To sign dogs, hold your dominant hand in front of you at about waist or lower chest level with the palm facing up. Rub your thumb and middle finger together in a snapping motion twice. You do not need to make an actual snapping sound; the visual movement of the fingers is what conveys the sign.
Point to yourself for I, cross your arms over your chest for LOVE, and then perform the snapping motion for DOGS.
Sign MY by placing a flat hand on your chest, sign DOGS, and then use both hands with Y-handshapes shaking slightly to sign PLAY.
Sign YOU, HAVE, DOGS, and then throw both hands up with fingers spreading apart while furrowing your eyebrows to ask HOW MANY.
Point to yourself for I, cross your arms over your chest for LOVE, and then perform the snapping motion for DOGS.
Sign MY by placing a flat hand on your chest, sign DOGS, and then use both hands with Y-handshapes shaking slightly to sign PLAY.
Sign YOU, HAVE, DOGS, and then throw both hands up with fingers spreading apart while furrowing your eyebrows to ask HOW MANY.
No, ASL is a visual language. The sound of the snap is completely unnecessary. As long as the visual motion of your thumb and middle finger is clear, the sign will be understood.
Often, the plural is understood through context or by adding signs like MANY or a specific number. Repeating the snapping motion, as shown here, can also naturally indicate the plural form.
You should use your dominant hand. If you are right-handed, snap with your right hand. If you are left-handed, use your left hand. Just ensure your palm is facing up.
