Mary Allen
Would you like to teach your dog to give your dog a paw? Don’t worry, it’s not that difficult. In addition, it is useful: “Give paw” strengthens the bond or can be useful when handling the dog at the vet. Read here how to convey the classic greeting to your dog.
Most dogs learn to shake hands fairly quickly. However, if your four-legged friend suffers from arthrosis or joint problems in the front legs, you should ask a veterinarian whether this movement is painful for your dog or counterproductive in some other way. Otherwise, with any breed and at any age, you can practice this “trick”.
How to Teach Give Paw: Stage One
As soon as your dog has mastered the “sit” command, the first step towards “giving your paw” has been taken. You should note that:
● Make sure that your furry friend focuses all of its attention on you.
● Avoid any distractions or disturbances.
Teaching “Giving Paws”: Stage Two
Hold a treat in your hand. Kneel or sit in front of your dog, stretch the treat a short distance over his nose. If your best friend nibbles on the treat, keep holding it. You only react when the four-legged friend tries to bring your hand down with his paw. Say “Give Paw” out loud, praise your dog and give him the treat right away.
Tip: Even small efforts should be rewarded. So if your dog lifts his paw just a little, you should also give him praise.
This is How Your Dog Learns to “Give a Paw”: Stage Three
It won’t be long before your dog associates “giving a paw” with the appropriate paw motion. Keep rewarding the action with the treatment for a while. At some point, the point has come where you only have to give the command: your four-legged friend will give you his paw without a reward being involved.
Tip: Hardly any dog likes it to be held by the paw at the beginning. So give your faithful companion enough time to get used to it.