How to Train Your Dog to Shake (Hands)

Video Transcript

"Hello. My name is Nancy Cusick. And I'm a professional dog trainer in Austin, Texas. You can visit my web site at trainmydogs.com. Today I'm going to show you how to teach your puppy to shake. First thing we want to do is get out some yummy treats, something that your dog really likes and we're going to lure our puppy up into a sit. You're going to hold the treat in one hand and with your other you're going to pick up his paw. Shack? Tell him yes. And reward. Now rewards are anything your dog finds enjoyable. You can use your dog food. Yes. You can use petting, praise, toys. Yes. Good job. Wait for her to finish eating. After lots of repetition, your dog starts to offer you their paw. As we see Bugsy is already, yes, starting to do. I also want to show Bugsy that the behavior means the same thing whether I'm sitting or standing. So we're going to generalize on my body position. So now I'm going to stand up and show her the same thing. I'm a big believer in not adding the word until you get the behavior. That way it's paired with the right thing. So I'm going to teach Bugsy a hand signal by holding out my hand and she offers me her paw. Good girl. Yes. Good job. And now at this point, because I'm pretty sure I could bet you twenty bucks that she'll do it, I can add whatever word I would like to call it. Say Hi. Yes. Shake? Yes. Paw? Yes. Right? Yes."