Mom and I were watching TV the other day and saw a dog that had learned some really basic sign language so we thought we would give it a try. Thanks also to Eva and her post about silent commands, it made Mom get to work with me :) When you think about it, farmers out on the land use hand signals and whistles to indicate what they want; especially to Shelties and Border collies - so it is is only a natural extension of that. Mom has always used a mixture of gestures and commands with me as she isn't fond of clicker training. So after about ten minutes of practice - here I am. Mom started with the words "lay down" but added the sign language for "lay down" too. She kept doing the hand signal but gradually stopped saying "lay down". At the same time she also used the sign for "sit up". At the end of 10 minutes I had it and Mom and I have been practicing all morning. Mom says this is certainly a very quiet way of training ! This is just a short video of the final result, we figured you didn't want to see all the practice bit.
As for Mom she is feeling better today. The doctor removed the drains and these things called "bolsters" which were either side of the wound. Having those released removed a lot of the tension and it isn't hurting so much now. She goes back in a weeks time to have all the stitches removed. The surgeon and my Dad were both REALLY happy with how it is looking.
You're smart just like Eva is, Reilly! Mom tried to get Mitch to cross his paws today, like Eva does, and it didn't go too well. She ended up with scratched wrists! We're glad your mom is doing better!
Thanks so much for telling me about doggy sign language. I didn't know about it before but I think life is getting more interesting if I can just use sign language too! You're such a clever boy, Reilly! It's really amazing that you learned it so quickly and I love to see how concentrated you were when you did the practice. I'm so glad to hear that you mom is feeling better too!
I could see the concentration on your face! You did really well with learning a new language. What's next? Glad Mum be feeling a bit better now. Phew, that musta beed scary for you thinking about last time. ~lickies, Ludo
Very nice Reilly! Funny how the only noise is you crunching on your treat! :) You look like you've got that command all figured out!
Glad your Mom is feeling better and they're getting rid of all that extra stuff she doesn't need anymore. Each day should be better now! And that means more WALKIES!!
Haha, learning the sign language has a lot of perks! Not only it's intellectually stimulating, you could also basically use it to your pet. I hope your mom recuperated well, Reilly. =)
Very cool Reilly!!! You are one very smart dog! Mom has been working with me on hand signals too for the obedience signals exercise.It's pretty fun!
ReplyDeleteGlad to know your mom is doing better! Keep up your good work of taking care of her!
I'm glad to hear your mom is feeling a bit better.
ReplyDeleteReilly, you are very smart....now you know TWO languages! A biligual sheltie. Good thing to put on your college application.
You're smart just like Eva is, Reilly! Mom tried to get Mitch to cross his paws today, like Eva does, and it didn't go too well. She ended up with scratched wrists!
ReplyDeleteWe're glad your mom is doing better!
Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch
Thanks so much for telling me about doggy sign language. I didn't know about it before but I think life is getting more interesting if I can just use sign language too!
ReplyDeleteYou're such a clever boy, Reilly! It's really amazing that you learned it so quickly and I love to see how concentrated you were when you did the practice.
I'm so glad to hear that you mom is feeling better too!
I could see the concentration on your face! You did really well with learning a new language. What's next?
ReplyDeleteGlad Mum be feeling a bit better now. Phew, that musta beed scary for you thinking about last time.
~lickies, Ludo
Nice job with the sign language! Sorry to hear your Mom hasn't been well. I hope she is on the road to recovery. Will send positive thoughts your way!
ReplyDeleteVery nice Reilly! Funny how the only noise is you crunching on your treat! :) You look like you've got that command all figured out!
ReplyDeleteGlad your Mom is feeling better and they're getting rid of all that extra stuff she doesn't need anymore. Each day should be better now! And that means more WALKIES!!
Haha, learning the sign language has a lot of perks! Not only it's intellectually stimulating, you could also basically use it to your pet. I hope your mom recuperated well, Reilly. =)
ReplyDeleteLynelle Mcbee