Hand Signals Chart Pdf | Dog Training

Note: These signals are generally taught with the .

| Mistake | Fix | |---------|-----| | Moving hand too fast | Slow down; dog needs time to process | | Inconsistent signal shape | Practice in mirror or record yourself | | Using both hand and word forever | Fade verbal early to test understanding | | Signal too small | Start large (full arm), shrink over time | | Moving body during stay | Keep rest of body still; only hand moves | dog training hand signals chart pdf

How do you teach a dog to look at your hand? Note: These signals are generally taught with the

| Command | Signal | |---------|--------| | Watch me | Point two fingers at your own eyes, then at dog | | Slow down | Open palm, slow lowering motion | | Wait | Palm out (like stay) but less formal, often at doorways | | Finish (around to heel) | Circular motion behind your back | | Go to mat/bed | Point to mat, then flat hand downward | start at chest level

| Command | Hand Signal | Visual Key | Training Tip | |---------|-------------|------------|---------------| | | Palm facing up, start at chest level, raise hand upward like lifting a treat over dog’s nose | Hand moves vertically ~6–12 inches | Lure with treat first, then use empty hand | | Down | Palm facing ground, start at shoulder, lower hand straight down to floor | Flat hand moves vertically down | Dog often follows treat from sit to floor | | Stay | Open palm facing dog like “stop,” hold for 2–3 seconds | Flat hand, fingers up, held still | Increase distance/duration slowly | | Come | Arm extended to side, then bring hand briskly to opposite shoulder | Sweeping horizontal arc | Use excited tone + rewarding arrival | | Heel | Pat hip or tap thigh on side you want dog to walk | Closed hand or flat hand patting leg | Start stationary, add steps | | Leave It | Closed fist (pretend holding treat), then open hand away from dog | Fist → open palm facing away | Practice with low-value items first | | Drop It | Point at ground or make “throw away” motion downward | Index finger down + sweeping away | Trade for a higher-value item | | Stand | Open palm, start at dog’s nose level, pull hand forward horizontally | Palm up or flat, moving away | Use from sit or down position | | Roll Over | Circular motion with index finger (like drawing a circle in air) | Finger circle, hand moving sideways | Reward partial rolls at first | | Spin/Turn | Index finger making small clockwise or counterclockwise circle | Tight circle in air | Pair with “spin” vs “twist” for directions |

Before diving into the specific gestures, it is important to understand why hand signals are so powerful in canine communication.