How to Train a Seeing Eye Dog

Seeing eye dogs are trained to guide the blind by leading them safely to their destination. Dogs are bred to be confident, gentle, healthy and intelligent. Training a seeing eye dog requires physical, mental and emotional strength. Learn how seeing eye dogs are trained to benefit the blind community.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Understand that seeing eye dogs are specially bred for qualifying characteristics. Three types of dogs are usually chosen to be seeing eye dogs: German shepherds, Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers. Volunteer "puppy raisers" care for and provide obedience training and socialization for the dogs until they are 18 months old.
2. Know that formal training for the dog begins after 18 months old. A sighted instructor works with the seeing eye dog candidate, teaching him to follow three basic commands: forward, right and left. Using a harness with a lease and handle as a guide, the dog's instinct to pull the harness forward automatically kicks in. Teaching the dog to move "right" and "left" is accomplished by saying the word while gently pulling the leash in the desired direction. With praise and repetition, the dog learns the commands and moves forward with additional training.
3. Realize that once the dog grasps the three basic commands, he is taught how to maneuver curbs, clearance and traffic. Curbs are vital to master for two reasons: the safety of the blind individual and orientation--counting curbs is the way blind people know where they are and how close they are to their destination. Dogs are led to a curb and taught to sit down with their paws resting on the curb. Clearance deals with the dog's ability to maneuver between objects while walking. Objects are placed in the dog's path and he is shown how to safely move between them. Traffic safety is taught through simulation exercises. The dog learns to be cautious in traffic situations without being afraid of the activity and noise. Ample praise and practice are key to mastering curb, clearance and traffic.
4. Pair a seeing eye dog with a blind individual to create a working relationship. Under the tutelage of a sighted instructor, the seeing eye dog and new master are taught how to work together using the dog's knowledge of basic commands and maneuverability.
5. Realize that seeing eye dogs are trained to guide the blind in many different environments. If the blind person gives a command and the dog knows it's not safe to follow that command, the dog won't comply. This is referred to as "intelligent disobedience."
6. Meet the qualifications to be a seeing eye dog trainer. Trainers must be physically, mentally and emotionally fit. You must complete an average of three years of hands-on training and pass a written exam.

Tips & Warnings

• Most seeing eye dogs work in the field for an average of eight years.
• Never physically interact with a seeing eye dog that is working without the owner's consent. Petting or talking to the seeing eye dog distracts him from his job.