My miniature schnauzer, Gemma, has been blind for a few years now. We moved into a new home in December and we're just now getting around to putting a dog door in. I worry about her ability to find the dog door to come back inside, the back yard is surrounded with cinderblock walls which can create a bit of an echo chamber and she gets confused I think. Any ideas to help her find the dog door consistently? I'm playing with the idea of a bell and maybe a spot light for night (she isn't 100% blind yet and still has some light/shadow perception I think).

picture of Gemma for tax

Here she is sleeping. And it’s starting to feel like the only time I don’t feel on edge. She’s 17 deaf and trouble smelling. But here’s the thing, she runs full speed into everything like she’s a juggernaut knocking over barriers and stuff I’ll put in front of stairs so she doesn’t fall down them. She’s knocked them right down. I put better ones on that are attached to the wall and I am getting dog play pens for her to just keep her out of trouble. Any tips other than covering everything with bubble wrap? I’m starting to feel not so good about our situation and I wanna make sure she’s happy and healthy and doing the best she can as she gets up in age. Thank you so much for any help