Teaching a dog commands in sign language allows you to communicate with your dog even if they lose their hearing. When I teach my owners to train their dogs I try to pair a verbal and sign language signal to it. There is no true standard of dog sign language and it can be based on ASL or simply a language you use with your dog. As long as your dog knows what’s being asked, the options are endless. ASL for dog training starts with these 3 cues.
ASL Sit Cue
Let us start with the cue Sit. If your dog already knows the sit cue as a verbal cue now add in a hand signal. The official hand signal for sit is to raise your hand from your side to straight out in front of you, palm up. Once they do the behavior, mark and reward. Repeat a few times.
Practice Makes Perfect
Next, repeat this training 5-10 times a day. When the dog is reliably obeying the command try gambling your treats and reward each other. This is how your dog learns to permanently learn a command.
Add in Another Cue
Now add another cue, Stay. The common hand signal for Stay is your palm facing the dog. Again use a verbal cue and pair with the hand signal. Repeat as mentioned above.
Let’s Finish
Finally, put your dog on a long line and teach a come. Walk away from them, use your verbal cue “Come” and use a hand signal. I usually recommend pointing in front of you or even tapping your legs. Mark and reward as they come towards you. If they do not come towards you start reeling them in like a fish and do not reward. Reset and try again. This is why they are on the long line.
If you want to start training your dog with ASL or in general have a behavior question please contact me today
