Teaching your dog hand signals for dog training is one of the best choices you can make for your dog’s future. Teaching your dog hand signals on top of voice commands adds a layer of security and a sense of normalcy for you and your dog. If you feel you’ve waited too long to try, there’s no such thing as “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Dogs respond very well to visual cues and will enjoy spending some one-on-one time with you while training. Here are 11 common commands you can start teaching today.
The Benefits of Using Hand Signals
At some point, your dog may lose their hearing as they age and it will be very difficult for both of you to understand how to live day-to-day life. But if you’ve already taught your dog basic hand signals, transitioning into the new normal won’t be so bad.
You may also come across a situation where you need your dog to quietly follow through with a command. An example would be if you’re on a walk and you see a loose dog that could potentially be a threat. You don’t want to loudly say “come” or you might attract the other dog’s attention. A hand signal can usher you into a safer spot without escalating the situation.
The 11 Hand Signals for Dog Training
1. Come
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Come, or recall, is an essential command for all dogs. This command teaches your dog obedience, and reliability, and ensures their safety as well as other dogs and owners.
To signal:
Stretch both arms out horizontally, then bring both hands in and place them on your chest. Be sure your dog can see you doing this command since they will most likely be far away.
2. Sit
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One of the most basic commands, sitting teaches your dog to relax before receiving attention or a treat. Sitting also teaches your dog self-control.
To signal:
Hold out your hand at waist height with your palm facing up. Raise your hand toward your shoulder, as if you’re lifting something.
3. Lay Down
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Like the sit command, the command to lay down teaches self-control, but at a deeper level.
To signal:
This will (almost) be the opposite of the sit command. Start with your hand by your shoulder with your palm facing your shoulder. Flick your wrist up so the hand lowers to the ground.
4. Spin
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A simple trick, the spin command is both cute and helpful if you were to enter your dog into a dog show.
To signal:
Hold out your hand and move it in a quick, circular motion with one finger pointed forward.
5. Rollover
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Rollover is a cute command that often ushers in belly rubs but can be used for practical reasons as well, depending on the scenario.
To signal:
Start with one arm extending out with the fingers pointed, and the other arm moves in an arc shape.
6. Stay
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Signaling your dog to wait helps your dog stay in one place while you walk away. Dogs will learn that they should listen to what you have to say next. The free command is typically what follows.
To signal:
Hold out your hand at your waist with your palm facing forward.
7. Free
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The free command releases your dog of whatever command you are executing, such as sit or stay.
To signal:
Raise both hands to your shoulders with your palms up, as if you’re shrugging.
8. Drop
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Drop is an effective command to teach your dog to release its grip on something such as a toy.
With your hand at your side, point your finger and raise it so it points toward the object to retrieve.
10. Crawl
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Crawl is a cute trick but can also be used in emergencies if needed.
To signal:
Signal your dog to lie down. Next, hunch further down and point to where your dog needs to crawl.
11. Shake
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The shake command is a cute and easy trick for dogs, especially for older dogs with arthritis who can’t partake in physically demanding tricks.
To signal:
Cup your hand in front of your dog with the palm facing up.
Adding Hand Signals to Already-Learned Behaviors
If you’ve already taught your dog voice commands but have never tried hand signals, or perhaps your dog went deaf before you could try, don’t worry; dogs respond very well to visual cues and oftentimes even better than verbal cues.
The key is to teach your dog to focus rather than relying on voice fluctuations, but the methods will still be the same: show the hand signal, teach the desired behavior, and offer a treat.
When you begin, choose a few hand signals to master then move on to others. Be consistent with training and choose high-value treats that are quick to eat.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog hand signals is an excellent way to ensure security for the future. Your dog may go deaf, or you might find yourself in a situation where you need to be quiet but give a command. Hand signals offer an extra layer of certainty in training. Plus, dogs respond better to visual cues anyway. Why wait to get started?
So, you want to own a Toyger Cat. Well, there’s something you need to know. Toygers are expensive. As one of the rarest and oldest cat breeds in the world, this comes as no surprise. But how much does it really cost to own one, besides the extravagant breeder fee? Let’s take a look.
Bringing Home a New Toyger Cat: One-Time Costs
Let’s begin with the one-time costs of bringing home a Toyger. One-time fees are just like they sound. You pay once and never again unless you buy another Toyger Cat. This will be the most expensive part of Toyger ownership.
Free
Frankly, Toyger cats are extremely rare, so the only way you will adopt a Toyger for free is through adoption from a friend or family member. If you happen to find a free Toyger Cat and they’re in tip-top shape, you should start buying lottery tickets.
Adoption
$500–$1,000
There are only a handful of Toyger catteries in the United States, so finding one at a shelter is unlikely. If you find one, you’ll pay a hefty price of $500–$1,000.
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Breeder
$400–$5,000
Considering how rare this cat breed is, it should come as no surprise that they come with several dollar signs attached.
The price of a Toyger varies, but you can expect to pay between $400 to $5,000 for one cat. What this includes depends on the breeder, the breeder’s skills, and how each cat meets the Toyger breed standard.
Some breeders factor in the first vet visit, the first round of vaccines, microchipping, spaying or neutering, and whether or not you want your kitten to have papers (which we recommend).
You will also need to consider travel expenses to pick up your kitten. Some breeders offer free delivery if you’re close enough, but this isn’t standard.
In any case, your kitten should come from a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will guarantee a healthy kitten but still suggest you take your cat to a veterinarian, just to be on the safe side. Responsible breeders will have a sales agreement to ensure you understand the breed and the details of the sale.
Initial Setup and Supplies
$350–$500
Toygers are highly active cats and need plenty of mental stimulation, like toys, cat trees, and scratchers. You’ll also need the bare necessities, like food, food bowls, and litter boxes.
If you already have a cat, you’ll save some money. But if you’re starting from scratch, be prepared to spend $350 to $500 on supplies alone.
List of Toyger Cat Care Supplies and Costs
ID Tag and Collar
$15
Spay/Neuter
$200–$400
X-Ray Cost
$100–$250
Ultrasound Cost
$250–$500
Microchip
$0–$60
Teeth Cleaning
$150–$1,500
Bed
$0–$30
Nail Clipper (optional)
$7
Brush (optional)
$8–30
Litter Box
$20–$70
Litter Scoop
$1–$15
Toys
$20–$75
Carrier
$20–$50
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How Much Does a Toyger Cat Cost Per Month?
$40–$325
Thankfully, the breeder price will be where most of your money goes. Monthly fees won’t be as astronomical. Let’s take a look.
Health Care
$0–$60
Toyger cats are a relatively healthy breed, but they can be susceptible to heart murmurs. This is only a minor health concern. An annual vet exam each year, proper diet and grooming, and an enriching environment will keep your healthcare costs low.
Vet exams vary in price based on location. Generally, you can expect to pay $50 for a wellness exam and about $30 for each vaccine.
Banfield offers a wellness plan that covers vet exams, vaccines, X-rays, flea and tick prevention, and dental cleanings. All you have to do is pay a certain monthly charge.
Food
$12–$60
Cat food also varies in price. Higher-quality food will always be more expensive than lower-quality food. A good rule of thumb is to look for cat food where the main source of protein is animal-based.
Of course, we also want to treat our fur babies because we love them so much. If you want to save money on treats, try offering chicken, chicken liver, or fish. Meat is excellent for cats and makes for a great training treat.
Grooming
$0–$20
Toyger Cats don’t require much grooming aside from a simple brush, nail trims, and toothbrush and toothpaste.
Medications and Vet Visits
$0–$50
A healthy Toyger should only require preventative medicines, but sometimes, our kitties fall ill or injure themselves and we need to help them.
Age also matters. Senior cats may need more medicine compared to a young, lively Toyger. A healthy diet and enriching environment will keep your cat healthy and avoid unpleasant illnesses.
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Pet Insurance
$0–$80
Cats typically have cheaper premiums than dogs, but pedigree breeds will cost a little more than the average cat. You can expect to pay from $35 to $80 for one cat.
If you don’t want to pay for a comprehensive policy, you can choose an accident-only plan. This will cover any emergency accidents and treatment related to those accidents, but not illness.
It’s best to buy pet insurance while your cat is young to pay for the cheapest monthly premium. There are several companies and policies out there, so take your time and research which company is right for you. Check if your employer offers pet insurance with your benefits. In some cases, this can be of no additional cost to you.
Environment Maintenance
$15–$35
When introducing an animal into your home, you’ll need to tidy the environment to make it suitable for your Toyger and for you. Hairballs, potty accidents, broken belongings, furry carpets, and litter boxes all need to be cleaned regularly, so you’ll need supplies on hand for these moments.
You may also want Feliway to keep your cat relaxed during major changes, like new pets, babies, moving, and more.
Litter box liners
$20/month
Deodorizing spray or granules
$18/month
Paper towels or rags
$10/month
Feliway
$30/month
Entertainment
$15–$20
Toys are part of the initial setup and supplies, but you may need to replace those toys down the road or try new ones. You can either buy toys at the store, make them yourself, or subscribe to a kitty toy subscription box. Subscription boxes are fairly cheap, running about $15 a month. You can cater it to your Toyger’s liking, too!
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Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Toyger Cat
$40–$325
The total monthly cost of owning a Toyger Cat ranges from $40 all the way up to $325. What does this mean? Some months will be more expensive than others.
Additional Costs to Factor In
You know the one-time fees and monthly costs, but there are always hidden costs lurking around the corner. Pet sitters, emergency vet visits, training, catios, and damage done to household objects should always have a place in the budget.
You may also want to show your cat in local and national cat shows. If so, you’ll need to pay for registration fees, travel costs, grooming, and more.
You may not have to pay for these things monthly or even yearly, but it helps to understand that you may have to cough up the cash at a moment’s notice. If you can, try to set a little money aside each month for these miscellaneous items. You’ll be happy you did when the time comes.
Owning a Toyger Cat on a Budget
Can you own a Toyger Cat on a limited budget? Of course you can. Saving money while owning a pedigree breed is about saving money on the daily and monthly costs of pet ownership rather than the upfront costs.
Saving Money on Toyger Cat Care
Find a low-cost clinic to take your Toyger cat for spaying and neutering, vaccines, and microchipping. Or buy from a breeder who factors these costs into the upfront price.
You can always save money on toys by buying used and creating DIY toys. Cats don’t care about the price tag. They only care if the toy sparks their curiosity and seeking behavior.
Professional pet sitters are always great, but you have the option to hire a trusted friend or neighbor to watch your kitty while you’re away on vacation.
Conclusion
Toyger Cats are an expensive cat breed. There’s no escaping the hefty price tag. When you consider how rare the breed is and how much time and effort breeders must spend to keep the breed alive, it makes sense.
But you can save money in other areas with frugal shopping and low-cost veterinary care. It’s very possible to own a Toyger Cat and not pay more than what you would for your standard Domestic Shorthair.
If you’re someone who loves the Shar Pei breed, you’ll love to know about their smaller counterpart, the Miniature Shar Pei. These canines are well-known for their adorable appearance, wrinkled faces, and low-maintenance needs, but how should you care for these dogs? Would they be a suitable pet option for you?
In this article, we explore the unique world of the Miniature Shar Pei, providing you with detailed information about these dogs and caring for them.
Breed Overview
Height:
14–17 inches
Weight:
25–40 pounds
Lifespan:
9–11 years
Colors:
Apricot dilute, black, blue, lilac, cream, brown, chocolate, red, white, brindle, and many others
Suitable for:
Active families and those looking for a low-maintenance dog
Temperament:
Loyal and loving, playful, intelligent, alert, easy to train, and friendly
Miniature Shar Pei dogs look exactly the same as regular Shar Pei canines, only smaller. While some people believe that the Miniature Shar Pei is a separate dog breed, they share their history with traditional Chinese Shar Pei dogs.
Breeders had the time and patience to carefully breed Shar Pei dogs and downsize them to make this stunning miniature version.
Miniature Shar Pei puppies are almost identical to standard Shar Pei puppies. These dogs are usually born in litters of four to six puppies. From their birth, these canines tend to exhibit extreme intelligence, independence, and affection toward their loved ones.
These puppies can often be stubborn, though, so they require adequate training in their puppy years to grow into happy and well-mannered adult dogs.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Miniature Shar Pei
The Miniature Shar Pei makes an excellent pet choice for families, as they’re loving and loyal. These dogs want to spend time around people, and they greatly desire your attention. As long as you provide the Miniature Shar Pei with proper care, this dog is bound to become your best friend for life.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
While Miniature Shar Pei dogs like spending their time around humans, they’re not keen on being around other pets and dogs. These canines are social and can become friendly toward other animals with proper introductions, but they can still be somewhat reserved.
Due to their potential to act unfriendly toward other animals, you should ensure to keep all encounters supervised and react if you notice that your Miniature Shar Pei isn’t getting along with other pets.
Things to Know When Owning a Miniature Shar Pei
Food & Diet Requirements
Like all other dogs, Miniature Shar Peis require a high-quality, well-balanced diet in order to thrive and prosper. These dogs do best when eating age-appropriate, store-bought dog food that contains all the essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that they need to develop properly and grow healthy and strong.
You can also offer your Miniature Shar Pei occasional treats as long as you don’t overdo it. Consuming too many treats could cause several health issues, which is why treats shouldn’t become a regular part of your dog’s diet.
Exercise
When it comes to their exercise needs, Miniature Shar Peis are not that needy. That said, it’s best to exercise your Miniature Shar Pei for at least 1 hour a day, divided into separate exercise sessions that can include walking, running, playing games, and doing other activities that your dog likes.
Training
The Miniature Shar Pei is an extremely intelligent dog breed that loves to please their owners. However, these dogs do require extensive training from puppyhood in order to grow into well-behaved adults.
The training that these dogs need to go through includes potty training, leash training, obedience training, and similar routines that should be performed through positive reinforcement.
An excellent thing about the Miniature Shar Pei is that these dogs are low maintenance and don’t require much grooming. These dogs have short coats that need weekly brushing; they also require regular nail and ear care.
Finally, you should ensure that the folds on your Miniature Shar Pei are always clean to prevent possible infections or the formation of bacteria.
The Miniature Shar Pei is generally considered a healthy dog breed. Still, these dogs are prone to several health issues.
Minor Conditions
Skin fold dermatitis
Ear infections
Pododermatitis
Serious Conditions
Entropion
Shar Pei fever
Male vs. Female
When it comes to the differences between male and female Miniature Shar Pei dogs, they are almost insignificant. The only major difference between the sexes is that females are typically slightly smaller and lighter than males.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Miniature Shar Pei
1. The Miniature Shar Pei Shares Their History With the Chinese Shar Pei
While many people consider the Miniature Shar Pei as a separate breed, these dogs actually share their history with the standard Shar Pei. Also, the Miniature Shar Pei breed is not recognized by some of the major clubs, like the American Kennel Club (AKC).
However, AKC does allow these dogs to compete; they just need to be registered as a regular Chinese Shar Pei rather than a Miniature Shar Pei.
2. Miniature Shar Pei Dogs Have a Recessive Gene That Produces Small Dogs
Miniature Shar Pei dogs have a recessive gene that is responsible for their small size. Breeders throughout the world took the time to carefully breed these dogs in order to accomplish this genetic mutation, where most dogs remain small in size rather than reaching the regular size of a Chinese Shar Pei.
3. Miniature Shar Pei Dogs Have a Blue/Black Tongue
Unlike most dogs, the Miniature Shar Pei has a blue/black tongue that’s atypical among most breeds.
The Miniature Shar Pei is a fascinating breed that’s easy to care for. They are intelligent, loyal, and loving, making them the perfect pet for anyone who wants a caring, life-long companion. Keep in mind that due to their size, these dogs can often be hard to find. However, if you stumble upon a Miniature Shar Pei, you should definitely take the chance and adopt this stunning breed, as you won’t regret it!
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