Teach Your Dog to Paw In 5 Easy Steps

Teaching the dog “paw” is very easy and can be learned by every owner and dog. Even puppies can learn to give paws.

You can teach your dog to high-five if you prefer that style. The instructions remain the same so far – you just open your hand instead of closing it.

This trick is also great for teaching your dog to touch with their paws. “Touch” can also be learned with the nose!

Like almost any other trick, you can teach your dog “paw” with a clicker.

We have created a step-by-step guide that will take you and your dog by the hand and paw.

In a nutshell: how do I teach my dog to paw?

In order for you to be able to teach your dog the paw command, it is best if he already has the command “sit!” be able. That’s how it’s done:

• You let your dog “Sit!” carry out.
• Grab a treat.
• Close the hand with the treat.
• When your dog touches the treat with his paw, you reward him.
• At the same time, introduce the “paw” (or high-five) command.

For more tips and guidance, check out our dog training bible. This saves you a tedious search on the Internet.

Teaching a dog to paw – you still have to consider that

If you want to teach your dog to paw, you don’t have to pay much attention. However, there are still some useful tips that might help you.

Train in a quiet environment

The quieter the environment in which your dog is allowed to practice with you, the easier the training will be by hand (or paw).

Give teach paw does not work?

Some dogs try to open their hand with their nose instead of using their paw.

So that your dog doesn’t misunderstand you, you can try holding the treat lower or closer to his paws.

Teach dog touch with paw

Teach your dog “paw.”

Once he gets the trick, hold out an object and encourage him to touch the object. Most dogs will use their muzzle first and then their paws.

When your dog uses the paw, he gets a treat and the command “Touch!”

How long will it take…

… until your dog understands Paw.

Since every dog learns at a different rate, the question of how long it takes can only be answered vaguely.

Most dogs only need a little time. About 5 training units of 10-15 minutes each are usually sufficient.

Step-by-step instructions: Teach the dog to paw

Before we start, you should know what tools you can use for the step-by-step instructions.

Utensils needed

You definitely need treats. You might consider feeding natural treats like some fruit or vegetables.

Most types of vegetables that are low in bitter substances are good for your dog as a healthy snack.

My personal favorite is probably the cucumber. Cucumber can be a great treat, especially for dogs that don’t drink enough water anyway. It also minimizes bad breath and cools your dog down on warm days!

The instruction

1. Have your dog perform a “sit.”
2. Take a treat and hide it in your fist.
3. Hold your fist a few inches in front of your dog’s nose.
4. Encourage your dog to examine your hand. As soon as he puts his paw on your hand, you reward him.
5. While giving him the treat, you can say the command “paw”.
6. If you want to practice high-five, place the treat between your thumb and palm. As soon as your dog touches his hand with his paw, the treat follows and the command “high-five”.

Conclusion

Any dog can learn to give a paw. With curious and adventurous dogs, the trick will come off the paw more easily.

For dogs that prefer to explore with their noses, you may need to work a little with persuasion.

Keep encouraging your dog over and over until he uses the paw.

For more tips and guidance, check out our dog training bible.