Hand signals and deafness

[JoanneF]

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I mentioned already that Timber seems to be going deaf. Fortunately we have used hand signals and similar for a while - not in anticipation of him losing his hearing but particularly with recall, if he has been some distance and upwind, a visual cue was always helpful.

But one thing I never thought to use a non-verbal sign for was ”good boy” and I really regret that.

I've been working on it, randomly using a thumbs up and rewarding.

I'm open to ideas to help reinforce the message, but please everyone, start pairing your ”good dog” verbal with a hand signal. You never know when you might need it.

 

[Dibbythedog]

That's a good idea. For some reason I use hand clapping without actually clapping so no sound. I think signs help emphasise a verbal instruction too as a dogs language is body language. (I know you know that )

 

[Hemlock]

It's a great suggestion. Because I had working dogs, I trained mine from the start to hand signals as well as verbals, and it is useful in many contexts, so a good reminder.

 

[RGC]

Two thumbs up and a beaming smile. She still ignores me.

 

[Flobo]

@RGC that made me chuckle!

 

[Hemlock]

Me too!

 

[Sez1]

I mentioned already that Timber seems to be going deaf. Fortunately we have used hand signals and similar for a while - not in anticipation of him losing his hearing but particularly with recall, if he has been some distance and upwind, a visual cue was always helpful.

But one thing I never thought to use a non-verbal sign for was ”good boy” and I really regret that.

I've been working on it, randomly using a thumbs up and rewarding.

I'm open to ideas to help reinforce the message, but please everyone, start pairing your ”good dog” verbal with a hand signal. You never know when you might need it.

This is a good reminder as I have experienced a dog going deaf. Although she also had cataracts so hand signals would not have helped.
Funnily enough I have been adding hand signals too. Not sure how official but Asher responds.
I do a hand beckon for fetch to my hand. This was started as my knee hurt and I was sat down for fetch and needed him to drop the ball into my hand. Of course he protested but now will do even when I'm stood. I am now doing a two hand wave with come. Thumbs up for good boy.
What could you use for wait? I am probably already using my hand facing down.

 

[Hemlock]

For mine, "wait" was signalled by taking one step forward from a face-on posture with hand outstretched horizontally, while "stay" was a static sideways posture with a raised hand outstretched. But really, we can use anything as long as we are consistent.

 

[JudyN]

For Jasper, 'wait' was one hand forward with my index finger raised, as if pointing to the sky.

 

[RGC]

“Wait” is actioned with the right palm at 45 degrees parallel with the ground.