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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Teaching the "Slow" Command

1. Use this command to alert your dog that she's about to bump into something.
2. Put your dog on a leash.
3. Apply gentle pressure to the leash (avoid jerking) when your dog begins to walk.
4. Give the command "Slo-o-w" or "E-e-easy" at the same time.
5. Say "Yes" to your dog the instant she slows down.
6. Give your dog a food treat and lots of praise.

Teaching the "Wait" Command

7. 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.
8. Put your dog on a leash.
9. Give the command "Wait" ("Wa-a-ait") while applying steady and gentle pressure on the leash until the dog stops.
10. Say "Yes" when your pet stops, and give a food treat and praise.
11. Release your dog from this command before allowing her to move on. To do this, use the command "OK" in a bright, reassuring tone.

Teaching the "Sit" and "Down" Commands

12. Give the command "Sit."
13. Place a tasty-smelling food treat right next to your dog's nose and mouth at the same time.
14. 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.
15. Say "Yes" the instant your dog sits, and give her a food treat and praise.
16. Start your "Down" command by first giving your dog the "Sit" command.
17. Hold a food treat close to your pet's nose, then give the command "Down."
18. Take the treat slowly down to the ground between your dog's legs. This should lead your dog into the down position.
19. Say "Yes" when the trick is accomplished, and give your dog treats and praise.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not teach the "slow" and "wait" commands together. Make sure your dog knows the "slow" command first.
• 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.
• 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.