Earlier today, I asked on a previous thread about 'hand touch' and what that actually was and its purpose. As always, had excellent replies. However, what I didn't think about beforehand (yes I know, stupid) was the fact that I have been using hand signals when training Molly. My husband is voice disabled so hand signals combined with words is the best method, as Molly can see the signals even if the voice is not that easy for her. So, tried with 'hand touch' just to try to have something sort of comforting for us both if the training session hadn't been brilliant and guess what? Um, yep, doesn't take a genius to realise that I totally confused the poor little pup. My 'hand touch' signal she saw as a 'down'. I then totally muddled things by trying to change the signal. I won't go on. Suffice it to say, my poor little Molly, at almost 5 months, hasn't got a clue what I'm asking of her. Right back to basics for us and ALL my own fault. Please reassure me that we can get it right and I haven't damaged my pup too much ... please?
Fear not, she'll soon revert to the previously learned stuff We use 'touch' as our pups' owners won't be able to see them. So we use touch recall too. The signal is different from any of the others. Scoop hand raised for 'sit' and 'upsit' Flat hand moved forward (relative to the dog's nose) for 'stand' Flat hand moved down for 'down' Flat hand pointing to the floor by your knee for 'touch' Finger to the nose for 'look at me'
Don't worry, she'll be ok Try using a closed fist for the hand touch (unless you use that for something else) as she'll see that as very different to a flat hand. Or teach the touch using a target object first to give her the idea (like the lid of a jar taped to a stick).
