TEACHING BASIC COMMANDS – ENTRY #9 ("SHAKE")

September 19, 2009

Until this point, we have only discussed basic commands associated with teaching your dog manners. Sometimes, though, it's fun to teach commands known as tricks. Teaching your dog to shake hands is one of the most common tricks you can teach, though it can be difficult for the little guy to learn. In order to teach this one, you'll have to break it down into simple steps.

  • Get your dog to lift his paw off of the floor - mark the behavior with a treat.
  • Have your dog touch your hand with his paw - mark the behavior with a treat.
  • Have your dog lift his paw even higher to touch your hand - mark the behavior with a treat.
  • Add the verbal cue, "SHAKE".

If you take this one slowly and stay patient, your dog will be shaking hands on command in no time at all!