[Gracie2006]

Re hand signals, for sit I hold a treat by their nose, then gradually move backward. In an attempt to follow the treat, the dog will sit. Eventually, you can use the same hand motion without the treat. For down, I hold the treat at the nose and then slowly lower it to the floor. When the dog goes down, I give the treat. Again, eventually you can use the same motion without the treat. I have always used the combination of hand signal, verbal command and treat.