![]() Shortcuts may work occasionally, but I would not count on them. To my mind, there is no quick way to train a hunting dog. Also, make sure the dog is looking at you-if he's not, he's not going to read the sign language. If you do, you might as well be speaking to the dog in another language. Early on, you may need to nudge or push on your retriever's back so the dog knows exactly what you are telling it to do.Ī key element here is consistency. For the "down" command, for example, say "down" and motion toward the floor with your hand open, palm down. You can start by using hand signals in combination with verbal cues when teaching basic obedience. Training your retriever to respond to hand signals should actually begin long before you take the dog hunting. That is, unless you and your dog are in sync through the use of hand signals. Factor in wind, waves, gunfire, and the excitement of the moment, and confusion can reign supreme. It is at such times that being able to direct your dog with hand signals can make all the difference.Īt long distances, verbal commands become impractical. Many agility handlers use a combination of body signals (including hand signals and body position) and verbal to make sure their dog knows which obstacle to take.Even the most experienced retriever can't be expected to see every bird fall during a morning of hot shooting. Based on the research, a verbal come is definitely a good idea! For example, you may use a hand signal for sit most of the time, except when your dog is about to knock you over while carrying the groceries in, then you may say the verbal. This way, you can use the cue that will work best in the given situation. So you may find it’s best to teach your dog both a hand and a verbal signal for each cue. If you say the word out of context, your dog may still respond to it (as we mention above with the word “okay” as a release cue).Īs you can see, the two types of cues complement each other – making up for each other’s shortcomings.The research showed that when a stranger gave verbal cues, the dogs never responded. This means your dog may not respond to someone else giving the cue if it doesn’t sound the same. The way you say your cue – tone, pitch, accent, etc.If your dog goes deaf, you won’t be able to communicate with him.Since dogs are not naturally able to understand our language, it may take longer to get your dog to listen to your cues.Image Source: Connor Hathaway via Flickr Verbal Signals This may include body position, not just the hand itself. Like learning sign language, you need to be able to replicate each signal the same way every single time. It can be hard to learn to be consistent with your cues.If your hands are full, you will not be able to cue your dog.If your dog goes blind, he will be unable to respond to your cues.If your dog is out of sight, you can’t cue him.Or, if your hands are full of groceries and need you need to tell your dog OFF. ![]() For example if you are holding your leash, clicker and treats. You can cue your dog even if your hands are full.If your dog goes blind, you can still communicate with them.For example you can call “come” to your dog if he’s wandering in the woods and he can hear you even if he can’t see you. Your dog doesn’t have to be within eyesight to get your cue.This probably won’t happen with hand signals. It is said so often in normal conversation that you may accidentally release your dog. For example, this is why many trainers tell their students not to use “okay” as the release word to their stay. Since you mostly likely will not be using these signals for anything else, the risk of your dog responding to a “cue” out of context is almost none.Since your dog has to be looking at you to get your cues, it may promote better focus/attention on you.If your dog goes deaf, you will still be able to communicate with them.Dogs use body language as a way to communicate, so our gestures are something they are naturally inclined to notice and respond to, rather than ignore (as some dogs often do their owner’s voice!).Image Source: Crystal Rolfe via Flickr Pros Hand/Gestural Signals So what should you, a pet parent, teach your dog? Here are the pros and cons to both ways of training. ![]() This research was done on a small pool of Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers that had been taught both hand and verbal signals as part of their water rescue training. Awhile ago, I wrote about new research that showed hand signals resulted in more correct responses from dogs than verbal cues, in most cases.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |