Hand Signals

[BritChaser]

Do you use hand signals to manage your dogs afield? Maybe a better term is arm signals - an arm extended in the direction the dog should go. I use such signals in an effort to hunt in silence. With bird numbers down, they are jumpy. A Hill City old timer told me that when bird numbers are down they are spookier. My experience concurs.

I introduce hand signals to my dogs from day one. I extend my arm toward the food bowl, the crate, the vehicle, the outside, the inside, everywhere. The dogs pick it up quickly and look at your arm. One signal I use is my arm straight up - move toward me.

One time I let my dog loose when I was trout fishing on a western river. Great day fishing with friends. I was in the middle of the river when my friend alerted me that my dog was in the river and in danger of being swept downstream into rapids. I turned to look and sure enough my dog was paddling out to me but losing way to the current. I shouted his name and extended my arm toward the shore. He immediately turned and went ashore. Good dog!

 

[SDinWI]

I do not but if I cast my arm and step in a direction, my dog will go that direction most of the time. We hunt one-on-one most of the time, and she looks back at me when needed to see what direction we're headed.

I commend dog handlers that train this, though. I think it's great for helping the dog to locate birds or come as you taught.

Do you cast your hand signals only when your dog is looking back at you? Without a whistle to get their attention (assuming you don't use one), there might be times you want to get your dog's attention but they're not looking at you.

 

[BritChaser]

I do not but if I cast my arm and step in a direction, my dog will go that direction most of the time. We hunt one-on-one most of the time, and she looks back at me when needed to see what direction we're headed.

I commend dog handlers that train this, though. I think it's great for helping the dog to locate birds or come as you taught.

Do you cast your hand signals only when your dog is looking back at you? Without a whistle to get their attention (assuming you don't use one), there might be times you want to get your dog's attention but they're not looking at you.

My dog wears an e-collar. If i need it to look at me I vibrate a second. No whistles! lol

 

[SDinWI]

Ah perfect

 

[That1uncle1776]

I do, it helps be stealthy in certain hunting situations. Also I dont like verbally bossing Molly when there are people over so a hand gesture is nice to get her to heal and sit next to me.

 

[BritChaser]

I do not but if I cast my arm and step in a direction, my dog will go that direction most of the time. We hunt one-on-one most of the time, and she looks back at me when needed to see what direction we're headed.

I commend dog handlers that train this, though. I think it's great for helping the dog to locate birds or come as you taught.

Do you cast your hand signals only when your dog is looking back at you? Without a whistle to get their attention (assuming you don't use one), there might be times you want to get your dog's attention but they're not looking at you.

Great way to teach directional hand/arm signals: put your dog on a check lead. when the dog is at the end, walk to the left (or right) with your arm extended in that direction. The dog will parallel you. They catch on quick.