How to Train a Dog Using Hand Signals

When you have a dog, one of the most important things is making sure that the dog gets trained correctly. Many people train their dogs using words or sounds. However, you can also train your dog through hand signals. This can be a great way to get the entire family involved in dog training. Hand signals work great because they help to be sure that the dog is focused on you, and that the dog is watching you at all times. They are also easy for children and others to do as well.

Instructions

1. Decide on the things that you are going to want your dog to learn. Remember, it is best to start with just a few commands. The easiest commands to train with hand signals include "stay," "sit" and "come."

2. Choose a hand signal for each of the commands. For "stay," the best hand signal is to put your hand up to the dog, completely open, with the palm facing them ,as if you are a police man telling someone to stop. For "come," it is a good idea to have a wave, where you use your hand to wave towards you as the dog comes. For commands like "sit" or "down," a hand signal with a movement is a good idea. For instance, a hand with the palm facing down, that is moved in a downward direction can indicate that you want the dog to sit down or to lay down.

3. Practice the hand signals yourself and with any members of the family who will be working with the dog. It is important to make sure that everyone is doing them correctly.

4. Start training with the dog. Work first on the "stay" command. Holding your hand out to the dog, tell them to stay and use the hand signal as you back away. If they stay for even a moment, drop your hand, say "ok!" and praise them when they move again. Keep using this hand signal with the spoken command until they are able to do it on their own.

5. Proceed to the "come" command. When you have your dog in a stay position, simply move your hand to indicate that they should come. Give the command to them. When they come to you, praise them for it.

6. Continue with the "sit" or "down" command. Give the command out loud and with your hand signals at the same time. This will allow you to help them learn.

7. Continue to practice all of the commands, using both voice commands and hand signals. When the dog has mastered the commands, begin to give them using only the hand signals.

Tips & Warnings

• Start with just one or two commands, and work your way up to more.

• Never use a threatening gesture as a signal to train your dog in any way.