No matter where your training journey lies, hand signals can make the task much simpler! From starting from the very start to working through all levels, they provide invaluable assistance when training a pup!
Hand signals can be an extremely effective tool in improving communication with your puppy or dog! Signaling makes it simple to convey cues around distractions or from faraway.
Today we’re discussing dog training hand signals. why they are important, some popular ones that you could teach your pup, and how you can successfully help him learn them.
Why Train Your Dog To Respond To Hand Signals?
Hand signals will allow you to effectively interact with any senior or younger dog that develops hearing loss over time. Learning hand signals gives you a reliable method for communicating with your dog.
As cars, people, and other distractions could prevent your dog from hearing you clearly. It becomes even more crucial that communication with cues with your dog as the environment may present more hazards or risks to both parties.
Dogs tend to be adept at picking up on body language more than specific words you say. It’s easier for them to associate a gesture with behavior than distinguish between various sounds that compose one word.
Common Hand Signals
Wait
An effective behavior to help control impulses and calm your dog in response to stimulating stimuli. To signal it, hold out your hand at waist height with your palm facing forward in front of you
Sit
The most common cue you use with your dog. Hold out your palm facing up in front of you with your palm up, raising your hand towards your shoulder.
Spin
It’s a great way to maintain your dog’s focus. Hold out your hand in front of them and move in a circular fashion with one finger pointed forward.
Lay Down
Basically the opposite of “Sit”, both in the behavior and the hand signal. You’ll start with your hand up by your shoulder and flick your wrist so that your hand lowers to the ground.
Roll Over
Hand signals that mimic what you want your dog to do. Extending one arm out and hand pointed in front of you while moving the other in an arc movement will signal how you would like your pup to move.
Come
One of the most important skills your dog can know. Start with your hand at your side with your palm facing up, moving slowly up towards the opposite shoulder until the palm touches the shoulder.
Stay
The most important signal to teach your dog. Position your dog as you want (sitting, lying down or just standing still), then hold out your hand with your palm facing away until it is time for release.
Drop
One way to keep your dog focused during play sessions. One effective strategy to ensure they stay focused during sessions is pointing your fingers and hands downward, to indicate dropping.
Fetch
To signal fetch, point your finger with your hand at your side and raise it to point forward towards your object. It’s a great cue to sharpen your dog’s focus.
Up
Cue your pup to lift its front paws up and sit down on its hind legs. Move your outstretched hand upwards from about your waist to about your shoulders with your palm facing up.
Crawl
Cue your pup the “lay down” signal, then crouch further down while placing your hand where they should crawl to.
Where to Find More Dog Training in Citrus Heights and Sacramento?
Training and socialization of your pup are important aspects of its well-being. An outstanding dog trainer can make all of the difference for a novice owner or seasoned owners when it comes to training their canines for basic obedience or advanced sports training. Training and socialization of your pup are important aspects of its well-being. All Stage Canine Development’s professional dog trainers in Sacramento offer invaluable services for new dog owners
