Deaf Awareness Week was celebrated during the last full week of September. Those without hearing impairments should always reach out to those in their community with Deafness, especially during this time. One way to be more inclusive to those in the Deaf community is by incorporating American Sign Language while communicating. American Sign Language (ASL) has helped Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities for over 200 years.
While you take the time to learn a bit of ASL, you can also extend your knowledge to your pup. There are plenty of aspects of ASL that dogs can pick up on and understand quickly! While certain breeds have an easier time taking on new information, any pup can pick up this easy ASL with a bit of consistent training.
Before we start, remember a few tips and tricks while learning these commands with your furball.
- Teach/learn with little distractions.
- Use rewards and positive reinforcement.
- Start with verbal commands and then incorporate hand signals.
- After both verbal and hand commands have been introduced and mastered, prioritize hand signals before verbal commands.
Sign Language Command 1: Watch me
Get your pup’s attention and point to your eyes. You can reward this behavior with a treat. Once your dog follows the command, you may reward it. This positive reinforcement will promote good behavior and quicker learning.
Sign Language Command 2: Sit
Hold your palm in front of your chest, bend your elbow, and raise your palm over Fido’s head.
Sign Language Command 3: Stay
Hold your palm straight out and imagine gesturing, “Stop.” This visual will keep your dog at a reasonable distance from you and remind them that they cannot come closer and must stay put.
Sign Language Command 4: Come
Open your arms to encourage your canine back to you. Make sure this command is big and inviting!
Sign Language Command 5: Heel
The secret to mastering this sign language command is first teaching how to walk politely. Then, tap your hip with your hand and form a circular motion.
Sign Language Command 6: Drop
Hold your hand tight in a fist, then point your palm at the ground, saying, “drop it.”
Please note that many different commands mean similar things. If your pup has difficulty understanding these sign language commands, consider taking a different approach or choosing a command that resonates better with your dog.
There are many other ways to support the Deaf community. You may consider volunteering, donating, or educating those around you on how to be better advocates for those with Deafness. Check out these organizations in Maryland that do great work supporting those in need.