Teaching your dog to shake can have a bigger impact than simply learning a trick. When your dog understands how and when to shake, you help instill overall obedience and deepen the bond between you and your dog. As an added bonus, knowing that they have accomplished something is sure to boost your pup’s self-confidence, which will lead to plenty of happy tail wags and doggy kisses. Start working with your dog today to teach them this easy command in five simple steps!
What you need:
Patience
Small, tasty treats that don’t take long to chew
Just 5 minutes each day
What to do:
Step One; have your pup sit. If they don't know how to sit, go back and practice that command before moving on to step two.
Step Two; hold a treat in one hand and show it to your dog. Then close your fist over the treat so they can't get it.
Step Three; give your dog the command "shake," and wave your closed fist under their nose to keep them interested in the treat.
Step Four; wait for your dog to start digging in your hand for the treat. Usually, dogs sniff around first and when that doesn't work, they begin to paw at your hand.
Step Five; the moment your dog touches your hand with their paw, say "good" and open your hand to give them the treat.
Helpful Tips:
Only practice for 5-10 minutes every day; any longer, and you will both get tired and frustrated.
Always end on a positive note. If you are getting frustrated and your dog isn’t getting the hang of it, go back to a trick they do know and give a reward for successful completion.
Avoid treats that need to be chewed for long periods, or you will spend most of your time watching them eat.
