Basic tricks

TRICK 2: GIVE A PAW

Teaching your dog to give a paw is a fun trick, and the results are frankly adorable.

Here are the simple steps…

1. Start simple:

To teach your dog to ‘give a paw’, kneel in front of him and ask for a sit.

2. Have treats ready:

Use small, tasty treats that your dog loves. Having treats readily available will motivate your dog during the training session.

3. Use your treat:

Hold a treat in your closed fist for him to sniff, positioning your hand a little to the side. This will put him slightly off balance, making it easier for him to lift a paw.

4. Use your voice:

Encourage him to get the treat by saying, ‘Where is it?’ or something similar. Most dogs will eventually try to use a paw to open your hand.

5. Yes!

As soon as his paw makes contact with your hand, you can say ‘Yes’ or, if you prefer to use a clicker, you can click and open your hand to give him the treat.

6. Repeat

Repeat this process on both sides and once your dog understands the game, you can introduce a verbal command such as ‘Touch’ for the right and ‘Tap’ for the left.

7. Advance it

You can progress the trick by holding a treat in one hand and opening the palm of your other hand towards the leg you want your dog to lift. As soon as his paw touches your open palm, you can click and reward. Repeat this on both sides and gradually move from a kneeling position to a standing one.

Now your dog can say hello!