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Training a blind dog
I’ve started training a blind french bulldog puppy. 5 month old female. She will stay with me after training also and I’d like her to become a therapy dog and be able to visit people in hospitals or continuing care centers eventually to show that even a blind dog can do everything a regular dog can do so they (especially kids) can see there’s hope in whatever disability they have. I’ve started teaching her with sounds, and the command step for the patio and eventually curbs. Left, right and straight for walking to keep her from running into things. She’s a very happy, outgoing pup and not afraid of anything. She uses her nose to find treats and toys and can stand her own when playing with my other frenchies. She is litter box trained. If anyone has any experience or suggestions on training her I would appreciate it. This is my first time training a blind dog. I’m 4 phases away from getting my master’s certificate from CATCH. And this is turning out to be a great opportunity to learn how to deal with dogs and disabilities.
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10 Replies
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Awesome, in all regards, @Ayden – what a lucky pup, to have landed with you!
It’s great you are using sound to communicate. I’ve not trained a blind dog before, but I’m thinking that scent and touch could also be used to help the dog, and to enrich her life.
For confidence in new places, laying a treat trail, or a scent trail by dragging a sock with tasty treats, ending in a food pile – this could help her learn to navigate her spaces without running into things.
Teaching a shoulder -to- hand target could be very beneficial in stationing her.
I’m looking forward to learning more from our more experienced members who work with dogs like this!
Do you have photos or videos of her?
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How would do a shoulder to hand target? I know how to do touch with dogs that can see, I thought about a scent on my hand. The sock idea is great I’m definitely going to try that.thar. Here are a couple photos of marble plus her in her Halloween costume.
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Hi @ayden – Marble is a great name for her!
The shoulder-to-hand target is easy to teach. Set her up so you are close to each other and she is comfortably standing near you. Choose which shoulder to start with and be consistent at first. Gently touch your hand to her shoulder, then mark and reward. Repeat this many times. Then, just as she expects another repetition, hesitate a few millimeters from her shoulder, so she can feel the heat from your hand, but you aren’t actually touching her. She should lean slightly toward your hand. Mark and Jackpot! Repeat that, alternating some easier reps, where you do the work of closing that gap, and sometimes waiting for her to close it. When she’s getting the idea to lean into you, you might consider switching the target to the seam of your pant leg. That way she can lean into your leg as you are walking. You can adapt it – she doesn’t have to remain in physical contact, because that would be almost impossible to do while walking, but she can learn that nearest you is a safe and rewarding place to be. You could also use a dowel rod with a spongy end (vet wrap/athetic wrap) works well – that way you could have her target that with her shoulder and be in motion (with a long enough handle) while you walk. I hope that helps!
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Awesome I’m definitely going to start doing this. Thank you.
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I loved reading this post @Ayden . Your frenchie sounds like such a special dog!
I’ve not trained a blind dog before, but I’ve heard that people will sometimes apply a specific scent to objects (like furniture) so the dog knows when they’re getting close to it, and thus avoid bumping into it, and/or maybe using it for navigation.
There are also “whiskers” (like long cable ties) or a halo a dog can wear to keep him aware of things he’s approaching.
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Thank you for the link. I had thought about a halo but she seems to be fine without it. She doesn’t really run into things to much. She’s learning the scent of different items I believe. Such as the couch vs the wall or door or even the other frenchies, cats or my cane corsos. They all think she’s great and try to guide her around by pushing at her side or back legs. I’ve noticed my one frenchie who’s 9 months has guided her around the yard so she knows where the toys are, they play like crazy. I posted a couple photos of her in the previous comment. Her name is marble.
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Oh my goodness, Marble has her own seeing eye dog. ???? I’ve heard magical stories like that in the past and it just swells my heart.
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She is a beautiful dog and these are awesome photos! ????????
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So, I don’t have a blind dog (I have a tripod), but know many people who do. Check out the Special K9 Games on Facebook. There are many people who have experience not only training but competing in dog sports. There are people who have dogs who are both blind and deaf and do amazing things.
Good luck!
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Thank you. I’ll definitely look it up.
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