Confusing Hand Signals

[Shavy]

I've been using a hand presented flat, palm-to-dog, fingertips-up as the hand signal for high-five, which has worked great and is totally organic. But I've run into a problem with teaching 'stay', as I was always taught the stay hand signal was flat, palm-to-dog, fingertips down if you're next to the dog and fingertips up if you are facing them. This is obviously confusing my poor puppers. What can I use instead to signal a stay?

[Courtney]

My husband can't help himself because of his profession & uses tactical arm & hand signals with our boy ....but it works... LOL

HOLD/STAY

[doggiedad]

how old is your pup? i don't know high five.
when i want my dog to give his paw i say
"sit" and i can reach for his paw with my palm
up or i can say "paw". for "stay" i can lead off with
my right leg and he stays. if i lead off with my right leg
my dog walks with me holding a heel. for a stay hand signal
i use my right hand, palm flat, fingers together, thumb on top.
looks like i'm going to karate chop instead i wave my hand towards
my dog. for "stop/wait" my hand is extended in front of me, palm face out,
fingers together pointing towards the sky.

i think a dog can learn a hand signal no matter what the motion is.