How to Train a Blind Dog to Manage Stairs

One of the most common challenges faced by newly blind dogs is a fear of going up and down stairs. Training your dog to step up and down on command will help build her confidence and help her resume normal activities around the house. You will also find these commands useful when you walk your dog in unfamiliar places.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog Collars
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Treats

1. Find a location in your home or neighborhood that has a single step or a short stairway of only two to three steps. If working outdoors, have the dog on a leash.

2. Encourage your dog to climb up the step or steps. This will provide her with some information about the physical shape and size of the steps.

3. Use a food treat placed under the dog's nose to lure her up the first step, or verbally encourage her as you tap the stair tread with your hand.

4. As she reaches up the step, say "step up." Repeat until she has climbed up all the steps if you are working on a short stairway instead of a single step.

5. Turn the dog to face the step by luring her around with another food treat under her nose.

6. Tap the next lower stair tread with your hand, and lure her down with the food treat.

7. As she steps or feels her way down, say "stairs." Repeat until she is at the bottom if you are working on a short stairway.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using the command "step down," as many dogs already understand the word "down" to mean "lie down," and may become confused.
• Going down stairs requires great trust on the dog's part. Be extremely patient and encouraging, even if it takes numerous tries. Progress to longer stairways only after your dog seems confident on the shorter ones.
• Do not try to shove or startle your dog into going down steps.
• Punishment can cause blind dogs to become more depressed, anxious or aggressive. If your dog seems very frightened, give her a food treat or verbal praise and call it quits for the day. You may have better luck in a different place on a different day.

[jerb]

on 2/22/2009 I love your comment. I have a 4 month old Chihuahua who was born without eyes. Samson is a wonderful brave little puppy.I treat him like a normal dog and he continues to surprise me every single day. Right now he is learning to go up and down steps, and he is so sweet. He really tries and loves to hear our voice cheering him on...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.

[jerb]

on 2/22/2009 I love your comment. I have a 4 month old Chihuahua who was born without eyes. Samson is a wonderful brave little puppy.I treat him like a normal dog and he continues to surprise me every single day. Right now he is learning to go up and down steps, and he is so sweet. He really tries and loves to hear our voice cheering him on...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.

on 11/22/2005 Steps - Have the dog on a leash. Coax the dog right beside you or right behind you. Slowly start up the steps, stepping loudly, one step at a time and encourage the dog to follow. Praise and chatter happily as you gently guide with the lead.
Outdoors - Keep the dog on a leash. Happy chatter will encourage it to stay with you. Try to always go to the same area and gently guide the dog around obstacles. Also say "Watch it!" if the dog is getting to close to someone. If possible, use a long rope as a leash and let him check out the area. The dog will develop confidence in you and will fill free to even run and play. Always make these outings fun. Never jerk a blind dog around.