Teaching dog cues effectively is a crucial part of training. This guide will explore the process of introducing a new behavior, starting with a gesture cue and then adding a verbal cue. This method capitalizes on dogs’ natural ability to read body language and helps create a strong, reliable response to both visual and verbal signals, an essential part of cue training for dogs.

Why Start with a Gesture?

1. Dogs are highly attuned to body language and often find it easier to understand visual cues initially.
   

2. Gestures are usually more consistent than our voices, which can vary in tone and volume.
   

3. Starting with a gesture allows the dog to focus on the behavior itself without the potential confusion of verbal input.
   

The Process: From Gesture to Verbal Cue

1. Teach the Behavior:
   • Use luring or shaping to teach the desired behavior.
    • Practice until the dog offers the behavior reliably.
   

2. Introduce the Gesture Cue:
   • Choose a clear, distinctive gesture for the behavior.
   • Perform the gesture just before the dog is likely to offer the behavior.
    • Mark and reward when the dog responds correctly.
   

3. Practice the Gesture Cue:
   • Gradually fade out any luring motions, leaving only the gesture cue.
    • Practice in various locations and situations to generalize the behavior.
   

4. Introduce the Verbal Cue:
   • Choose a short, clear verbal cue.
   • Say the verbal cue immediately before performing the gesture cue.
    • Mark and reward when the dog responds correctly.
   

5. Strengthen the Verbal Cue:
   • Gradually increase the time between the verbal cue and the gesture.
   • Eventually, give only the verbal cue without the gesture.
    • If the dog doesn’t respond to the verbal cue alone, go back a step and provide more support with the gesture.
   

6. Practice and Proof:
   • Use both gesture and verbal cues interchangeably to maintain both.
   • Continue to practice in various environments and with increasing distractions.

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Tips for Success

• Be consistent with your gesture and verbal cues.

• Keep training sessions short and positive.

• If the dog struggles, simplify the task and build up gradually.

• Always end training sessions on a positive note.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Adding the Verbal Cue Too Soon: Ensure the dog reliably responds to the gesture before adding the verbal cue.
   

2. Inconsistency: Keep your cues clear and consistent to avoid confusing your dog.
   

3. Repeating Cues: Avoid repeating cues multiple times if the dog doesn’t respond. Instead, go back a step in the training process.
   

4. Forgetting to Maintain Both Cues: Continue to use both gesture and verbal cues to keep both strong.
   
   

Conclusion

Teaching dog cues by starting with gestures and then adding verbal signals is an effective method in verbal and gesture dog training. This process strengthens your dog’s ability to understand both forms of communication, reinforcing the foundation for successful cue training for dogs. Be patient, stay consistent, and remember that every pup learns at their own pace!

Author bio:

Written by The Homeschool Dog Expert Team

Our team of certified trainers and behaviorists brings over 50 years of combined experience, and every expert is personally vetted, Fear Free certified, and deeply committed to helping dogs (and their people) thrive at home. Need help with your pup? Talk to a dog expert today.