How to Train Your Dog to Wave

Train your dog how to wave. Some of the more practical commands like SIT, DOWN, HEEL and COME have been mastered. You are ready for something a bit more challenging for the two of you. Something with more zip. More pizzazz.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• dog
• dog treat or dog toy
• patience

1. 

   If you are using treats as a reward, start your training session with a slightly hungry dog. It is also preferable to have just played with your pet or taken him for a brisk walk. A tiny bit of fatigue can be helpful in keeping your dog focused on commands.

2. 

   Begin by having your dog in the sit position right in front of you. Pick up his left paw with your right hand and shake it. Reward with a treat and praise. Repeat these steps several times until your dog is comfortable with the movements.

3. 

   Once your dog has allowed you to shake his paw multiple times without resistance use the WAVE command and repeat step 2 several more times. Next, give the WAVE command as you tap his left paw. Your dog will lift his paw in anticipation of the next step. When he lifts his paw praise and reward with a treat. If your dog does not pick up his paw when you tap it, reinforce with a shake of the paw and repeat. A slight movement of the paw once the WAVE command is given is all that should be required for treats and praise. This will teach the dog that he should wave without you having to touch him.

4. 

   Continue to practice the WAVE command with treats for even the slightest of movements with his left paw. Practice these exercises daily while always ending on a high note. Limit your sessions to 15 minutes or so a day. Gradually, limit the treats for waves that are higher and more pronounced.

Tips & Warnings

• It isn't necessary to teach the sit command before the wave command, but it does make it a little easier.
• If your dog shows discomfort or pain when asked to be in certain positions check with your veterinarian for possible causes.
• Never yell at your pet or strike at them to get them to follow your commands. Make training them fun and rewarding. If you feel your patience waning, stop and try again on another day.

[FrazzledNanny]

on 2/7/2009 Thanks for the directions on how to train your dog to wave. Great tips. 5*

[Kathymcbain]

on 1/29/2009 How fun, what a great article! Thanks!

[PhiMcRee]

on 1/21/2009 Very good. I have a Chihuahua and you don't "teach" her anything. She does as she pleases and we peons (her people) are expected to follow suit LOL

[GreenLeader]

on 1/11/2009 I always wondered how to get beyond shake.

[LEJockimo]

on 1/8/2009 LOL I can't wait to try this!