Hand Signals for Dog Training
Sign Language for Dogs

Hand signals for dogs: One good way to get your dog used to your hands is by making sure you always offer him treats whenever he does something good. This will not only help the dog to associate your hands with something positive, but it will also help them learn different signals that will help you and the dog to communicate more efficiently. Dogs have an ability to learn body language easily, and because of this, it is very easy to teach them signs for them to sit, wait, or come to us once they have learned to concentrate on our hands. Some dog trainer's actually first train them with hand signs and then add in the words. However, it is a good idea to keep up with the hand signals as well.

Deaf dogs: One reason it is good to teach your dog hand signals is in case of deafness. A dog that goes deaf can lead an absolutely normal rhythm of life, but communication will turn into a problem. Hand signals are something that will solve this problem and it's just a matter of teaching them to the dog. The first step to teaching your dog hand signals is to have him follow your hand while you hold a dog treat in them. When the dog goes up to grab the dog treat, you will then slowly withdraw your hand. Little by little the dog will learn that an open hand is an invitation to follow you, this can be a very efficient technique to teach your dog if you want to take him out somewhere etc. The next thing you can help your deaf dog learn is to sit. You can do this by holding a dog treat above the dog's head so that the dog has to lift his head to see it. After awhile the dog will get bored and he will sit. You can also help the dog by pushing on his hind area so he is forced to sit. As soon as the dog sits, give him his treat right away so that he associates sitting as a good thing that will earn him a reward and a hug from his owner. The dog will eventually learn that lifting your hand over his head, means he needs to sit.