Hand Signals To Teach Your Dog

Using hand signals to train dogs is the preferred method because most pets respond better when an auditory command is paired with a physical cue. Many pet owners introduce puppy training signals at a young age and watch the benefits increase as their dog grows older. As pets age, they can lose some degree of their hearing, which is why hand signals become critical for guiding elderly dogs through their later years. But training dogs to understand hand signals does more than improve communication between owner and pet; it also provides mental stimulation for pups and peace of mind for you.

Universal dog sign language commands are the most commonly used cues among owners, doggy daycare staff, vet offices, and boarding facilities. The chances of your dog seeing these signals from someone other than you are high. By teaching these cues to your dog, you save them and other people some stress when trying to communicate. We narrowed it down to the top seven universal dog command signs you can (and should) teach your pet today: 

• Watch Me: Signaled with one finger pointing to the eye, this cue tells your dog they need to pay attention. This sign comes in handy when overstimulating environments cause your dog to become anxious or wily. 

• Sit: The sign of an open hand palm up tells your dog it’s time to take a seat. This is easily the most popular command taught and given to dogs. It’s an essential building block for teaching your pet other signals, such as lie down or stay.

• Lie Down: The universal down hand signal for dog training is simply pointing one finger to the ground. This sign lets your dog know it’s time to lie down. This is a must for hyper or anxious dogs who need a little reminder to take a breather. 

• Stay: An open palm facing forward is the universal hand signal for wait or stay in dog training. This cue is essential to teaching your dog patience in tempting or even dangerous situations. Every day, this sign helps prevent dogs from dashing through open front doors and crossing busy streets to reach their owners.

• Come: Place a hand diagonally across your chest to tell your pet to come. Any owner with a playful pup can attest to the importance of this signal. Like the stay command, it can keep your dog safe in many situations.

• Heel: Place your hand by your side with the palm facing your leg to show your dog where to walk. This keeps them by your side and right where you want them.

• Drop It: Clench and open your fist as if dropping something. This sign tells your pet to leave whatever is tempting them and is important for curious pups.

 

Tips & Tricks for Training Dogs With Hand Signals

Your pet needs to learn the association between the verbal command and hand signals. The most effective way to teach your dog is to follow these two steps:

1. Keep your hand signal simple.
2. Positively reinforce pet behavior with rewards (treats and praise).

Once your dog is accurately responding to your commands, slowly fade out the reward. If your dog is already familiar with these standard commands, then making the transition to hand signals is fairly straightforward. Training is best when you work with your pet daily. If you make it a priority, your dog will pick up the hand signals quickly!

 

Hand Gestures for Dog Training

1. ONE FINGER POINT TO EYE - Watch Me

• Make a fist with your hand, leaving out the index finger in a pointing position.
• Point your index finger at your eye.

The watch me signal is a critical first step to completely shift from auditory commands to only nonverbal cues. To allow your pet to learn, they first need to look to be able to watch what command you want them to do. Whenever they look attentively at you, reward them with a treat. It helps to keep a small treat in your hand when first teaching—your dog’s eyes will be on the prize!

2. OPEN HAND PALM UP - Sit

• At chest level, open your hand with your palm facing the sky.
• Move your hand in an upward motion.

Sit is the most widely used command for any dog, and it is often the first training your dog receives, so the gesture is simple. When you first start training, be sure to pair the verbal command “sit” with the hand signal.

3. FINGER POINT DOWN - Lie Down

• Hold your finger pointed up at your chest.
• Then do a sweeping diagonal motion down.

Another great signal to help settle your dog is to lie down. Have a treat in your hand while training, and your dog’s nose is sure to follow.

4. OPEN HAND PALM FORWARD - Stay

• At chest level, turn your open hand so your palm faces forward.
• Then walk backwards with your palm still facing outward at the level of your chest. 
• Make sure your pet stays until you ask them to come.

Teaching your dog to stay or wait is one of the most important commands. The nonverbal cue is great for safety in public places or near busy streets, but to train your dog, use the auditory command with the hand signal. Have your dog start from a sitting position if staying proves to be difficult, then work up to having them wait while standing.

5. HAND DIAGONALLY ACROSS CHEST - Come

• Start with your hand open at your side.
• Then diagonally bring it to your opposite shoulder.

Another meaningful command is to call your dog to come. This is a must when you are out in areas where your dog is off-leash. Start training at home, but practice in outdoor scenarios where your pet is more tempted not to come. This will let you know if you need more work.

6. LIGHTLY TAP HIP/LEG - Heel

• Place your hand at your side and let it fall naturally on your hip or thigh. 
• Keep your fingers together and face your palm toward your leg.

Heel is a must for walking your dog on or off the leash, especially in crowded areas. If your pet struggles to grasp this signal, try lightly tapping your hip or thigh to get their attention. Make sure to practice on each side.

7. CLOSE THEN OPEN FIST - Drop It 

• Hold your open hand out and quickly close it into a fist.
• Reopen your hand as if dropping something.

Drop it is one of the most useful hand signals to teach your dog. Show them this gesture when you notice them with something they aren’t supposed to have, or if they’re taking playtime a bit too seriously.

It is always important to positively reinforce your pet with verbal praise and treats when teaching dog command signs. And our Primal Treats make a great training tool to reward your pup! Remember to be patient and enjoy the training process. Use this period as an opportunity to form an even deeper bond with your pet!