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How to Teach a Dog to Shake Hands…or Paws :)

Who doesn’t love a dog that can shake hands or paws on command? It’s a party trick that is sure to impress your friends and family. And it’s not as difficult as you might think to teach your four-legged friend this fun trick. With a little patience and some tasty treats, you’ll have your dog shaking hands or paws in no time.
The Benefits of Shaking Hands…or Paws 🙂
A dog’s paw is an extension of the shoulder, which means that when a dog shakes hands with you, they are actually extending a gesture of goodwill. Shaking hands is a great way to bond with your dog and create a lasting relationship.
Here are just a few benefits of shaking hands (or paws) with your furry friend:
1. It’s a great way to show affection – Dogs are social creatures that crave physical touch. When you shake their paw, you’re letting them know that you care about them and want to physically show it.
2. It can be a fun game – Many dogs love playing games, and shaking hands is the perfect way to start one. Not only will your dog have a blast, but you’ll get some quality bonding time in as well.
3. It’s an excellent way to help your dog learn – Dogs are very intelligent, but they don’t always understand everything you say. Shaking hands is a great way for them to gain a better understanding of the English language.
Training Tips to Teach a Dog to Shake Hands
It’s easy to teach your dog this classic party trick in just a few simple steps. All you need is some tasty treats and a little patience.
In order to teach your dog how to shake hands, follow these simple training tips. With a little patience and some treats, your furry friend will be shaking hands like a pro in no time!
To start, have your dog sit or stand in front of you. Take one of his paws in your hand and say the command “shake.” Gently lift his paw up and down a few times while repeating the command. As you do this, give him a treat.
You can also start by having your dog sit or stand next to you. Show him the treat in your hand and say “shake.” As he lifts his paw to try and get the treat, give it to him and praise him enthusiastically.
Here are some training treats your dog will enjoy!
Once your dog is responding to the command “shake” consistently, you can begin to phase out the treats. Every time he shakes your hand, praise him verbally or with petting. Eventually, he will associate shaking hands with receiving positive attention from you – and that’s a reward in itself!
If your dog doesn’t catch on right away, that’s okay. Just keep practicing and he’ll eventually get the hang of it. Before you know it, you’ll have a furry friend who’s always ready to give a paw-shake when meeting new people.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Shaking Hands with a Dog
When shaking hands with a dog, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, let the dog sniff your hand before trying to pet it. This will help the dog feel more comfortable with you. Second, pet the dog on its back or head, not its stomach. Third, be sure to give the dog a treat after shaking hands so that it associates the positive experience with you. And finally, don’t try to shake hands with a dog that is not comfortable with you. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that shaking hands with a dog is a positive experience for both of you.
In conclusion, teaching your dog to shake hands or paws is a fun trick that will impress your friends and family. With a little patience and some positive reinforcement, your dog will be shaking hands or paws in no time.