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.

Training the “Sit” Cue

1. Give the cue “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 him a food treat and praise.

Training the “Down” Cue

1. Start your “Down” cue by first giving your dog the “Sit “cue.
2. Hold a food treat close to your pet’s nose, and then give the cue “Down.”
3. Take the treat slowly down to the ground between your dog’s legs. This should lead your dog into the down position.
4. Say “Yes” when the trick is accomplished, and give your dog treats and praise.

Teaching the “Slow” Cue
Use this cue to alert your dog that she’s about to bump into something.

1. Put your dog on a leash.
2. Apply gentle pressure to the leash (avoid jerking) when your dog begins to walk.
3. Give the cue “Slo-o-w” or “E-e-easy” at the same time.
4. Say “Yes” to your dog the instant she slows down.
5. Give your dog a food treat and lots of praise.

Teaching the “Wait” Cue
Use this cue 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.

1. Put your dog on a leash.
2. Give the command “Wait” (“Wa-a-ait”) while applying steady and gentle pressure on the leash until the dog stops.
3. Say “Yes” when your dog stops, and give a food treat and praise.
4. Release your dog from this command before allowing her to move on. To do this, use the command “OK” in a bright, reassuring tone

Fear and Aggression

If your dog was a dominant, aggressive dog before the blindness, this may become more apparent now. Similarly, if your dog was a fearful dog before the blindness, this could possibly manifest itself now as aggression, as fear and aggression are closely linked.

Without the ability to identify a true attacker, the dog may lash out at you or family members. The dog may snarl, snap and bite other dogs in the household and family friends.

This is a common reaction. Try to minimize whatever situations incite the aggression… other dogs sniffing him, neighboring children visiting. Issue a calm reprimand. Do not pet, cuddle baby talk or otherwise reward the dog after the aggressive behaviour. That will only encourage it to be repeated.

Dependency

Some dogs also show an increased tendency toward dependency. These dogs become increasingly hesitant to perform tasks for themselves. They may be barely willing to walk across a room, let alone attempt a flight of stairs. In these situations, you will find yourself doing more and more for the dog.

Both blind and sighted dogs can become masters at manipulating their people. “Dependency” is a state which, unknowingly, can be rewarded by you. For many of us, our pets awaken our maternal, caring instincts. It’s normal to want to help our blind dogs.

While it’s important to recognize handicaps the blind dog might have, it is equally important not to “coddle” the dog. “Coddling” is the enemy to any progress your dog might make. This is a sentiment repeated over and over, by blind-dog owners. Do not allow your dog to become dependent on you. Once coddling stops and training new skills begins, your dog can regain confidence in himself and the world around him.