When you are training a dog, you will want to have a few dog training tricks up your sleeve. One of the most important dog training tricks to master is the dog hand signal for stand. If you have not mastered this dog training trick yet, I encourage you to learn it right now. Teaching your dog with this simple gesture can greatly improve his behavior and it will also help you communicate with him better.
The first thing you need to do is get your dog to stand still. Your dog will be less likely to jump on you when you have him on a leash. Place his paws on your chest, about shoulder width apart. You can use an index card or a book to position it so it is comfortable for him. Your dog’s nose should be pointed toward the floor. Do not give your dog the command to stand unless his nose is pointed toward the ground.
Say “sit” in a firm voice while backing away a few steps. Keep your body turned toward the dog until he shows signs of willingness to sit. Once he does, say the dog training command for sit in a firm voice. Hold the dog’s paws about six inches from the ground. As soon as you let go of his paws, turn him around and sit again. Repeat this several times.
This next dog training tricks involves a bit of trial and error. The first time you use this dog training trick, however, you must make sure that your dog is comfortable with the dog training tricks that you are about to teach him. Put the dog’s back against a sturdy piece of furniture or something similar. Have treats ready. Start by putting a treat in front of the dog’s nose and then taking your dog’s lead. Approach the dog, put the dog’s rear end gently in your lap, and give the dog a treat as you lean over to stroke him.
As soon as you pet him, say “sit.” Put your hand on his chest and lean forward until you are only inches away from his face. You should not touch the dog until he has sat. Your dog may refuse to sit because he is frightened of being touched by you, so try again later.
After you have placed your dog’s back on the ground, you should move his rear end into a sitting position. You can do this by grabbing the dog’s ankles and bringing them toward you. You should hold the dog’s head with one hand while keeping his back arched. As you bring the dog’s buttocks toward you, say the dog training command for stand in a clear, firm voice. Praise him while you hold his head in a still position.
As soon as you get used to this pattern, you can change it by simply placing your palm against the dog’s paws. Do not use your feet! Do not reach out your arms or hands. Maintain a position of control over the dog’s hips and paws until he has stepped into a standing position.
If your dog barks, continues to back away, or moves his legs in a way that seems to indicate he is about to attack something, stop the training program until he becomes more cooperative. Do not hit the dog, and keep him in one place. If you feel the dog is ready to attack, then put your arm around his throat and pull gently on his leash. This will reinforce your dog’s understanding that standing up can mean going down and that walking away can mean standing up.
