Dog Training Hand Signals & Other Basics

Training your dog is a meaningful undertaking, but before you begin there are some things you need to consider in order to make the training sessions productive and pleasant for you and your dog. Incorporate the use of dog training hand signals into your session to ensure that you and your dog develop a foundation of non-verbal communication. There are times when speaking commands are not appropriate or are not possible, and hand signals will allow you to still ensure your dog behaves as you intend.

When training your dog, you must always remember that you are the boss! Dogs are pack animals by nature and adhere to a strict hierarchy with every pack having an Alpha or "leader". In order to train your dog properly you need to establish yourself as the leader early on in your relationship.

Dogs have different types of personalities, just as people do. Some dogs display a more aggressive demeanor while others are more docile, but no matter your dog's personality type, you must be firm in your commands. Don't let your dog get the upper hand or they will begin thinking that they are the one in charge. We are not talking about being physically abusive with your dog, far from it, we simply mean to show leadership with the tone of your voice and your actions.

Another thing to consider is that while your dog understands you at about the same level as a two year old, he is not a human. In fact, your dog has many differences from humans that cause him to interpret your commands and act much differently than a 2 year old child would. So, do not expect him to behave like your 2 year old during training.

Consistency is very important when training a dog. Set aside 30 to 45 minutes every day to work on training, and avoid having long lapses in between training sessions. You can begin training a dog at any age, but puppies and older dogs usually present their own unique challenges. Adjust your expectations accordingly and don't be discouraged with the lack of results you may see in the short term.

You want to start training your dog with the basics. The sit command is a good place to start as getting your dog to sit is the basis for many other commands. Work on this one command every day until your dog has it down cold, then move on to the next command.

You want to be firm during training, and use a tone that commands attention and establishes you as the Alpha. Always use the same word for each command, and likewise, use the same hand signal. Say the command and display the hand signal at the same time, which will ensure that your dog associates the dog training hand signal with the verbal comment. After your dog learns the verbal command, then begin practicing using only the hand signal command. You will be amazed at how quickly they grasp these non-verbal commands.

Use positive reinforcement by rewarding your dog when he DOES what you want, and never punish your dog for not doing what you are asking. Punishing is cruel and scolding will only confuse your dog. Show patience when he is not behaving the way you want. The best thing to do is ignore him and he will soon learn that he only gets the reward when he performs the desired action.

Conduct your training sessions every day, or every other day at first. It is actually better to have more short sessions, than fewer longer sessions. Your dog will retain their attention better during shorter sessions, you will have more patience, and the result will be they will learn faster. As your dog learns more and more commands you can reduce the number of times you train each week, but training should always be a part of your relationship with your dog. It can be fun and rewarding for both of you to keep learning new behaviors and taking the training to the next level.

It is also important to train in new settings and under different circumstances. Just because your dog will stay for you in your apartment or backyard does not mean they will behave this way at a park for example. As your dog learns a new behavior, take them to a new setting and practice the command they just learned. This is the same for your dog training hand signals, practice them in new locations as well. Another cool trick with hand signals is that you can practice them at a distance as well. Try getting your dog to lie down from 50 yards away!

Training your dog takes consistency, persistence and patience, but the reward for your efforts will be a well behaved dog and a stronger bond between the two of you. Start with the basics, which include the use of dog training hand signals, and build upon the foundation over time. A properly trained dog is safer both to himself as well as others, and is more fun to be around.