Brain Games – Come To My Hand

by | May 24, 2025 | Ashford Manor Labradoodles, Australian Labradoodle, Australian Labradoodle Association of America, Dog Training, Dogs, Indiana breeder, Pet Fun

Come to Hand Revised – Teaching Your Australian Labradoodle to Follow Subtle Cues: A Fun Trick to Strengthen Communication

Teaching Your Australian Labradoodle to Follow Subtle Cues: A Fun Trick to Strengthen Communication

Australian Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and eagerness to learn, making them perfect candidates for more advanced training. One fun and engaging way to enhance their focus is by teaching them to respond to subtle cues, like glancing at a hand without large gestures or vocal commands. This exercise will improve their ability to pay attention to small, subtle signals, making communication between you and your dog even more effective.

What You’ll Need

  • Small, easy-to-handle treats.
  • A quiet, distraction-free space.
  • Step-by-Step Training Process
  • Step 1: Prepare the Treats
    Hold a treat in each hand, but keep them hidden from your dog for now.
  • Step 2: Position Yourself
    Stand with your back facing your dog. This forces your Labradoodle to rely on body language and subtle cues rather than obvious signals.
  • Step 3: Give a Subtle Cue
    Without turning around, glance at one of your hands. You can lightly wiggle your fingers to make the signal more noticeable. This is your way of signaling which hand holds the treat.
  • Step 4: Reward the Correct Choice
    If your dog moves toward the correct hand, praise and give them the treat. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to focus on your subtle cues.
  • Step 5: Take a Step Back
    Once your dog understands the exercise, step back and see if they follow you to the other hand. This adds an extra layer of challenge.
  • Step 6: Make Cues More Subtle
    As your Labradoodle catches on, start reducing the visibility of the cues. Instead of wiggling your hand, just glance at it. This teaches your dog to respond to even the slightest changes in your behavior.
  • Why This Exercise Works
    Australian Labradoodles are quick to pick up on patterns, and this exercise sharpens their focus. It encourages them to pay attention to you on a deeper level, which not only strengthens communication but also improves their overall ability to learn.
  • Final Thoughts
    Teaching your Australian Labradoodle to respond to subtle cues is a great way to enhance their focus, improve training sessions, and deepen your bond. With patience and positive reinforcement, your dog will become even more in-tune with you, making training a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.