Using Hand Signals During Labrador Training

An owner issuing verbal commands to his pet is a
common labrador training scenario. While the use
of verbal commands is really effective in
addition to being widely used, an owner has the
option to utilize other approaches as well. Hand
signal, for example, is another approach that can
further help increase the chances of obtaining
positive training result.

For added enlightenment, here are the points
justifying the use of hand signals:

- Dog breeds with superb work ethics and even
temperament like the labrador retriever are
popular working dogs. They make great
disabled-assistance dogs and are used in search
and rescue operations and in illegal detection.
Teaching a dog with hand signals will let him be
aware of what the plan of action is without
making a sound and makes communication easy if
you are working in a noisy setting.

- Despite your effort to keep your pet near you
at all times, he might run away especially if he
sees something appealing on the other side of the
road - a fashionable poodle, a barking chihuahua,
waste can, squirrel or anything that has captured
his attention. The situation can be unsafe but if
he is trained to respond to hand signals, you can
be at ease knowing that you can tell him what to
do even if he's at a distance.

- Hand signals can be used to highlight various
labrador training commands. Like for example if
you're training your lab to stay, placing your
hand (palm facing out) in front of his snout can
help him understand what he is supposed to do.
Furthermore, outstretched arms and inviting look
may mean "come" while an extended arm with palm
facing down, forming a parallel position with
the ground may be used to signal "down".

- Through the use of hand signals, your dog will
focus more on you to determine the following
command. He's less likely to look around and
potentially lose focus should he see something
that can divert his attention away from
training.

- Because of their floppy ears that trap moist
air, labrador retrievers can be susceptible to
ear infection and if not sorted out quickly, may
cause serious hearing problems. Hand signal is
particularly useful to dogs with hearing-related
problem.

There are lots of hand signals one can use
during labrador training. Use them appropriately
and see your labrador retriever transform into a
well-behaved pet you have been hoping to see.

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Love this Labrador training article? Find out
more Labrador training strategies from Kate
Truman at her site specially dedicated to
Labradors. Visit her site at
http://www.labradorsavvy.com

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