Can Dogs Learn Sign Language? Vet-Approved Training Tips
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View 3 More +Dogs have an incredible ability to learn a wide range of things, including sign language. Whether the dog is deaf or the owner is hearing impaired, sign language can bridge the gap between them.
Though it may be more difficult to get used to than training dogs on voice commands, basic American Sign Language is possible. Here’s why dogs should learn sign language, how to teach it, and some training tips to help the process.
Can Dogs Learn Sign Language?
American Sign Language (ASL) has been around for over 200 years as a way for people in the US who were born deaf or lost their hearing to communicate with others. ASL is different from other types of sign language, but they all share the focus on communicating using hand signals.
Dogs can learn using verbal commands, but many learn to recognize hand signals and cues—even if their owners don’t intend to teach them. Although this is not formal ASL, you can definitely teach your dog to respond to visual cues including signals you perform with your hands.
It’s also important to consider whether this may be helpful in different life situations, for example in noisy environments or when you are simply far away but have your dog’s attention. Moreover, learning to respond to different cues is mentally stimulating for your pup and will allow you to include even more variability in your training.
What Is K9Sign?
Sean Senechal, a cognitive psychologist and behavioral specialist developed K9Sign, a form of signing for dogs. K9Sign's focus is on allowing dogs to tell humans important things like whether they’re hungry or thirsty, whether they want a treat, and how they’re feeling. This is important for dogs and humans who can’t communicate verbally.
According to an Italian study, canine participants responded to verbal cues 82% of the time yet responded to hand signals 99% of the time. This is likely because dogs have evolved the ability to read human body language, so they can be more effective than verbal commands.
Teaching Dogs Sign Language
If you want to teach your dog sign language, K9Sign is a great choice. Training aids and tips for K9Sign are available through the dog-sign training manual.
However, if you want your dog to learn how to communicate their wants and needs to you, K9Sign may be the better choice. Training aids and tips for K9Sign are available through the dog-sign training manual.
Here are some hand signals for basic commands as laid out by the K9 Training Institute:
Whichever hand signals you use, make sure you stay consistent throughout the process.
Tips for Success with Training Sign Language
Conclusion
Whether you or your dog are hearing impaired or you simply want to expand your dog’s mental stimulation through learning, sign language is a useful training tool in any circumstance. Even if you just focus on the basics, it’s a good bonding experience for you both and helps if you’re in loud situations or your dog begins to lose their hearing with age. As you get the hang of it, you can progress to more difficult signs.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Linas T, Shutterstock
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Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
