How to Teach Dogs to Shake Hands

Choose dog treats. You will have to reward the dog when he does it right. Buy food that your dog likes and always bring it with you when teaching your dog to shake hands. Small, mouth-watering treats are great for training your dog because you can reward him many times without fear of him getting fat. You should also consider your dog’s favorite foods: does he prefer soft or hard foods? What flavors do dogs like? Find out what your dog likes best and have it ready when training. ^[1]

• Make your own treats for your dog. It can be small pieces of cooked meat or fruit or vegetables. ^[2]
• Don’t overfeed your dog. Keep each serving as small as possible. ^[3]
• Do not give your dog the following foods as they can cause poisoning or illness : avocados, chocolate, bread dough, fresh grapes or raisins, hops, alcohol, moldy foods, macadamia nuts , xyllip sugar, onions and garlic. ^[4]

Ask the dog to sit down. Dogs can only shake hands while they are sitting. If your dog does not yet understand the sit-down command, you need to teach him to sit. ^{[5] [6]}

• Don’t give the dog the treat in a hurry, because you’re teaching the dog to shake hands, not sit down.

Let the dog see the food. You should not reward your dog with food at this time. Now hold the food with your left hand. Hold the treat in front of the dog’s nose and let the dog see it. Once you have your dog’s attention, make a fist to hide the food. ^[7]

• Don’t let the dog get your food.
• Clip the food between the thumb and the palm.

Say the command “Raise your hand. “ This will be the command you use when you want it to shake hands (you can also say something else like “Shake hands”). Say this command when you hold your favorite food in front of it.

Say “Good job” when the dog starts to fidget. When the dog realizes you have a favorite treat in your hand, he will find a way to get it. When it does what you want it to – like reaching up to grab the food in your hand – say “Good job!” in an excited tone and gave it food.

• When your dog does what you want, give him a treat immediately.
• Ignore any other dog movements, like sniffing or licking your hand. ^[8]
• Please be patient.
• Practice several times until the dog always raises his paw every time you say “Hands up.”

Reward the dog for shaking hands. Once the dog raises its paws on command, you should take the next step. You will start rewarding your dog only if he does something akin to a handshake. For example, if the dog raises his paws higher first, say, “Good job” and reward him with food, but don’t reward him before he does. Keep practicing until your dog always raises his paws every time you give the command.

Hold the dog’s front paw with your hand. Use this extra step if your dog won’t scoop the food in your hand. By grabbing your dog’s front paw, praising him during and after doing so, you’ll make him understand: stroking your hand can help him eat. ^[9]

• Hold your dog’s front paws for a few seconds before offering the treat.
• Be gentle and slow.