Hello :-)

I just joined your group in the hope I can train our new 3-month old Westie puppy, Bridgette-Taylor.

She is very smart...and also very stubborn :-) I started a puppy training class thru Pet Smart and we are learning about training with Hand Signals. Does anyone know if there is any information with photos on Hand Signals and which signal goes with what command?

I have been searching for 3 days (excluding one day I had to have an unexpected overnight stay in the hospital) and haven't been able to find anything-no photos or signals that will help me with training her.

Does anyone have any ideas where I can find this info. online?

I'm glad to be a part of this forum and I'm looking forward to learning a lot of information for our girl. Thanks! :-)) Deb

Thank you for your question!

I will make a video of the hand signals that we use and post it on YouTube.

Move your hand in the direction you want your puppy to move.

Turn your palm up for the sit signal. You move your hand slowly up as if you are scooping air. The idea is to get your pup to focus up. As she lifts her head her rear end will touch the floor. Praise or click as this happens.

Make sure that you hold your hand away from your body instead of in front of you. This makes it easier for your puppy to see the motion. Move your hand slowly.

The wait and stay signal is the palm of your hand held so that your pup sees your palm. Hold your hand in this position until the pup waits for five seconds. Praise or click to reward. Build time gradually.

The down hand signal involves raising your hand as high as you can reach then slowly dropping your hand to the floor. The reason for raising your hand up is to make the signal visible from a distance.

The nice thing about hand signals is that you can make up your own! Just remember to move your hand in the direction you want your pup to move.

I have seen dogs work with very subtle signals such as moving a finger. I try to help my dog by making signal easy to see and follow.

I hope this helps you. I will work on that video. Thank you for the idea! Margaret Davis

Margaret:
Thank you so much fr your quick reply to my message...and I apologize for not replying to you sooner...I had to unexpectantly spend 2 days in the hospital. I know I won't be ready for puppy classes tomorrow night but hopefully Bridgette will surprise me and do well. Thank you again.
I really appreciate it. - Deb