How To Teach A Dog To Shake Hands

The classic dog trick “Shake” is justified. Cute, fun for dogs, and easy to teach. It will also entertain and impress your friends and family and introduce your dog to new people politely.  

Show your dog your hand. Your dog may smell, lick, etc. to figure out what you want. Wait it out without speaking. When your dog paws at your hand, click, praise, open your hand, and offer the treat.

1.

Once your dog regularly paws your hand, increase duration and difficulty. Praise/click and treat your dog once they hold their paw on your palm longer.  

2.

If your dog paws at you, slowly increase duration. Make sure your dog's paw is on your palm before clicking/praising/treating. Timing is crucial when treating and praising.  

3.

Ask your dog to hold their paw on your palm for a second before clicking/praising/treating. Instead of scratching, your dog will learn to put their paw on your hand to collect the treat.  

4.

Introduce your preferred verbal cue when your dog regularly places their paw on your palm. “Shake” is the most typical cue, but use any word. Hold out your hand before your dog's paw touches, say "shake," then praise/click and treat.  

5.

You can flatten your hand sideways and offer it to your dog when they consistently succeed at this stage. Request a shake verbally. Give your dog a click and goodie when his paw touches yours.  

6.

You can start modest up-and-down movement when your dog continuously places their paw on your hand. Praise and reward this too.   

7.

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