Training dogs involves certain “cues.” A cue is a stimulus that you can use to teach your dog a particular action or trick. Some pet parents use verbal cues to train their dogs, while others use hand signals. Hand signals are the most underrated cues when it comes to dog training.
In addition, there are different scenarios in which hand signals are more beneficial than verbal cues. For instance, if your dog has a hearing impairment, they might not be able to understand verbal cues. Similarly, if there are a lot of noisy distractions around you, the dog would not be able to hear you.
Do you know? Dogs are better at understanding body language than deciphering words. It is much easier for them to associate a hand gesture with a behavior than differentiating a word from other sounds.
Using various hand signals, you can teach your dog to sit, stand, and perform other commands. Here are the top dog breeds that can be trained with hand signals.
Dog Breeds that Can be Trained with Hand Signals
1. Golden Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Golden Retriever is one of the smartest dog breeds. They are highly trainable and social dogs that can easily learn hand cues. Due to their intelligence, Golden Retrievers top all other dog breeds in obedience training.
These are social dogs with a gentle and calm demeanor. They make excellent family pets and get along well with children and other pets. These friendly dogs are known for their affectionate and outgoing personality.
Originally bred as a sporting dog, they enjoy activities like bike rides, hunting, fetching, and long runs. Their trainability and charm often land them starring roles in movies.
2. Poodle
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 24 inches (standard)
Weight: 40 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 18 years
Poodles are highly intelligent dogs that excel in obedience training and problem-solving. These versatile dogs are quick learners and respond well to hand signals. Their high trainability allows them to learn specific commands with hand gestures.
Poodles are energetic dogs that excel at agility and obedience competitions. They are moderate to high-energy dogs. According to PetPlan, Poodles need one hour of exercise every day. They enjoy fetching toys, sticks, Frisbees, and balls. They also enjoy long walks or runs beside you.
They are graceful and agile dogs who carry themselves with grace. They are hypoallergenic and make excellent pets for allergy sufferers.
3. German Shepherd
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 50 to 90 pounds
Life Expectancy: 7 to 10 years
German Shepherds can also be easily trained through hand signals because of their exceptional intelligence, high trainability, and versatility. Originally bred to protect the flock, German Shepherds are hardworking dogs with excellent problem-solving skills.
German Shepherds excel at many jobs in he world, including police and military work and search and rescue tasks. With proper training, GSDs can master more than 100 commands through both verbal and non-verbal cues.
According to the American Kennel Club, German Shepherd puppies require consistent training to grow into well-mannered adults. Positive reinforcement methods yield wonderful results.
4. Border Collie
Breed Profile
Height: 18 to 22 inches
Weight: 30 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
The Einstein of all dogs, Border Collies are known for their brainpower and problem-solving abilities. Ranked as the smartest dog breed, they can learn the names of hundreds and perhaps thousands of objects. They can also learn more than 200 words.
Border Collies can learn new commands in fewer than five repetitions. Both verbal cues and hand signals are effective for training these dogs. Their responsiveness and agility help them learn complex tasks that require deep thinking and precision.
Dog puzzle toys and dog agility are great for their physical and mental stimulation. However, they might not be well-suited for families with smaller children and other pets.
5. Shetland Sheepdog
Breed Profile
Height: 13 to 16 inches
Weight: 15 to 25 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Shetland Sheepdog or “Sheltie” is a miniature working Collie. This long-haired working breed is highly intelligent and excels at herding. Shelties are highly trainable dogs with great problem-solving skills. They are quick learners who excel in herding, agility, and obedience.
These affectionate and loyal family pets are highly energetic and well-suited for active families who love spending time outside. These obedient and agile dogs shine at interactive dog sports. Their sweet and sensitive temperament makes them highly attuned to their owners.
According to PetMD, Shelties are eager to please dogs, and their playful nature makes training fun. Shelties are highly responsive to hand signals.
6. Labrador Retriever
Breed Profile
Height: 21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years
One of the friendliest dogs, Labrador Retrievers are the true people pleasers. They are known for their versatility and intelligence, making them easy to train through hand signals as well as verbal cues. They excel in their roles as therapy dogs, guide dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
Their eager-to-please and outgoing nature makes them ideal for families and singles alike. Labs have a long history of hunting, retrieving, and working alongside humans. They are avid swimmers, due to which they excel at water sports like dock diving.
Labs need a lot of attention and exercise to stay happy and healthy. One hour of exercise is needed every day for adequate physical and mental stimulation.
7. Australian Cattle Dog
Breed Profile
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 16 years
Australian Cattle Dog, also known as Blue Heeler, is a herding dog known for its intelligence, adaptability, and ability to learn new cues quickly. They are highly responsive to visual cues, verbal, and nonverbal signals.
Australian Cattle Dogs are highly energetic with a strong desire to please their pet parents.
They make ideal companions for families who love spending time outdoors. Their curious and alert nature and strong work ethic allow them to perform various tasks. Australian Cattle Dogs are known for easily solving complex puzzles.
They require plenty of exercise along with extended sessions of running, jogging, frisbee, and fetch. Around two hours of exercise a day will suffice.
8. Doberman Pinscher
Breed Profile
Height: 24 to 28 inches
Weight: 60 to 100 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
These smart and easy-to-train dogs are intensely loyal to their families. Doberman Pinschers are versatile and highly trainable dogs who excel at obedience competitions. They have a curious nature and are highly perceptive.
Dobermans were originally bred to protect tax collectors. Their strength and intelligence, combined with a fearless attitude, make them excellent guard dogs.
To stay healthy, Dobermans need plenty of exercise. Their athleticism and high energy levels make them perfect for active households.
9. Papillon
Breed Profile
Height: 8 to 11 inches
Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Don’t get confused by the size of these tiny geniuses. These incredibly smart dogs excel at agility. Papillons are quite perceptive and learn quickly, making training a breeze. They can be trained using hand signals and verbal cues.
For instance, you can teach your dog to sit by using your hand. With your palm facing up, raise your hand in an upward direction towards your shoulder. These cheerful little dogs love learning and activity. They become so attuned to their owners’ emotions.
You might be convinced that your Papillon dog can read your mind. They are careful observers of everything. Their brain and stamina together help them excel in agility competitions.
Conclusion
Some dogs are known for being intelligent and eager to learn. Their high trainability makes them excellent at learning through hand signals. If you are planning to adopt a dog breed that can be trained easily with hand gestures, one of those mentioned in this article might be the right fit for you.
