TT Training Tip 3: Have Your Dog Give His Paw

T.T. Training Tip #3: How do I get my dog to give me his paw?

For the next installment on training tips, this one is about getting your dog to give you their paw. This is a cute little trick you can teach your dog and will help build your relationship with your dog.

Step 1: Calm State of Mind

So let’s get right to it, once again you will need to take your dog for a walk to get them into a calm state before you begin.

Step 2:  Have Dog Sitting

The best way to get your dog to give you their paw is when they are in a sited position.  If you have not yet taught your dog to sit, please go to my other blog about teaching your dog to sit and do that before you attempt this trick.

Step 3: Have Treats Ready

Now that we have a dog that is calm and has been taught to sit, how are we going to get them to give you their paw? Well treats are the best way and will be a running trend in these training tips because as we have learned from the blog about training techniques positive reinforcement is the best way to get the results you want.

Step 4: Say “Paw”

Ok so first get your treats ready and have one in your hand when you start training. Now you should get your dog to sit and when you have a sitting dog who is waiting patiently for your next command you should now put out your non-treat hand palm up and say “PAW” in a commanding voice.

 In a Perfect World…

your dog will put their paw on top of your held out hand and when that happens you should give the treat and praise your dog for doing a good job.

In a Non-Perfect World…

If however you live in a non-perfect world like the rest of us, this may not happen straight away. Don’t give up hope, you will just have to persevere to get results you want. If during this process your dog stands up before giving you their paw you should start again by getting them to sit again before giving you their paw.

Step 5: Repeat

To get this trick to stick, so to speak, you will need to repeat the process for as long as it takes for your dog to do it every time you ask for their paw. Whilst doing this you should slowly decrease the amount of times you give the treat but always keep the verbal praise so they know they are doing what you want.

An Added Extra

Once you have your dog giving paw easily you can ask for the other paw before you treat or praise if you want. The process is the same so it is not confusing for all parties involved.

Need help with basic Training?

Trusty Tails is here to help.  Give us a ring at 2014461559 or email us at [email protected].  We’d love to get to know you and your dog and how we can be of service.