The goggles are specially designed to fit each dog with a visual indictor that allows them to be directed to a specific spot and react to the visual cue in the goggles. The new, AR-based system has been developed through a project funded by the Small Business Innovation Research Program and has been managed by the Army Research Office (ARO). That method, however, has been found not reliable enough because of the confusion it creates for a dog to follow the instruction. The other method of instructing is through audio communication using a camera and a walkie talkie placed on the dog. US army dogs are presently directed through hand signals, wherein the instructor has to remain within the dog’s sight, or through laser pointers that require the handler to generate a light source from a nearby place, putting them at risk of being found out. Military dogs are used to track down narcotics, scout areas for explosives and hazardous materials, assist in rescue operations, and even engage enemy combatants, like when a US military dog helped track down Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Based on the images the instructor receives, they could direct the canine on their next course of action. The goggles are fitted with a visual indicator through which the handlers can direct the dog to a specific spot. He added an optoelectronic component, which converts light into electrical energy and vice versa, to a pair of Rex Specs goggles already used for canine eye protection by the military. Peper, founder of Seattle-based firm Command Sight. The system is based on Microsoft’s Hololens technology and was created by A.J. And our Primal Treats make a great training tool to reward your pet! Remember to be patient and have fun with the training process.Military dogs could soon be relaying live visuals of their area of operation to their handlers sitting afar via Augmented Reality (AR) goggles. It is always important to positively reinforce your dog with verbal praise and treats during the training process. This is a must when you are out in areas where your dog is off leash. Start with your hand open at your side and diagonally bring it to your opposite shoulder. HAND DIAGONALLY ACROSS CHEST - Come.Īnother meaningful command is to call your dog to come. Make sure your pet stays until you ask them to come. Train your dog with both your auditory command and hand signals, test by walking backwards with your palm facing outward at the level of your chest. This nonverbal command is great for safety if you are out in public places or by busy streets. Teaching your dog to stay or wait is one of the most important commands. Have a treat in your hand while training and your dog’s nose is sure to follow! 4. The action for this command is to hold your finger pointed up at your chest and do a sweeping diagonal motion down. FINGER POINT DOWN - Lie down.Īnother great signal to help settle your dog is lay down. When you first start training be sure to pair the verbal command “sit” with the hand signal. The gesture is simple, have your hand palm facing the sky at your chest and move your hand in an upward motion. This is often the first training your dog receives. The most widely used command for any dog. It helps to keep a small treat in your hand when first teaching-your dog’s eyes will be on the prize! 2. Whenever they look attentively at you, reward with a treat. To allow your pet to learn they first need to ‘look’ to be able to watch what command you want them to do. If you want to completely shift from auditory commands to only nonverbal cues this is an extremely important first step. If you make it a priority, your dog will pick up the hand signals quickly! 1. Training is best when you work with your pet daily. If your dog already is familiar with the standard commands: sit, stay etc., then making the transition to hand signals is fairly straight-forward. Once your dog is accurately responding to your commands, slowly fade out the reward. Reinforce behavior with rewards (treats and praise).The most effective way to teach your dog is to follow these 2 steps: Your pet needs to learn the association between the verbal command and hand signals. Pets can lose some degree of their hearing as they age, which is why these hand signals can really come in handy! We’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 commands you can teach your dog today.

Many pet owners introduce this at a young age and it is a great training technique that becomes even more invaluable as your dog grows older. Most pets are able to respond better when an auditory command is paired with a hand signal. Teaching your dog hand signals is a great way to improve your communication with your pet.

Military dog hand signals