johnson is the only dog trainer in Tasmania that rescues and rehabilitates dogs with disabilities

Maddie Johnson is the only dog trainer in Tasmania that rescues and rehabilitates dogs with disabilities She trains deaf and blind dogs to learn behaviours and tricks beyond the capabilities of most dogs

She trains deaf and blind dogs to learn behaviours and tricks beyond the capabilities of most dogs People are hesitant to adopt disabled dogs, but Ms Johnson is dedicated to proving they can make fantastic companions

But when his owner Naomi Hough calls him, he obliviously continues his game of chase and chew with the other dogs.

Drama the dog now helps Ms Johnson with training other special needs dogs. ( ABC News: Free Vreman )

The feisty puppy is actually both deaf and blind.

Dobby owes his life to dog trainer Maddie Johnson, who has dedicated her career to changing public perceptions of dogs with disabilities.

"People are often hesitant to adopt deaf and blind dogs because there is a presumption that they are hard to train and live unhappy lives," she said.

The 22-year-old is the only dog trainer in Tasmania that specialises in rescuing and rehabilitating dogs with special needs.

The rehabilitation involves vet checks and therapy recommended by specialists.

Ms Johnson pays for tests and treatment out of her own pocket, and in doing so has helped several dogs recover and find loving new families.

"I once spent $3,000 on an urgent MRI for one of my rescue dogs but, for me, it's all worth it," she said.

Ms Johnson rescued three-month-old Dobby and trained him until she found him the perfect home with proud owner Ms Hough.

Dogs Maddie Johnson has worked with include Drama (left) and Queenie. ( ABC News: Free Vreman )

"I can't tell you how rewarding it is having a dog with disabilities and watching him conquer little hurdles every day," Ms Hough said.

"The sight of him having fun and being happy and healthy is incredibly wonderful to be a part of. Without Maddie's help, I don't know where he would be today."

Dobby isn't the first canine to get help from Ms Johnson; two-year-old border collie Drama is her star pupil, and now helps her train other dogs.

"Drama was one of my first rescue dogs, it was love at first sight, and I couldn't bear to rehome her," she said.

Willow Is unable to use her hind legs and is incontinent. ( ABC News: Free Vreman )

Irresponsible breeding a problem

Ms Johnson said canine disabilities were often caused by a lack of education.

"Irresponsible breeding is the main cause of deaf and blind dogs," she said.

"For example, if you breed merle-coloured border collies together you've got a one-in-four chance of breeding puppies with disabilities.

"It is so important that breeders are educated and cautious in who they home their dogs to."

Hobart Dog Clinic senior veterinarian Raj Wicks supports Ms Johnson's advocacy for responsible breeding and pet ownership.

"It is OK to have a dog that is born blind or deaf, but it is a big responsibility," he said.

"With the right owner, these dogs can get the proper care they need."

Ms Johnson said if people knew more about the capabilities of disabled dogs, they would be more likely to adopt one.

"Just because they're deaf or disabled in any way doesn't mean that they can't make fantastic pets," she said.