Chapter 6
🐾 Now we start fading the “S” hand signal
The next aid we want to reduce is the hand movement for the “S”.
To do that successfully, one thing matters more than anything else:
timing.
The verbal cue has to come before the hand signal.
🗣️ Cue first, hand second
While walking with your dog, focus on this exact sequence:
➡️ Say “S”
➡️ Pause briefly
➡️ Then move the hand up
➡️ The dog makes the small hop
Only through this repetition will the dog gradually understand that the “S” itself predicts the jump.
🔁 Practice the “S” separately if needed
If your dog is still relying heavily on the hand, it can help to go back and practice the “S” on its own.
For example, in the garden:
➡️ Stand with your dog
➡️ Have food ready
➡️ Say “S”
➡️ Then give the hand signal
➡️ Reward the hop
You do not need to add the “T” here.
The only goal is to strengthen the connection:
“S” = jump.
✋ Do not remove the hand completely yet
Even when the dog starts responding to the verbal cue, continue using the hand signal regularly.
For example:
✅ one repetition with the hand
✅ one without
✅ then two or three with the hand again
The dog still needs confidence that the familiar hand signal will appear.
That helps keep the hop clear and motivated while the verbal cue becomes stronger.
🎥 Film your timing
If the hand signal is difficult to fade, film yourself.
Check whether you are truly saying the cue first.
If you say “S” and move the hand at the same time, the visual cue will usually overshadow the verbal one.
Then the dog continues relying on the hand and never really learns to respond independently to the sound.
💡 The key is simple: S first → brief pause → hand signal.
Good timing now is what makes it possible to remove the hand later.