Teaching "shake" (paw/handshake) is one of the fastest tricks to teach — most dogs get it in a single session. It's a great foundation for more complex paw-based tricks like "wave" and "high five."
Method 1: Lure and Capture (Easiest)
Step 1: Have your dog sit. Hold a treat in your closed fist at paw height. Most dogs will first sniff, then paw at your closed hand. The moment they paw at your hand, open it and give the treat.
Step 2: Repeat 10 times until the dog reliably paws your closed fist. Now open your hand flat (as if offering to shake) just before they paw it. Click/treat when paw meets hand.
Step 3: Add the cue "shake" just before you present your hand. After 20 repetitions, test with only the verbal cue and a slightly raised hand — fade the fist-height cue gradually.
Method 2: Targeting
If your dog doesn't paw at your hand naturally: Place your hand on the floor palm up. Tap the floor with your fingers to draw attention. Some dogs will sniff and then accidentally paw it. Click and treat any paw movement toward your hand. Shape this into a reliable paw-to-hand contact.
Troubleshooting
Dog won't lift paw: Try lightly touching one paw (not grabbing — just touching the back of the paw). This often triggers a paw lift from ticklish dogs. Click/treat the lift immediately.
Dog uses mouth instead of paw: Hold the treat fist higher, just above nose height. This naturally shifts attention upward and reduces mouthing.
Extending to High Five and Wave
Once shake is solid: raise your hand higher for "high five." For "wave," hold your hand just out of reach so the dog paws the air — click/treat this air paw and call it "wave."
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to teach a dog to shake?
Most dogs learn the paw movement in 5–15 minutes. A reliable shake on verbal cue alone typically takes 1–3 short sessions. It's one of the fastest tricks to teach.
My dog is scared of having their paw touched. Can I still teach shake?
Start with paw desensitization first — touch the paw gently and treat immediately. Do this daily for a week before asking for voluntary paw movement. Never grab a reluctant paw to 'make' them shake.
Can I teach both 'shake' (left paw) and 'other paw' (right paw)?
Yes. Teach one reliably first, then teach the other with a different cue ('other paw' or 'left'). Some dogs naturally prefer one paw — like humans being right or left-handed.
Is shake a useful command or just a trick?
Primarily a trick, but it builds paw-handling tolerance (useful for nail trims) and teaches the dog to voluntarily offer behaviors. It's also a great relationship-building exercise and confidence builder.