Training Hand Gestures & Verbal Cues for your Finnish Lapphund
This is a more advanced training article on Mastering Communication in your canine training. Have a read through this blog first, on specific signs of non-verbal communication which are common among Finnish Lapphunds. Training a Finnish Lapphund is such a rewarding experience, especially when you incorporate non-verbal hand gestures into your communication. This breed thrives on social interaction and mental stimulation, making them ideal candidates for advanced training techniques. In this Master-class, we’ll explore how to effectively teach non-verbal hand gestures, then seamlessly integrate verbal cues for more efficiency and a well-rounded training experience.
It’s best to teach your Finnish Lapphund any new skill using hand gestures first as their foundation skill. They learn the skill faster and more efficiently, rather than if you try to say a new word which they may not understand. Remember dogs don’t speak English! If you only use verbal cues, they instead have to try to repeatedly guess what you’re saying, by trial and error, and that can be a very frustrating process for your dog. Efficient training involves teaching the skill with non-verbal hand gestures first, to set your Lappy up for success and keep them enjoying their training. Once your Lappy can confidently perform that skill with hand gestures, you add in a verbal cue over time.
Step 1: Establish a Strong Foundation
Create a Positive Training Environment
Choose the Right Space: Start training in a quiet, distraction-free area where your Finnish Lapphund feels comfortable.
Use High-Value Treats: Use their favourite treats to motivate and reward them during training sessions.
Reward Each Successful Attempt: When training with non-verbal hand gestures, give your dog plenty of praise and tasty rewards for observing your body language, correctly identifying the command and then performing the request when asked! If your Lappy is a bit distracted, break it down into these three steps with a reward for each one.
Build a Foundation of Trust: Engage in play and leisurely activities to strengthen your bond and spend quality time together. Training will become a pleasure!
Be Patient: Training takes time, especially when introducing new concepts.
Step 2: Teaching Non-Verbal Hand Gestures
Non-verbal hand gestures should be the initial step of teaching your Finnish Lapphund any new skill. Use a single hand gesture, without verbal words, to ask your Lappy to perform that command. Good practices include: select a hand gesture that matches the skill, use a simple single hand gesture, and be very mindful of your other body language (so your Finnish Lapphund doesn’t think that anything else is part of the new skill!). Our own subconscious body language can have a profound impact on training so try to be mindful of this: perform only one hand gesture, while keeping a neutral posture, when teaching a new skill.
Start with Basic Commands
Sit: Raise your hand vertically, palm facing the sky.
Stay: Hold your palm out in front of you, similar to a stop sign.
Down: Extend you hand out flat and move it down to the ground, keeping it level.
Practice Consistency
Repetition is Key: Practice these gestures consistently during daily routines.
Use Short Sessions: Keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) to maintain focus.
Keep it the Same: Ensure everyone in the household is happy to use the same hand gesture and keep it consistent between family members.
Reinforce with Positive Reinforcement
Immediate Rewards: Treat your dog immediately after they respond correctly to the gesture.
Verbal Praise: Pair hand gestures with enthusiastic verbal praise to create positive associations.
Gradually Increase Complexity Once your Finnish Lapphund masters basic gestures, introduce more advanced training commands like “Roll” (hand moving around in a circle) or “Leave it” (hand raised with finger pointed).
UNLEASH THE LOVE
Step 3: Adding verbal cues
Introducing Verbal Commands Make sure your Finnish Lapphund can confidently perform the skill with hand gestures consistently. Once your dog is familiar with the chosen hand gesture, and only then, it is time to add a verbal cue.
Choose Clear Commands: Use simple, distinct words like “Sit” for the sitting gesture or “Stay” for the stopping gesture. Make sure everyone in the household uses the same word for consistency.
Pair Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues: When your Lappy responds to the hand gesture, say the verbal command simultaneously and treat. Repeat this and they will associate the sound with the command they’ve already learnt.
Gradually Transition
Fade Out the Hand Gestures: Once your Finnish Lapphund associates the verbal cue with the action, gradually reduce the use of hand gestures. Make sure you set your Lappy up for success and take a step back if they start to get confused about what you’re asking. Do this systematically and slowly by responding to your Lappy’s progress.
Practice with Distractions: Train in various environments with different levels of distraction to reinforce the new verbal commands.
Step 4: practice & reinforcement
Incorporate Training into Daily Life
Keep it Coming: During the transition period from hand gestures to verbal cues, you’ll likely be doing both together for some time for each new skill. Practice regularly in a variety of situations when your Lappy least expects it!
Use Commands in Everyday Situations: Ask your Finnish Lapphund to “Sit” before meals or “Stay” when answering the door.
Encourage Family Participation: Have all family members use the same commands to maintain consistency. Your Lappy will learn to respond to different voices and tones.
Track Achievements: Consider and evaluate your progress, including new commands learned and challenges faced. Develop strategies that will address any areas you feel need more work.
Adjust Techniques: If certain gestures or commands aren’t working, adapt your approach and try different rewards or cues.
Seek Professional Help if Needed:If you encounter difficulties, consider enrolling in a training class or seeking the help of a professional dog trainer who understands positive reinforcement techniques.
conclusion
Training your Finnish Lapphund using non-verbal hand gestures, followed by verbal cues, not only enhances communication but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. By establishing a solid foundation, maintaining consistency, and gradually introducing complexity, you can create a rewarding training experience that benefits both you and your Finnish Lapphund. Embrace the journey, celebrate the milestones, and enjoy the incredible relationship that develops along the journey.
