Seeing Eye Dog Training – How It’s Done

Seeing Eye dog training uses dogs that are specifically chosen and trained to lead the blind or visually impaired around obstacles they can’t see for themselves. The two hunting dog breeds most commonly selected to undergo training are Golden Retrievers and Labradors. Their innate intelligence, even temperament and ability to follow commands make them ideal candidates for Seeing Eye dog training. Golden Retriever/Labrador crosses are also commonly used, because of their natural intelligence and early maturation.

The training of a seeing eye dog is accomplished in four basic steps:

• For the first 18 months of the dog’s life, they are placed with a foster family in order to learn obedience and the social skills required to be a successful Seeing Eye dog.
• The second step involves formal Seeing Eye dog training with a sighted trainer. Using a harness and leash, the trainer teaches the dog to follow simple commands, such as turning right, left and moving forward. When the dog successfully executes a command, they are rewarded with praise.
• Once the dog learns the basic commands, the third phase of its training begins. By placing obstacles in the dogs path and using praise and repetition, the trainer begins teaching the dog how to navigate curbs and other obstacles. The dog is also taught how to stop at each curb, how to be cautious near traffic and sometimes how to retrieve dropped objects for the handler. This phase in the training of a Seeing Eye dog generally takes about three months.
• Once the dog has been trained, a visually impaired or blind person is chosen for the dog. With a trainer’s assistance, the Seeing Eye dog and its soon-to-be-master are taught how to work as a team. Once this is completed, the pair are certified and free to go home.

Activities of daily living for a visually impaired person can also be enhanced and improved with the use of this specially trained dog

The service training of a Seeing Eye dog takes about two full years. Yet their services are invaluable to the visually impaired. With the assistance of a fully trained Seeing Eye dog, the blind are able to do things they might not have been able to do before. In most cases, the recipient also gains a life-long companion and friend.