Common hand signals for dog training driver#

This command is important to teach with distractions as well, as your dog listening to the command in a variety of circumstances could save his or her life. The first time you begin teaching leave it, hold for five seconds then release your dog by saying “okay!” in a positive voice. Show them the toy and set it down, firmly say “leave it” and hold up your first three fingers, pressing your thumb onto your little finger across your palm. To teach your dog “leave it,” you will need one of their favorite toys. Leave it is a command that all dogs must be taught it could prevent them from eating something poisonous. Work on it without distractions until your dog fully understands it, then move up to working on it outdoors with distractions, as come is a very important command for dogs to respond to even with distractions. Since dogs love being with their owners, this command is usually picked up very quickly.

Common hand signals for dog training driver#

To make the hand signal for here, hold your hand flat, palm up, and bending your fingers upwards, motioning your dog to come towards you similar to how you would direct the driver of a car to pull forward. Teach your dog “here” by first having them sit, lay down, then stay, then say clearly in a positive, upbeat tone “here!” while making the hand signal for come. Since this command is more difficult because dogs have an instinct to be by their owner’s side, high-value treats should be used when training the stay command. Your dog should hold the command even when they cannot see you work up to stepping out of sight and having your dog hold the stay command. Teach your dog “stay” by first having them sit, then clearly saying “stay,” and holding up your hand as you would motion to a driver to stop a car parallel to your chest.īack away gradually, maintaining eye contact, the hand signal, and occasionally saying “stay.” Begin having your dog stay for a few seconds and gradually work your way up to longer periods of holding the command. Clearly say “down,” do the hand signal and reward with a treat. Teach your dog “down” by holding your hand flat, palm to the ground, and bending your fingers down at the knuckles, like you are pressing your hand around an apple. When your dog sits flat on the ground, not in a position they or could quickly spring out of, but completely sits, repeat the hand signal and the command and reward with a treat and praise. Teach your dog “ sit” by first showing your chosen hand signal for sit, such as a clenched fist parallel to your chest, saying “sit,” and holding a treat over their head. The motion of moving your first two fingers with the rest of your hand clenched in a fist toward your forward is the hand signal for this command. When your dog looks at you, say “look” and offer them the treat. Teach your dog “look” by holding a treat between your first two fingers and moving it to your forehead. When training your German Shepherd with hand signals, the below are examples, but you may use whatever hand signal makes the most sense to you if you prefer a different signal.Ģ0 Hand Signals to Train German Shepherds 1.As you train your dog these hand signals, be sure to always start each command with your arms relaxed at your sides, then clearly make the hand signal and pair it with the command, so your dog does not associate any other movement with the command.When deciding to train your German Shepherd with hand signals, refer to the following tips: Since German Shepherds are very intelligent and need mental stimulation, training with hand signals is an excellent way to fulfill that need.Training hand signals allows you to communicate with your dog in these scenarios without interrupting what you are doing. There will be times that you cannot speak to address your dog, such as during a phone call.Training your German Shepherd with hand signals is a way to maintain communication if they lose some or all of their hearing.

This can be life-saving in the event of an emergency.

If you need to command your dog to do something specific, but there is a lot of background noise or distance between you, your dog can still understand what you want.

Training your German Shepherd with hand signals is important for a variety of reasons: German Shepherds are the ideal dog for owners who love training and the challenges and rewards associated with owning an intelligent working dog.įor maximum effectiveness, part of training should always include pairing a hand signal with a command.