Dogs are wonderful companions, but they can’t always communicate with us the way we’d like them to. That’s where hand signals come in!
Hand signals are a great way to communicate with your dog without having to rely on verbal commands.
There are a variety of hand signals you can use to train your dog and help them understand your commands. Here are seven simple and easy-to-train hand signals that can help your dog learn new tricks or behaviors.
1. Sit: Open Hand Palm Up
One of the most basic commands that all dogs should know is ‘sit’. The hand signal for ‘sit’ is very simple – just hold your hand out in front of you with the palm facing up. When your dog sees this signal, it should automatically sit down.
2. Stay: Open Hand Palm Facing Out
The hand signal for ‘stay’ is also very simple. Just hold your hand out in front of you with the palm facing out. This signal means your dog should stay in their current position and not move.
3. Come: Open Hand Palm Facing Down
The hand signal for ‘come’ is the opposite of the ‘stay’ signal. Instead of holding your hand out with the palm facing out, hold it out with the palm facing down. This signal means that your dog should come towards you.
4. Down: Open Hand Palm Facing Down
The hand signal for ‘down’ is the same as the ‘come’ signal. Hold your hand out in front of you with the palm facing down. This signal means that your dog should lie down on their stomach.
5. Stand: Open Hand Palm Facing Up
The hand signal for ‘stand’ is the opposite of the ‘down’ signal. Instead of holding your hand out with the palm facing down, hold it out with the palm facing up. This signal means that your dog should stand up on their hind legs.
6. Shake: Open and Close Hand
The hand signal for ‘shake’ is a little bit more complicated than the other signals. To give this signal, start with your hand in the ‘shake’ position – open and close your hand quickly a few times. This signal means that your dog should lift their paw and ‘shake’ your hand.
7. Roll Over: Make a Circle with Your Hand
The hand signal for ‘roll over’ is a little more complicated. To give this signal, start with your hand in the ‘shake’ position. Then, make a circle with your hand – this signal means your dog should roll over onto their back.
Extra Tips to Successfully Teach Your Dog Using Hand Signals
Here are a few things to remember when using hand signals with your dog.
1. Start with Simple Commands Such as Sit, Stay, Come, and Down. Not only will these commands help to teach your dog basic obedience, but they will also help to build a foundation for more advanced training in the future.
2. Be Consistent with the Signals You Use for Each Command. If you use different signals for the same command, your dog will be confused and won’t know what you want them to do.
3. Make Sure Your Signals Are Clear and Easy for Your Dog to Understand. If your signals are too complicated or confusing, your dog won’t be able to follow them.
4. Practice with Your Dog Often So They Can Learn the Commands. Dogs learn best through repetition, so the more you practice with them, the better they will understand what you ask them.
5. Reward Your Dog with Treats or Praise When They Follow Your Commands. They not only reinforce good behavior but also help to build a strong bond between you and your pet. Ultimately, the best way to reward your dog will be a combination of both treats and praise. This way, your dog will get the immediate gratification of a treat, as well as the long-term satisfaction of knowing they’ve made you happy.
Conclusion
If you want to train your dog to follow hand signals, these are seven simple and easy-to-train hand signals that you can use. With a little patience and practice, you and your dog will be communicating like pros in no time!
Dog Obedience Training provides owners with knowledge about hand commands for dog training necessary to communicate with their dogs properly, and help them better manage their behavior. Let us help you find the right tools to train your dog through hand signals successfully. Check out our latest blogs to learn more!