Hand Signals For Dogs Chart !free!

The circle of the thumb and index finger meant the work was done. It was the signal for "Go be a dog."

| Cue | Hand Signal Description | Visual Key | |------|------------------------|-------------| | | Arm bent at elbow, palm facing up, move hand upward like you’re offering a treat over the nose. | ✋🔼 | | Down | Flat palm, start at shoulder height, lower hand straight down to the floor (like pushing a lever). | ✋🔽 | | Stay | Open palm facing the dog’s face (like “stop” sign). Often held for 2–3 seconds initially. | 🖐️⏸️ | | Come | Arms open wide at sides, then bring both hands together to your chest (or one hand sweeping from hip to opposite shoulder). | 🙆‍♂️➡️🫂 | | Wait | Flat palm facing dog, but held at waist level (lower than Stay). | ✋⏳ | | Leave it | Make a fist, then open hand as if dropping something invisible. Some trainers use a sideways sweep. | ✊➡️✋ | | Drop it / Out | Point to the ground in front of dog, or make a “throwing away” gesture to the side. | 👇🗑️ | | Heel | Pat your left hip (or point down to your left side). | 🖐️🦵 | | Spin (left) | Point index finger in a circle clockwise (as seen from above dog). | ☝️🔄 | | Spin (right) | Point index finger in a circle counterclockwise. | ☝️🔄 | | Touch (target) | Extend two fingers (index + middle) toward dog’s nose like a target stick. | ☝️☝️ | | Roll over | Make a rolling motion with your hand sideways in the air. | ✋🌀 | | Shake / Paw | Open palm facing up, held near dog’s chest level. | 🖐️⬆️ | | High five | Open palm facing forward at shoulder height. | ✋🤚 | | Speak | Open and close your fingers like a mouth (pinching motion). | 🤏👄 | | Quiet | Index finger vertical over lips (hush signal). | 🤫 | | Go to bed / Place | Point to the bed/mat, then make a “scooping” gesture toward it. | 👉🛏️ | | Stand | Open palm, move hand from dog’s nose up and away horizontally. | ✋➡️ | hand signals for dogs chart

Below is a standardized chart based on professional trainers (e.g., AKC, Karen Pryor Academy, Victoria Stilwell). Use , keep hand open and flat unless noted, and ensure good contrast against your body. The circle of the thumb and index finger

Perform the hand signal without a treat in your hand (but have treats in your pocket). Immediately follow the hand signal with the vocal command. Reward the behavior. | ✋🔽 | | Stay | Open palm

Using a is one of the most effective ways to communicate with your pet, bridging the gap between human language and canine body language . While we rely on words, dogs are naturally "visual learners" who often process physical gestures faster than verbal cues. Why Use Hand Signals?

If your dog can follow this sequence without a single word spoken, you have achieved silent harmony and a level of communication that goes beyond words.