#Training your dog with hand signals archive
#Training your dog with hand signals full

If necessary, combine the stay hand signal with the verbal command until your pup understands what it means. Whenever your dog successfully obeys the command, reward them with praise or a treat right away. As your dog becomes more skilled, you can use a more subtle hand gesture. It might be helpful to use big, clear movements when you’re first getting started. To teach your dog to stay, use an open palm and hold it up in front of your dog as if you’re saying “stop”. “Stay” is a crucial signal for your dog, especially when you’re out and about together. Over time, you can reduce the use of treats as your dog becomes a “sit” pro. With time and a bit of practice, your dog will associate this hand signal with the action of sitting. Now, practice the same hand motion with your hand open, palm facing up. As your dog gets the hang of it, gradually raise your hand higher, up to about chest height. At first, you’ll want to begin close to your dog’s face to prevent them from backing up or jumping. This motion will naturally make your dog lift their head and lower their rear to follow the treat. To get started, hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and gently raise your hand upward and backward. The “sit” hand signal is a fundamental command and an easy one to teach. As your dog shifts their gaze from the treat to your face, reward them with a special, high-value dog treat. Once your dog’s attention is on the treat in your hand, slowly move your hand up to your face and gently point to your eye. To teach this, begin by holding a treat in your hand and patiently waiting for your dog to make eye contact with you. It’s essential that your dog watches you closely during the training process, so the first command you should teach is “Watch me”. Here are some of the most basic ASL signs you can teach your dog. Now that you’ve taught your dog the signal for “good dog” and they’ve mastered hand targets, it’s time for the fun to begin. Similarly, if you create your own hand signals for your deaf dog, that’s also considered DDSL. When they only have one hand free, however, they make sure their dog knows the one-handed version of an ASL sign, which is called Deaf Dogs Sign Language (DDSL).

#Training your dog with hand signals archive

When training hand signals for deaf dogs, many pet parents use the American Sign Language (ASL) Trusted Source PubMed Central Archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature.

Practice a few times each week to keep the training fresh in your dog’s mind.

Always show the hand signal before giving the verbal command.

Start by teaching verbal commands and then introduce hand signals as the next step.

Be patient and stay consistent during your training sessions.

Reward your furry friend frequently with treats for good behavior.

Get your dog’s attention using their name, a clicker, finger snaps, or even a whistle.

#Training your dog with hand signals full

Make sure your pup gives you their full attention during the training session.

Train in a quiet, distraction-free spot, like an empty room or a peaceful outdoor area.

Let’s review some helpful tips for teaching your dog hand signals.

When you use hand movements along with your voice commands, eventually, your dog will connect the hand signal with the spoken command, and you can drop the verbal part. Using hand signals with dogs might seem a bit tricky, but don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple – like speaking dog sign language. Now that you know how beneficial sign language can be for both deaf and hearing dogs, let’s talk about what you’ll need to start teaching this form of communication to your furry friend. 👉 White dogs (and cats) are more likely to carry the congenital traits that result in deafness Trusted Source PubMed Central Archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature. It increases your dog’s focus and attention on you.Teaching hand signals is a fun and engaging activity.You can better maintain communication with older dogs.It’s a powerful way to communicate with a deaf dog.It’s essential for participating in obedience and other dog sports.You can give commands in noisy environments.You can confidently command your dog from a distance.Senior pups especially have difficulty hearing as they age, and dog sign language can be a great way to communicate with them in their golden years.īeyond the fact that it keeps your pup’s brain buzzing and beats the boredom blues, here are more reasons why dog sign language is beneficial: Hand signals also prove invaluable for deaf dogs and others who struggle with verbal commands.

It spices up their daily routine, gives their brains a workout, and helps alleviate boredom and anxiety. Successful communication with your pup is absolutely key to responsible pet parenting, and using sign language for dogs comes with numerous benefits.