![hand signals for deaf dogs hand signals for deaf dogs](https://www.redditstatic.com/shreddit/assets/thinking-snoo.png)
“I will sometimes give the ASL sign for ‘no’, then redirect the behavior followed by a thumbs up,” says Christina. It’s very important to retain his trust so he feels safe and secure. Christina stresses that you should never ever strike or slap a deaf dog (or any dog) because he views your hands as a means of communication. You might be wondering how a deaf dog will know when he has done something incorrectly. The use of treats should only be temporary, so it is vital that your deaf dog be shown praise by the use of body language and hand signals. From that point, just increase the distance with each training session.” “Good dog!”ĭuring training sessions, it’s important to let your dog know he has done a good job, not just by giving him treats but also by signing “good dog!” This is usually indicated with a thumbs up, followed by lots of petting and tummy rubs. Once you get his attention, take a couple of steps back, ask for the ‘come’, and when he takes even one step towards you, flash your hand to mark the correct behavior. Even if you have a backyard, you want to have control of the dog so he doesn’t walk off. “The main thing with the ‘recall or come’ command is keeping your dog’s attention from a distance when there are distractions. “With a deaf dog, start off with a long line attached to him at all times,” says Christina. You can use the ASL signal, which is to keep your elbow bent, and with your arm in front of you, bring it to your chest. Pretty soon, he will slide towards you into the down position.
![hand signals for deaf dogs hand signals for deaf dogs](https://iheartdogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/shutterstock_152334287.jpg)
The other is to get him to focus on your finger as you draw it towards you on the ground. The first is to motion toward the floor with the flat of your hand, palm facing down. Teaching a deaf dog to lie down is very simple and can be done in either one of two ways. Repeat, taking an additional step back each time. If he stays, he gets a hand flash to mark his good behavior. When teaching your dog to “stay,” Christina suggests using the ASL hand signal then taking a step back. When using the ASL sign for “sit”, place the treat between your thumb and palm while making the sign. “Sit”īegin by holding a healthy treat at the tip of your dog’s nose, then draw the offering back behind his head until he sits. Here some training tips for basic commands using ASL hand signals. Though there are other ways of going about it, Christina suggests teaching deaf dogs the signals used in American Sign Language (ASL). It is recommended that training sessions be kept short – between five and ten minutes at least three times a day. To make things easier, begin your dog’s training in a place devoid of too many distractions – inside the house or in a fenced yard. Once your deaf dog has learned to “watch you”, it’s time to start teaching him sign language for basic commands. “An open flash of the hand replaces the ‘click’ in clicker training to mark the good behavior the second it takes place, followed by a high value food treat.”
![hand signals for deaf dogs hand signals for deaf dogs](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d8/10/86/d8108683948f7693205bd5bb06a7e7f0.jpg)
“Every time my dog Nitro would look at me, I would give him a flash of my open hand to mark his good behavior, then give him a treat,” says Christina Lee, founder of Deaf Dogs Rock. There are hand signals for commands like “sit”, “stay”, “down” and “come”, but you’ll also need sign language for phrases like “watch me” and “good dog!” The hardest part of training a deaf dog is getting him to focus on you without being distracted by his surroundings, so the first piece of sign language you’ll need to teach him is “watch me”. The trick is having a clear signal for each command, and to keep that signal consistent. In fact, because dogs are so good at reading body language, training can actually be easier this way. You just have to use visual rather than verbal or sound cues. But people who train and live with hearing-impaired dogs will tell you that deafness should not be regarded as a handicap.ĭeaf dogs can learn as well as those that hear. Unfortunately, few will find forever homes. But canines are experts at reading body language, so hand signals are just as effective as verbal cues.Įach year, many deaf dogs are surrendered to shelters. You might think training a deaf dog is difficult.