The best way to help your dog(s) understand "HAND SIGNALS", is to lure them into different positions using FOOD.

The sit signal: With food in your right hand, palm facing up, place the food at your dog’s nose level; slowly move your hand up & over your dog’s head, as the nose goes up the back-end should hit the ground in a sit position.

Reward with the food saying “good sit”.  Problems may arise if your dog is jumping up to get at the food, note your hand is too high; remember to keep the food at the dog’s nose level & move your hand slowly.  If the dog keeps jumping backwards, put the dog in a corner & if you have to apply a little pressure to his back-end so he understands better what is being expected.

The down signal: With food in your right hand, palm facing the ground, food at nose level slowly lower your hand straight down to the ground & wait a few seconds; if the dog does not lower itself you may have to help a few times, add a little pressure at the shoulder blades, or maybe gently pull one or both legs to help lower the dog into position. Once the dog is in the down position, reward & say “good down”.

The stand signal: the stand position means “stand up on all fours & do not move”.  With the dog sitting on your left hand side, hold the food in your right hand, palm facing the dog’s face, food at nose level; slowly move your hand away from the dog’s nose so the dog can walk into the stand position. If you use a soft treat the dog can nibble at the treat while you say “good stand”. If you find the dog will not stand, put your left hand under the stomach & gently lift him up until they understand what is expected of them.

The most important reason to teach hand signals?  As dogs age, they generally lose their hearing first.  Also, should you lose your voice for whatever reason  you'll still be able to communicate effectively.   May your dog(s) learn to understand Hand Signals!   Jean