The Training/Behavior "Chatter" Thread

I gotcha ~ although you never know, you might decide to compete in obedience ;). The recall, I bring my right arm up about 90 degrees, maybe slightly less, with a slight bend in the elbow, so it's curved forward a little (like a ballet kind of move, but not with that much grace - LOLZ). Then I bring my hand to my chest. It's pretty much a big sweeping motion. The directed jumping for utility, the arm is up 90 degrees ~ so it's parallel with the ground, and out straight on whichever side the jump is on. Hand signals for the directed jumping in utility is a bit different from agility, because in agility you have a lot of other body signals and voice commands. In utility you stay still, facing the end of the ring and point and command "over" (or whatever word). You can't turn towards the jump until the dog is in the air.

Being in the middle of housebreaking (Please  Lord, be the middle), I use my hands to carry a dripping  puppy , push a puppy out of my lap when driving, guiding into a sit when commanded, restrain  a pup aimed at the wrong food bowl, and other times I feel are appropriate.  It's a built in tool, used by mothers when correcting a pup.  I don't hit, and I don't like to yell at my dogs.  Pipers deafness is pushing the limits, and she has really picked up on hand signals and visual cues.

Some dogs and some trainers can use a no hands approach successfully.  I have moved on from an era when holding the pups nose in the mess and cuffing the pup with a rolled up newspaper were preferred practices, to controlling the puppies access to space (crate) and rewarding the outdoors piddle with joyful words and treats.

Dogs are adaptable and tough and will not break if handled.