How To Teach Dog To Shake Hands

Before teaching any trick or task to the dog, it is important to know that they are in a calm state of mind. Being relaxed and composed will make them more focused and receptive to learning. If they are anxious, they will not be able to understand and follow your instructions, which can be frustrating for you and your dog.

Before starting the training session, you can take your dog for a brief walk or play session. You can also involve your dog in any other exercise and ensure that the dog has released its pent-up energy. When they are calm and relaxed after the exercise, you can start the training process as they will be more attentive and receptive.

Starting the training with the sit command is an important point for teaching your dog new tricks including shaking hands. To begin the training, make sure that your environment is quiet and distraction-free to help your dog focus on the command you are teaching. Hold the treat near their nose and start moving it upward over their head.

Now, move the treat upwards and slightly back over the dog's head. This will naturally lower their hindquarters towards the ground into a sitting position. However, if your dog does not automatically sit, you can help them by gently pushing their hindquarters down while saying 'sit'. Be patient and consistent with the practice until your dog sits on your command.

Choosing the right treat is a crucial part of training your dog. When selecting a treat, choose a treat that your dog loves and can eat quickly. You can choose treats that are small and soft as they can keep your dog's attention without hampering the flow of training. 

The next step is to position the treat correctly. When holding the treat, hold it between your thumb and fingers so that it is easily visible to your dog but not easily accessible. Make sure that your dog cannot snatch the treat from your hand but can smell and see it. The goal of using the treat is to allow them to sniff to guide their action and not reward them just yet.

To present your hand correctly, start by sitting in front of your dog at a distance that is close enough for them to reach your hand but not so close that they feel crowded. When you are at the correct distance, extend your hand by facing your palm up or slightly angled. The palm-up position signals that you are expecting something from your dog. 

When you extend your hand, use a clear gesture that is consistent and clear to avoid confusing your dog. Give your dog some time to understand what you are asking. Every dog is different, some may immediately lift their paw, whereas, others may take time to understand it. Practice this consistently and patiently until your dog finally follows your command.

After extending your hand, your job is to say the command correctly. This step is very crucial as the command is what your dog will ultimately respond to. So when you use a command, make sure that it is clear and consistent.

The first and foremost part is deciding on a command that is simple, clear, and should be used every time. Some commands that you can choose from are "shake", "paw", or "give paw". After selecting the command, use it at the right time, when you present your hand and right before your dog lifts their paw. This process will help your dog associate hand gestures with verbal commands.

Make sure that the tone of your voice is firm yet calm. It is recommended to avoid shouting or sounding overly excited as it can confuse your dog. Be consistent and repeat this during the training but avoid overusing the command as it may weaken its effectiveness.

When and if your dog does not understand what you want them to do, helping them by gently lifting their paw can guide them to associate the action with the command. You can start by sitting in front of your dog at an appropriate distance. When you and your dog are in a comfortable sitting position, extend your hand toward your dog, palm up, and say the command you chose.

If your dog does not immediately lift their paw, help them by gently reaching down with your other hand to lift one of their front paws. You should be very gentle and calm while approaching them as the dog should be relaxed and comfortable. Now, gently grasp your dog's paw and lift it slowly and carefully. Follow this step by holding the paw in your hand as it helps them understand what you are asking for.

Praising and rewarding your dog is a vital part of dog training. It reinforces positive behavior and helps your dog understand what is being expected from them. Timing plays an important part when rewarding or praising your dog. Make sure that you praise your dog and give them a treat as soon as their paw touches your hand.

You can also use positive and warm verbal praise such as "Good shake!" or "Well done" to express your excitement and approval. Using a calm and encouraging tone will help your dog understand that they have done something right. Moreover, you can also offer physical affection such as gentle pets, scratches, or belly rubs. 

When rewarding your dog, make sure you use the same type of treat as it creates a consistent reward experience by helping your dog associate the treat and desired behavior.

After you train your dog, repeating the process will reinforce the trick and help your dog master it. This ensures that your dog clearly understands what is expected and can perform the trick reliably. The training session should be short and last for about 5-10 minutes each. Instead of conducting one long session, have multiple short sessions throughout the day. By doing so the dog will not get bored or fatigued with long training sessions.

Make sure to use the same command each time you practice in the same tone of voice. Moreover, extend your hand in the same way each time you train them. This consistency and uniformity will help your dog associate the command with the desired action and understand what to do.

Allowing your dog to perform the trick independently reinforces the behavior and ensures that your dog fully understands the command. You can follow some steps to make them reach this stage. One simple step is to reduce assistance. As your dog becomes more familiar with the trick, gradually reduce the physical assistance that you provide. Hold their paws less often and give them more opportunities to do it on their own.

You can present the cue by extending your hand and clearly saying commands such as "shake" or "paw". It will signal to your dog that it is time to perform the trick. After giving the command, give your dog some time to respond. Observe their body language and encourage them with patience.

Once your dog starts following your command, you can reinforce the behavior so that they consistently perform the shake hand trick and enjoy doing it. You can do this by immediately providing them a reward after they shake hands correctly as it helps them understand they have done something right. Using high-value treats that your dog loves can be beneficial as it will be more meaningful. 

Provide your dog with rewards consistently to solidify their behavior. You can also combine it with some verbal praise in a happy and encouraging tone. Moreover, physical affection such as petting or gentle scratching is also recommended. 

When teaching any trick or command to your dog, practice is the most important part. To make your dog practice regularly, you can start by establishing a consistent training schedule that fits your daily routine. Plan short, frequent sessions rather than infrequent, long ones. After planning a schedule, make sure to stick to the plan. Consistent practice will reinforce behavior and instill tricks in your dog's mind. 

When carrying out the session, each of them should be similarly structured with the same command, hand gesture, and reward system. Moreover, you can also make it interesting by incorporating the shake hands trick into your daily routine. You can ask your dog to do it before meals, during playtime, or when greeting you. Doing so will help make the trick a natural part of their behavior. 

Fading out the treats will help your dog from relying on food rewards to performing the trick for verbal praise and affection. You can start by reducing the frequency of treats and using verbal praise instead. Use enthusiastic motivational praise that will help your dog complete the trick. Moreover, you can also offer physical affection such as petting or a gentle scratch to your dog. 

It is ok to give them high-value treats but only on occasion when they perform impressive performances. Using a variable reinforcement schedule in which you reward your dog at unpredictable intervals will also help fade out the treats. 

Practicing in a different environment is a necessary part of generalizing the trick you have taught your dog. It decreases the dependency of the dog by allowing them to complete the task in different contexts. This will help them familiarize themselves with new sights and sounds that may have been considered distractions.

You can begin by practicing in a familiar and comfortable place to get your dog used to the behavior without distractions. Once they are familiar with the setting and consistently perform their tasks, gradually introduce them to new locations and incorporate mild distractions such as other pets, people, or household noise. You can also take them to public places such as parks, sidewalks, or outdoor cafes to help them adapt to these settings.