Skip to main content

How to train blind dogs

Just like human beings, when dogs go blind they usually adjust quickly to their immediate surroundings. But this is only one adjustment your pet will have to make. Their exercise routine will change. Potty routines will change. Training and play times will be altered. They will have many challenges as they learn to navigate the world without their vision. But with your help and care, your blind dog can feel safe and comfortable while enjoying a full life.

Owners of blind dogs also need to adapt their lifestyle to accommodate their pet’s disability. Verbal cues now become more important than ever. Having frequent conversations with your dog will help them feel secure since they already trust your voice. Also, making sure you remove any obstacles for them is extremely important.

Related Videos

We will outline some easy methods to help train your blind dog as well as provide tips on how to improve your pet’s environment.

Blind dog lying on wooden floor
WUTTISAK PROMCHOO/Shutterstock.com

New behaviors training

Try to keep things in the same place and routines as normal as possible. It is important to exercise your blind dog just like you would a seeing dog. This will keep your pet healthy while maintaining the bond you two share. As you venture out on walks, watch for and remove any obstacles that may cause your dog to stumble.

You may find it useful to start using a harness rather than a leash. It is advisable to purchase a front or back clip harness so you have more control over your dog; it also will help you guide your pet around obstacles. Be aware that your blind dog may nip more easily now if they are startled. Try to keep them away from strange dogs or people — especially children. If your dog does nip, it’s important to reassure them and let them know they are safe.

Training your dog to respond to verbal cues is critical now. These will help your dog maintain existing skills and learn new ones. Consistency is the key! Offering treats is also effective when training a blind dog. Try including verbal cues like “step” or “curb” to help your furry friend learn when to go up or down. For rides in the car, teaching your pet the word “corner” will help them know to brace before you make a turn.

You may want to mix in a few physical cues, as well. For example, touching your dog’s rump and applying downward pressure can signal “sit.” Your pet will likely use the sense of touch to learn to navigate your home so developing that skill is beneficial.

Don’t overwhelm your dog with learning new commands and cues all at once. That will result in a stressed-out pet. Keep the training sessions short — 10 minutes at the max. Make the training sessions fun for your dog and give them lots of praise and their favorite treat. You may want to consult with a dog trainer to see what commands will ultimately make your pet’s life easier.

Improving your dog’s environment

Blind dog with collar lying on floor
oNabby/Shutterstock.com

Part of helping your blind dog feel comfortable in their environment means keeping them safe. First, keep your dog indoors most of the time. Leaving them in an outdoor kennel or tied up outside makes them vulnerable to rain, extreme temperatures, and even predators. Your dog feels much more vulnerable now so leaving them outside isn’t fair.

Use baby gates to block off steps and stairways. This will prevent falls, tripping, or other serious accidents. When you bring your blind dog down or up the stairs, hold on to their collar and talk to them to reassure them.

Leaving your furniture in place is really important in protecting your four-legged friend. As they memorize their environment, changing or moving furniture will confuse them and make it harder to navigate your home.

Always keep food and water dishes in the same spot. And if you’re leaving the house, put food and water on each level of your home. Your dog’s sense of smell is amazing, so try adding a little canned food to regular dry food to attract your dog to their food bowl.

Lastly, before taking your pet out in the backyard, remove obstacles such as fallen branches, toys, or other impediments that could make them hurt themselves. Another suggestion is to hang a wind chime near your backdoor to help your dog locate the door.

Editors' Recommendations

Howling dog went viral for sounding like an opera singer — we can’t get enough
This video shows a pup who has mastered the art of music with his perfectly on key howling
A dog lies in the grass and howls at the sky

Many of us think that our dogs talk way beyond the average woofs and barks that we all hear. Some seem to be particularly good at human speech, mimicking our sounds to try to be more like their pet parents. While most beasties never quite make it to speaking to us in our language, others go a step further and decide they will learn to sing too. Singing pups have taken over the internet, and this diva is no different.

If you've ever been to the opera, you know to listen for the tell-tale vibrato, which is really just moving between two pitches very quickly. There's nothing quite like it, and most of us will immediately think of that sound when we listen to this melodious dog.

Read more
50 spring-inspired names for dogs, from Forrest to Petunia
Springtime names for dogs influenced by the season, from Cosmo to April
A black and white Pomeranian sits in front of a tulip field and gives a head tilt

As the snow begins to melt beneath the longer hours of daylight, so many new things are taking form. Flowers are budding, animals are welcoming their young, and everything begins to feel renewed. Springtime is near! It's also an ideal time to welcome a new furry friend into your household. After all, longer days and warmer temperatures will make outdoor activities with your pup much more fun.

If you're planning on adopting a new dog come spring, you'll need to have some good dog names on hand. Of course, you can always opt for one of the classics, but these names for dogs are inspired by one of the most magical times of the year: springtime. These are 50 of our favorites, and we hope you'll love them as much as we do!

Read more
Have your heart set on a breed? Here’s why it’s important to consider different types of dogs
Think you need a small dog? Here's why you should research different types of dogs first
A woman kissing a dog

Perhaps you love your friend’s Yorkie. Maybe you grew up with a beagle and always dreamt of having one of your own. Getting fixated on a specific breed is normal and natural, and there’s no shame in it. Just like gender disappointment is a "thing" in parenting, so is dreaming about welcoming a specific dog with a distinct look and characteristics into your family.

Still, you want to consider different types of dogs while searching for a new furry family member. It may be difficult to wrap your head around, but researching other breeds and considering all of your options is an essential step in the process of choosing a dog breed. That doesn’t mean you must consider all dog breeds — that’s overwhelming — but you want to look into several. Here’s why and how to jumpstart your search for your next four-legged best friend.

Read more