With the title of "man's best friend", the idea of communicating with our canine companions has always fascinated dog owners and animal behaviourists alike.
Traditionally, dog training relies heavily on verbal commands. However, the use of hand signals is common in advanced dog training, which leads to the question of whether dogs can understand these signals in a more structured form, akin to human sign language.
Numerous dog trainers and owners have reported success in using gestures to command and interact with their dogs. However, does this mean that dogs have the capacity to learn and understand sign language?
Verdict:
TRUE
Firstly, it’s essential to clarify what "sign language" means in the context of dog training as dogs do not perceive language the way humans do, nor do they have maneuverable hands to sign like we do.
Both dogs and cats are entirely capable of parsing out cues from our gestures and associating them with specific behaviours we expect of them. In fact, the only difference between verbal and non-verbal training when it comes to our furry companions is the stimulus they are responding to – whether it is a voice command or a gesture.
This alternative method of training and interaction is not merely a curiosity to be explored by the average dog owner; it has significant practical applications for deaf dogs and owners.
Even dogs and owners that are of hearing should consider incorporating sign language into their training as it is common for dogs to become hard of hearing as they age. An old dog may be able to learn new tricks, but it is certainly easier and less stressful (for both humans and canines) for a dog to be taught non-verbal commands from young.
Aside from simple visual cues, it is not impossible for dogs to learn complex and structured sign language commands with persistent training.
For example, one deaf dog named Ludwig not only knows the basic signs for "sit", "down" and "stay"; he can even communicate when he wants a hug, wave back at someone waving at him, and complete an entire agility course cued only using American Sign Language (ASL).
Of course, it is important to note that the success of using sign language with dogs depends on several factors, including each dog's temperament, training consistency, and the skills of the trainer. Just as with verbal training, some dogs may pick up sign commands more quickly than others.
Some owners may prefer to use their own made-up signs when training their dog, many others prefer to use established visual languages such as ASL.
Ludwig's caregiver Amie Farquhar says ASL is a universal way to communicate with any deaf individual.
"(It's) something everyone can use," she says. "There's no need to find common hand signals for dogs, because they already exist. We can utilise them more, and we should."
In conclusion, the evidence points to a resounding "yes" – dogs can and do learn sign language. Whether you are a dog owner or simply a dog lover, understanding the potential for dogs to learn sign language offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich inner lives of our beloved companions.
Sources:
2. http://www.deafdogs.org/
3. https://www.apbc.org.uk/wp-
4. https://dogtime.com/dog-
