Layla knows both hand signals and voice commands- i usually use them together however, lately i have started using JUST the hand signals.
for sit i put my hand in a fist and just bend my hand at the wrist.
Down- i put my hand flat and keep it horozontal while lowering it towards the ground.
Stay is a hand in front of her face
wait is a small "wave" like a semi-circle with my palm facing outwards- wait means- I use wait if i am going to go through a door before her or something- stay is if i am leaving and going to come back.
We JUST started come with a hand signal today- i start with my arm fully extended and down and bend my arm at my elbow and bring it up to my shoulder.
If i am going to "release" Layla from stay- i point to the ground- usulaly to her food dish because she has to sit and wait for that.
I hope this helps. I too think it is VERY important to have a hand signal- in everything i've read dogs respond better to a body command than a voice command.
__________________ Layla  's Simon |