DOG COMMAND HAND SIGNALS HOW TO

Hand signals can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life for the following reasons: Along with voice commands or verbal cues, hand signals will help your dog more quickly learn what you expect.Įventually, your dog will respond to your non-verbal cues, and verbal commands will not always be needed.How Hand Signals Can Improve Your Dog’s LifeĪ hand signal is when you make a gesture and your dog responds by performing a certain behavior.ĭogs are pretty amazing at reading body language, and many find hand signals easier to understand than verbal cues. Using dog training hand signals can be a helpful tool when training your dog. Use the same spoken words associated with the visual signals until your dog learns to associate them both. Be sure the signal you choose is simple and clear enough for your dog to see.Īs with most areas of training, be sure to keep your dog’s training to teach hand signals consistent to help your dog succeed. You may want them to go into their crate on command, go to their bed or ring a bell to signal a potty break.Īny command you wish to teach your pet will work well with a verbal cue paired with a hand signal. You may have other dog training commands you want to teach your furry friend. Place a fist near your dog’s mouth while giving the verbal command “ Drop It,” Open your hand to a flat palm in front of your dog’s mouth. They would look at you on what they should do next. This command will help your dog to learn the desired behavior of waiting for the next command. At the same time, say “ Eyes on Me” or “ Watch Me.” When your pup gives you their undivided attention, reward them. Bring your pointer finger directly toward your eye.

DOG COMMAND HAND SIGNALS HOW TO

How To Do Thisīe sure you have your dog’s focus on you before you teach your dog this visual sign. When first using this command, reward your pup with a treat and verbal praise every time they look directly toward you. Use “Eyes on Me” to show your dog you want their total and complete attention.

This command will be very important if you eventually hope to use hand signals without having to say the verbal cue. Below are the seven basic dog commands you can train your dog using hand signals.Īs with all early dog training methods, start teaching hand signals in a distraction-free environment, and you have your dog’s attention fully. Several common hand signals can help get you started. Seven Basic Dog Commands and Dog Hand Signals

However, once you choose the commands you want to be associated with hand signals, be sure to remain consistent. There are no right or wrong hand signals for training your pet. Consistent practice will help your pup pick things up quickly. Your dog should practice responding to your hand signals daily. As your dog continues to show consistent positive responses to your verbal command paired with the hand signal, you can begin to use fewer treats as a reward. This part of the positive reinforcement process ensures that your pup will want to follow your cue each time. When you first introduce hand signals as part of your training process, you also want to reward your pup’s desired behavior with training treats and praises. Hand signals should always be used with the same verbal commands.

With just a finger or a move of your hand, dogs would obey and exhibit your desired behavior. With correct training and consistency in practicing training sessions, dogs can learn several common basic dog commands by a mere hand signal. Training your dog with hand signals allows you another medium of communication with your pup, strengthening the bond between you two. The use of hand signals is one of the effective methods of teaching your dog desirable behaviors.

Dog command hand signals