Let’s Shake On It – Learning “Shake”

For this month’s training tip we’re going to teach our dogs how to shake hands. Teaching our dogs tricks is not only fun but incredibly beneficial. Teaching tricks boosts your dog’s confidence, improves your ability to help communicate with them, provides important mental stimulation, and strengthens your bond with one another. 

All you need to teach “shake” is some high-value treats and these 10 easy steps.

Step 1: Sit on the floor with your dog. It often works best if your dog is in a sitting position, but don’t stress that. Your dog can also be laying down or even standing and learn this. 

Step 2: Put the treat in your palm, close your hand, and put your hand on the floor (closed fist facing up) in front of your dog.

Step 3: Without saying anything, keep your hand on the floor. The goal is to wait for your dog to paw at your hand. They may sniff it, lick it, or try to get the treats, but don’t correct them. Just let them explore and wait until their paw touches your hand in some way. Sometimes it takes a bit for them to think but I promise they’ll do it! When they paw at your hand say “yes” and then open your hand allowing them to get the treat. 

Step 4: Repeat repeat repeat! Repeat step 3 until as soon as you put your closed fist on the ground they immediately paw at it. 

Step 5: Instead of closing your fist all the way this time you will open your palm facing up, put the treat on your fingers, and close just your fingers (leaving your palm exposed).

Step 6: Repeat the process of lowering your palm and waiting for your dog to paw at it. 

Step 7: Now we’re going to add a word! Repeat Step 6 but when your dog’s paw touches your palm say “Shake” then open your fingers for them to get the treat. Repeat this name association 10x

Step 8: With your hand in the same position as Step 5, lower your palm but this time don’t have a treat under your  fingers. As you lower, say “Shake” and wait for your dog to paw your hand. When they do say “yes” and give them a treat. 

Step 9: Offer your open hand to your dog (palm up) and say “Shake”. Wait for them to paw at your hand before saying “yes” and giving them a treat. (Note: some dogs can take a bit of time to think. Don’t rush them. Just keep your open palm near their hand, stare at your palm and wait. Don't repeat the cue or keep moving your hand around. Stay patient and let your dog think. Repeat until proficient.)

Step 10: Say “Shake” and when your dog offers you their paw you’ll hold it and shake a bit up and down. Do it gently at first so they get the hang of it. 

Congratulations! Your dog just learned “shake!” When you teach this to your dog make sure to take a video and tag Nuzzles + Co so we can all see your dog’s new talent!

Happy Training,

Melissa Jackson cpdt-ka cpcn
Juniper Trails Dog Training