How to Train a Blind Cat or Dog With a Whistle
Special needs pets can present a challenge to any pet owner. Blind pets can be especially difficult as they need a very set routine and a patient, understanding owner to help them adapt to new surroundings. Training blind pets is not an impossible feat, and a whistle can be a useful tool for training sessions with sight-impaired pets.
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Instructions
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Fit your pet with a collar and lead. The collar and lead allow you to contain your pet to a smaller area and gives your pet a feeling of security since she cannot see where you are.
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Hold the leash in your hand, and blow gently on the whistle to get your pet's attention. A short, soft blow will produce a sound loud enough to get your pet's attention, but not loud enough to frighten him. The whistle will give your pet an indication that she needs to focus on you because you will be giving her a command and will let her know where you are in the room.
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3
Give your pet a simple command, such as sit after you've blown the whistle. Hold a treat in front of your pet's nose and move your hand backward to encourage him to lower his rear toward the ground. Move your hand slowly so that your pet can use his nose to follow the scent since he cannot see your hand.
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Reward your dog with the treat and blow the whistle again as soon as your dog sits down. The whistle serve as a signal that your pet performed the command properly and the treat rewards her for a job well done. Be sure you reward her immediately so that she connects the command and whistle with a properly executed request. Repeat the whistle and treat routine until your pet performs the command without you having to move your hand.
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Add more complex commands to your pet's routine onceshe masters the sit. The lie down command can be taught in much the same way. Hold a treat in your hand, blow the whistle and give the command to lie down. Move the treat toward the ground, repeating the command. As soon as your pet lies down, reward and praise him.
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Work with your pet in short, frequent sessions. Pets have a short attention span and three or four 10-minute training sessions per day produces much better results than one long session.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to work with your pet in an area free of debris or obstructions. Blind pets have a difficult time being comfortable and need a wide open area to avoid injuring themselves.
Never physically punish your pet while training. Hitting your pet can cause injury and lasting emotional trauma that will cause serious setbacks in your training.
