The combination of hand signals and verbal cues are critical for service dogs and pets alike.
Putnam Service Dogs teaches our dogs commands using hand signals and verbal cues. Dogs are naturally attuned to human body language, making hand signals one of the most powerful and effective forms of communication with our canine companions. We also help our volunteer puppy raisers learn the basics, allowing them to communicate with their foster dogs using body language, hand signals for dog training, and verbal cues in ways that transform puppies into exceptional service dogs. The result? Lifting up two lives — the rescued pup and their recipient.
Why Hand Signals for Dog Training and Body Language Are Important
Hand signals and body language are two of the most important considerations when it comes to training service dogs. Docs can understand somewhere between 200 and 300 words on average – equal to a toddler’s vocabulary – but pairing verbal commands with cues reinforces their knowledge, ensuring their obedience as well as their (and their recipients’) safety. Hand signals can be used in situations where it’s inappropriate to say the command. If a person struggles with their speech as one of their disabilities, they can use hand signals to cue the dog what they want it to do.
Teaching Basic Commands for Dogs with Hand Signals and Verbal Cues
Dogs use body language to understand the humans around them. Dogs can pick up on and respond to emotions like fear, happiness, and anxiety simply by observing the people they are close to. Hand signals, when used alongside verbal cues, are designed to give service dogs clear, unmistakable commands.
Though it is often best to start training basic commands with hand signals, it is important for service dog recipients to learn to pair these gestures with a verbal cue and body language when possible. This ensures that dogs understand multiple cues, ensuring obedience even if the recipient cannot use a hand gesture or verbal cue due to a medical emergency.
Hand Signals for Basic Dog Training Commands
Some of the most common hand signals for dog training include basic commands, like sit, come, stay, drop it or leave it, and down. However, most dogs are capable of learning many other commands, including touch, paws, side, get your leash, wait, place, and find it.
When parenting a foster pup, or as a recipient, it is vital to always use the same verbal cue and hand command together each time they are used to avoid confusion. For example, choose to say “leave it” or “drop it” every time you issue the command rather than using the two interchangeably. This keeps the dog on track and facilitates his or her compliance.
Sit
The hand signal for “sit” is quite simple. Start with your hand at your side, then raise it to be parallel to the floor as you verbalize the command. Say the dog’s name first to get their attention, as without their attention, your command probably won’t elicit an effective response from the dog. Fido, Sit. The command can be said in a pleasant voice. No shouting or raising your voice needed if you have their attention first. Each time the dog responds to the command during training sessions, use praise, treats, and/or play (depending on the dog) to reward him or her. Once the dog learns this cue, many people simplify the hand signal to raising their index finger up. Dogs naturally respond to finger gestures (one of the few species that responds to pointing).
Come
The hand signal for “come” is also simple and effective. Though it can vary, the best way to train the command involves starting with your hand at your side, then raising it to your chest and taking a step backward as you say the dog’s name, and then the word “come.”
Stay
If you’ve ever seen a school crossing guard, you already understand the basic motion for the “stay” command. Raise your hand with your palm flat and facing upward toward the dog as you state the word “stay.”
Drop It or Leave It
“Drop it” or “leave it” is a tougher command to master, but with practice, it is also one of the most useful. Dogs are curious and they will get into things they shouldn’t. The hand signal involves reaching your hand upward toward the dog with your palm up, but closed into a fist, opening your hand as you say the words Fido, “drop it” or “leave it.”
Down
The “down” command is one that can help at home, particularly at the end of playtime or when unexpected guests arrive. It is as easy as moving your flat palm from your eye level down toward the dog’s eye level while saying the phrase Fido, “down”.
Learn Hand Signals for Dog Training as a Puppy Raiser
Putnam Service Dogs knows that teaching common hand signals for dog training is essential for service dogs. Alongside body language and verbal cues, these are the signals dogs read to act in ways that help them feel loyal to their human recipients.
If you are interested in helping a small organization make a big impact, helping to lift up 2 lives, consider volunteering as a puppy raiser with Putnam Service Dogs. We are committed to transforming puppies into incredible service dogs who improve their recipients’ quality of life. We lift up both the rescue dogs we train, and their recipient who is leading a difficult, challenging life – people with physical disabilities and Veterans with PTSD.
Nancy Teague, the founder of Putnam Service Dogs, is a dedicated advocate who embodies the mission of the organization every single day. Alongside the passionate individuals who have joined the cause, she works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of both people and dogs. With an unwavering commitment to championing service dogs, Nancy understands the transformative power that occurs when a service dog is matched with its recipient, forging a remarkable team.