How to Train Your Dog to Shake (Body)

This is a nice trick to teach your dog, especially if they shed, or have thick undercoats that are difficult to wash. What you are doing is teaching them to shake off water/hair or refrain from shaking (like when you're giving them a bath and applying the shampoo).

Things You'll Need

• Warm weather & a garden hose -or- a bathtub and bucket
• Treats

Instructions

1. Using the "warm weather" technique, lightly wet the dog, continuously admonishing "no shake". If the dog tries to shake, grab the coller and hold gently and remind "no shake".

2. Hold the dog and drench him/her with the hose (avoiding the face/ears). Then let go and say excitedly "ok - shake". The dog should shake natuarally (if not, try tickling the inside of his/her ear gently to help induce the shake response). Then reward/treat the dog eagerly.

3. After a few shakes, hold the dog, and admonish again "no shake". The dog should have no urge to shake, and should easily follow this command. Reward/treat immediately.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 until the dog will stand there, dripping wet, yet still waiting for the shake command. Also, the dog should shake, even when dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're doing this in the bathroom, have enough towels nearby to clean the walls, ceiling, etc.

• Practice, practice, practice.

• Do not attempt to physically restrain the dog from shaking, or force him/her to shake. Simply reward the desired behavior.