I train using hand signals as well as verbal commands. I don't have a book, but basically what I do is to think of a hand sign that "works" for me and use that hand signal every time I ask the dog to do that particular command. For instance, for SIT! I use my right hand palm up and raise my hand up as I say SIT! In the beginning I exaggerate the hand signal. As my kids learn the sign I use more and more subtle hand language until finally SIT! is a upward wiggle of one finger on my right hand. My signal for DOWN! is a palm down and downward motion of my right hand - once again exaggerated to begin with but in the end a simple down wiggle is understood and obeyed. |