How to Train a Blind Dog

Training your blind dog will give her confidence and help alleviate depression, dependency and fear. Proper training will also make it easier, and safer, for your blind dog to participate in everyday activities with you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Teaching the "Sit" and "Down" Commands

1. Give the command "Sit."

2. Place a tasty-smelling food treat right next to your dog's nose and mouth at the same time.

3. Keep the food treat close to your dog's nose and slowly take the treat up and over its head. Doing this will lead your dog into a sit.

4. Say "Yes" the instant your dog sits, and give her a food treat and praise.

5. Start your "Down" command by first giving your dog the "Sit" command.

6. Hold a food treat close to your pet's nose, then give the command "Down."

7. Take the treat slowly down to the ground between your dog's legs. This should lead your dog into the down position.

8. Say "Yes" when the trick is accomplished, and give your dog treats and praise.

Teaching the "Slow" Command

9. Use this command to alert your dog that she's about to bump into something.

10. Put your dog on a leash.

11. Apply gentle pressure to the leash (avoid jerking) when your dog begins to walk.

12. Give the command "Slo-o-w" or "E-e-easy" at the same time.

13. Say "Yes" to your dog the instant she slows down.

14. Give your dog a food treat and lots of praise.

Teaching the "Wait" Command

15. Use this command if your dog is in a dangerous situation, such as when you encounter terrain changes during a walk, or when you open the front door to go out, cross a street, or get out of your car.

16. Put your dog on a leash.

17. Give the command "Wait" ("Wa-a-ait") while applying steady and gentle pressure on the leash until the dog stops.

18. Say "Yes" when your pet stops, and give a food treat and praise.

19. Release your dog from this command before allowing her to move on. To do this, use the command "OK" in a bright, reassuring tone.

Tips & Warnings

• When teaching "sit" and "down," hold onto the food treat while your dog nibbles to lure her into position.
• "Down" is a difficult command to teach because it is a position of vulnerability for the dog. Be patient and try this over and over until you both get it right.
• Do not teach the "slow" and "wait" commands together. Make sure your dog knows the "slow" command first.
• Avoid getting angry, jerking, hitting or pushing your dog. Instead, ignore any behavior you don't want and reward the behavior you do want.
• Teach new behaviors on a surface where your dog feels secure (a nonslip rug, for instance) and in a familiar area, such as the house.

[jerb]

on 2/22/2009 Samson is my 4 month old blind Chihuahua. He was born without eyes. His inspirational story is read by many and he continues to inspire us all. Please read all about this great, brave and intelligent little dog whom so many would have disregard. Visit his blog www.blindpup.com and help us spread the word:Blind Dogs See With Their Heart And Are Worth Loving

[andycpa]

on 12/29/2007 The best advise I recieved was from Steve of rollingdogranch.com (a Sanctuary for Blind and Disabled Dogs and Horses). His advise was basicly to treat the dog as normally as possible and not go overboard on trying to make accomodations for the dog. Although people suggest "scenting" danger areas or walls he suggested not to. Our blind dog is now almost 6 months old and has been with us for almost 2 months. He does great. We didn't scent the walls, etc.

[ccbarbados]

on 10/2/2007 thank you for offering us hope. we are trying to decide whether or not to take in a blind puppy, and are just so grateful for wonderful tips and comments like this website offers --you have made our decision seem much less difficult.

[Histryboy]

on 6/27/2007 We recently discoverd that our new puppy was blind. She wanted to play ball but obviously could not "see" where it went to each time. I took a tennis ball cut a small hole in it and dropped in 2 "jingle bells". Now she is able to "hear" where the ball is and she gets it every time.

on 11/22/2005 My dog is blind and deaf. He still does very well by smell. Always keep a clear path in your house. Don't leave shoes or anything he or she can trip on laying in the middle of the floor. Make sure there are no sharp objects your pet can walk into. If you rearrange your furniture or make any changes, make sure to help your pet learn the new route.