How to Teach a Dog Commands in Sign Language

Imagine wowwing your friends by commanding your dog to do various tricks, all without using your voice. Teaching a dog to respond to commands in sign language is very similar to the training for voice commands. It is especially helpful to use American Sign Language commands for deaf dogs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Familiarize yourself with the signs for common commands. Practice each sign until you are comfortable with signing. Use the website resources below to look up signs. You can make up your own hand commands. Be consistant with each command when training the dog.
2. Begin with a simple command such as "sit." Give both the audible command and the sign command for "sit." Reward the dog immediately after the command is followed. If the dog does not know the command or ignores it, place a hand on the dog's rump and press down. This will put the dog in the sitting position. Immediately give a reward.
3. Wean the dog from the audible command by introducing the sign alone after the dog is familiar with the command and follows it consistently. Reward the dog immediately after the command is followed. Consistency and reward is the key to getting the dog to respond each time the command is given.
4. Correct the dog if the command is not followed by demonstrating the command. For example: push down on rump for sit while holding treat just above and beyond the nose. Reward the dog when the command is completed.
5. Repeat this process with each new command that is introduced to the dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the training sessions short when introducing new commands. Ten minutes is the recommended amount of training time per session.
• Use an "upbeat" voice during training so that the dog associates training with a good tone of voice.
• Dogs are more likely to follow commands when rewarded with a treat that they really enjoy. Save these desirable dog treats for training sessions to encourage follow through with commands.