Once your dog knows how to sit on command, you can use that as a starting point for other tricks, like “lay down” and “shake”. Whether you want to call it “shake hands” or “give paw” or “high five”, teaching your dog to shake on command is an easy trick that will get you (and the pup) lots of oohs and aahs.
- Get your dog to sit.
- Hold his attention with a treat.
- Pick up one of his front paws and hold it VERY loosely in your hand. Say SHAKE (or whatever command you want him to learn).
- Reward him immediately with the treat!
Repeat this exercise — where you pick up his paw — several times. Don’t grab the paw tightly or yank at his leg or he’ll get agitated and probably try to withdraw. Just let the paw rest on your palm.
After you’ve picked up his paw a few times, give him a chance to place his paw on your open palm on his own. Don’t forget to say the command the same way every time! If he doesn’t give you the paw on his own after a few seconds, pick it up again. Be patient — eventually, your dog will get the idea. Always reward your dog with positive attention (praise and pats). A treat or toy is a good reward at first, too.
Eventually, after several practice sessions, you can start asking for the trick without using a toy or treat for reward — just praise and petting. Always reward your dog somehow, even if it is just a loud, happy GOOD BOY! You want this to be a fun and positive experience.
If he doesn’t catch on to the trick, don’t push it. Take ten or fifteen minutes to practice each day and he’ll get it. Many dogs will learn this trick quickly, as long as you are quick with the reward while the paw is in your hand.
Always end a training session on a positive note. Ask your dog for a trick he already knows well — like SIT. You’ll both end the practice with a success.