How to teach your dog to shake hands

Teaching a dog to shake hands is a cute trick. Some dogs offer their paw naturally and it's a really easy trick to teach. All you need is a willing dog, lots of praise and perhaps a treat or two.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Treats

How to teach your dog to shake hands

1. Beginner: Have your dog sit. (Many dogs find it difficult to raise a paw while standing.) When starting out, choose a quiet time when there are no distractions and your dog is in a receptive frame of mind.

2. Gently pick up a paw while saying “shake” or whichever word you choose. Praise like crazy and offer him a tiny treat if you use treats for training. Repeat this at random intervals. It won't take long before he offers his paw when you hold out your hand. Some dogs get this very quickly, some dogs take a little longer to get the concept, but all dogs will get it eventually.

3. Intermediate: Ask for alternating paws. Say “other paw” or use “left” and “right.” Hold your hand out and see if he offers his paw. If he doesn't, pick it up while praising him.

4. Advanced: Hold your hand higher and ask for a High-5, so he has to raise his paw quite high to meet your hand.

5. Wave bye-bye: Start by standing right in front of your dog, ask for his paw, but don't take it in your hand. Gradually increase distance until he will raise his paw from several feet away. Now you can have your dog wave a cute “bye-bye” to departing guests! Awwww.

Tips & Warnings

• Try asking him to shake hands before you put down his food bowl for each meal.
• <br>Some dogs naturally offer their paw. If your dog does this, start saying "shake hands" every time she does and praise her for it.
• Remember, it's only a trick. Don't get frustrated with your dog if he doesn't learn this right away!