Using Hand Signals In Dog Training

Lots of us would be very happy if we could simply teach our dogs a few simple obedience commands: to sit, stand, lie down, sit-stay, come when called and to walk on a leash without pulling. A dog who can do those things when asked is usually considered to be well-trained. But some people need to do more than the usual training with their dogs. They use hand signals in dog training.

Using your hands in dog training actually goes back centuries. Hunters working in the field with their dogs often relied on hand signals since their dogs could be working at great distances from them. The dog could see the hands when it would be unwise or ineffective to shout commands. Shepherds also developed signals with their hands to use with their sheepdogs when working herds of sheep for the same reasons. In both cases a whistle was sometimes employed to add emphasis to the signals.

Today hand signals are frequently used by people who train their dogs for obedience or agility. They're also used to train deaf dogs. Hunters and shepherds still use hand signals in some instances.

There is no official hand signal "language" for dogs but there are some commonly used signals that most trainers use:

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· To show your dog the "sit" hand signal, hold your hand straight in front of you with your palm facing upwards.

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· To show your dog the "down" signal, turn your hand over with the palm facing downwards.

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· To show your dog the "stand" signal, hold your hand vertically before you.

According to some trainers, teaching your dog with signals can be easier than using words. Dogs are not naturally verbal animals since they don't speak our language. However, they are very attuned to reading body language. Another advantage of using signals is a person's ability to use them in places where you can't effectively use language such as noisy places or at a distance. As long as your dog can see you then you can use your hands to tell him what to do.

In order to train your dog using hand signals it's usually easiest to associate a verbal command with a signal. For instance, when teaching your dog to sit you would also use a particular signal for the action. Eventually you would simply use the signal.

You can use train your dog with signals for any of the standard obedience commands. You can also work on specialized training with hand signals. When using signals it's important to make your gestures clear and precise so your dog will be able to "read" them and know what you want him to do.

Training using signals is usually easy and fun for most dogs. As with any kind of training, when training to teach hand signals, positive reinforcement can be very helpful. Do remember to praise your dog and reward him.

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