Finishes, Fronts and "Fix it" - Page 2 - Golden Retrievers : Golden Retriever Dog Forums

hotel4dogs · #11 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 04:30 PM

No good trainer will make you use "her" or "his" command. They will let you use whatever works best for you. They may have some suggestions, but that's about it.

Nairb · #12 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotel4dogs

No good trainer will make you use "her" or "his" command. They will let you use whatever works best for you. They may have some suggestions, but that's about it.

I know. I just want to make sure I use good commands. I think I'll go with "swing" for left and "around" or "get around" for right.

The reason I'll wait on hand signals, is because I want to make sure I'm doing it right! I'll introduce them after the next session.

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hotel4dogs · #13 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 04:35 PM

BTW, I always teach the hand signals and the verbals at the same time. I find that dogs learn hand signals faster (they are, after all, very cued in to body language but spoken language is "foreign" to them) and it makes it easier for them to really learn the verbal command solidly.

Nairb · #14 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotel4dogs

BTW, I always teach the hand signals and the verbals at the same time. I find that dogs learn hand signals faster (they are, after all, very cued in to body language but spoken language is "foreign" to them) and it makes it easier for them to really learn the verbal command solidly.

I'm trying to find a resource with suggested hand signals. I'll probably look for a video.

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hotel4dogs · #15 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 04:39 PM

when you pick your commands, use whatever flows off your tongue easily, but of course be careful not to use a command that will sound a lot like another command you will use later on. Make sense? You will probably use "stand", "stay", "take it" or "fetch it", "go-out" or "run-out", "find it", "jump it" or "over". So just stay clear of a command that sounds too much like one of those.

hotel4dogs · #16 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 04:40 PM

depending on how far you want to go with obedience (reach for the stars!), you will do a hand signal exercise at the Utility level. So just be sure your hand signals you use now won't conflict with the hand signals for down, sit, and come on the utility signal exercise.
You might find some good videos of hand signals on here, check some of Titan1's posts.

AmbikaGR · #17 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 04:51 PM

I also teach both finishes using verbal and hand signals, in addition to stepping back in the beginning. I eventually weed the verbal part (and foot movement) and just use the hand signal. I believe it helps keep the dog's attention on you if they know they must "see" the next command. At least that is what my trainer has drilled into ME.

Vhuynh2 · #18 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 05:06 PM

I was wondering if hand signs or verbal commands were more important. I rely on hand signals. Sometimes I'd say "around" when I meant to say "swing" or vice versa.. So I prefer to use hand signals. I wasn't sure if somewhere down the line I would HAVE to use verbal commands.

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hotel4dogs · #19 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 05:22 PM

I believe the only time you HAVE TO use a verbal command is in the utility glove exercise, where you have to tell the dog to get the glove. You must also use a hand signal (your hand down by his head to "show him" which glove to get). Otherwise, I believe you can use all hand signals.
That said, it's good to have both in your tool box. There are times at a show when your dog just happens to look away from you right before you plan to give a command...being able to say, "FIDO, COME" rather than just giving the hand signal comes in rather handy.

Nairb · #20 (**permalink**) 12-22-2012, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotel4dogs

depending on how far you want to go with obedience (reach for the stars!), you will do a hand signal exercise at the Utility level. So just be sure your hand signals you use now won't conflict with the hand signals for down, sit, and come on the utility signal exercise.
You might find some good videos of hand signals on here, check some of Titan1's posts.

How far we go will depend on me, because my dog is awesome. I'm just learning. We'll take it one step at a time and see how it goes.

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The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to hotel4dogs For This Useful Post:
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