How to Train a Blind Dog to Avoid Obstacles

By teaching a blind dog the "go slowly" command, you may be able to help her avoid nasty bumps, build confidence and resume daily activities.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog Collars
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Treats

1. Put your dog on a leash with a flat buckle collar, never a choke collar.

2. Apply gentle backward pressure on the leash (avoid jerking) when your dog begins to walk. Give the command "slo-o-w" or "e-e-easy" at the same time.

3. Say "good slow" or "good easy" to your dog the instant she slows down.

4. Give your dog a food treat and/or lots of praise.

5. Use this command to alert your dog whenever she's about to bump into something.

Tips & Warnings

• Teach new behaviors on a surface where your dog feels secure (a non-slip rug, for instance) and in a familiar area.
• Do not try to shove or startle your dog into going slowly.
• Be patient when working with blind dogs. Use praise lavishly. Punishment can cause blind dogs to become more depressed, anxious or aggressive.

[jerb]

on 2/22/2009 I have a 4 month old Chihuahua who was born without eyes and I looked and looked for information on blind puppies. I wanted to make the right choice, and let me tell you - not for one minute I have ever felt I made a mistake. Samson is a wonderful brave little puppy.I treat him like a normal dog and he continues to surprise me every single day.You can read all about his story at www.blindpup.comPlease visit his blog and help me spread the word. Blind Dogs See With Their Heart and Are Worth Loving.

[MollieMisty]

on 12/26/2007 My husband and I have adopted a blind Australian Shepherd a couple of weeks ago. We have a Border Collie mix that she is doing very well with. They play and love to run around our back yard, but she is still very timid with people. She came from a rescue that took great care of her, but they had a couple of aggressive dogs, so she spend alot of her time in her kennel and not learning to socialize with people. She is not aggressive and is showing signs of not tensing up when we are close to her, but she still runs to her "safe" place any time she is spooked.

Can anyone tell me where I can get some advise on teaching her to trust people?

Thanks, Tracey

on 11/22/2005 If you walk ahead of her and stamp your feet loudly and say "up" or "step" with each step, after a while, she'll expect it and follow you anywhere.

on 11/22/2005 My dog has been blind for 2 years. I read in a very helpful book ("Living with Blind Dogs" by Caroline D. Levine, R.N.) to put perfume on the edge of each step in your house to help her climb up and down with more confidence.