Hand Signals

Hand Signals

For a dog to retrieve a bird he has not seen requires the perfect understanding between dog and handler.The handler must learn the hand signals that will maneuver his dog to the bird and the dog must place his trust in the handler while ignoring the powerful scents in the field.

The object of hand signals is to get the dog back on the right line when he veers off. This is most challenging because you are changing the direction in which the dog wants to go. The dog may have picked up a scent in the air or perhaps remembers a bird he retrieved nearby. Only if a dog is trained to listen to you will you be able to gain control and change his mind. In the Field Course lessons covering this subject will give you the techniques to teach your dog to stop and follow your hand signals.

After your dog learns this skill you can use it when walking your dog off leash or anytime you want to change directions or keep your dog away from trouble.

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