- 1). Command your dog to sit. When she sits, reward her with a treat. The “shake” trick is practiced while the dog is seated, so keeping your dog in a seated position is crucial.
- 2). Say, “Shake,” then grab your dog’s paw immediately.
- 3). Reward your dog after holding his paw for at least 3 seconds. Hold your dog’s paw long enough to show him that you want to hold his paw, not just grab it. Say, “Good shake!” and give your dog a treat. Repeat this four or five times.
- 4). Give the “Shake” command without grabbing your dog’s paw. Extend your hand as if to shake your dog’s paw and say, "Shake." If your dog does not put its paw in your hand, grab its paw and reward her with a treat. Your dog will soon learn to put her paw in your hand when you say the command.
- 5). Continue training, alternating paws. Once your dog has learned to put his paw in your hand on command, switch paws so that your dog can give you whichever paw you are requesting to shake. With your patience and positive attitude, your dog will soon be able to shake hands with both of its paws without being rewarded a treat.
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