- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Training is a great way to strengthen the bond with your dog while also keeping them mentally stimulated. If you’re looking for a new trick, shake paws is a great option for dogs of all ages.
“Shake paws” is pretty quick and simple to teach, plus it’s a cute way for your dog to say hello to new friends!
Read on to find out how to teach your dog to shake paws, plus some expert troubleshooting tips.
What You Need to Teach Your Dog to Shake
Luckily, teaching a dog to shake hands and paws requires little to no equipment. Qiai Chong, CPDT-KSA, a certified Fear Free professional trainer and co-founder of Pet Coach and Colby Julien, a certified dog trainer, animal behaviorist, and founder of Geo-Sniffing recommend:
- High-value training treats
- Favorite toys
- Clickers
Make sure to choose a quiet, distraction-free environment for training. Lastly, your dog should know basic commands like “sit” and “stay,” but these aren’t essential. With the proper prep work, Julien says many dogs can learn to shake paws in just one day, but the average is around 2-3 days.
Step 1: Prepare Your Treats
Pick out a variety of treats to use during training. High-value treats, like beef lung or soft cheese, work best when you’re teaching something new because they keep your dog excited.
If you’re out of high-value treats, kibble or small bits of cooked chicken can also work. Start with the best treats to grab your dog’s attention and make training more rewarding.
Step 2: Capture the Behavior
Extend your hand toward your dog, palm up. Some dogs will naturally tap your hand with their paw out of curiosity—if this happens, mark the moment right away!
Use a clicker or say a happy “Yes!” to let them know they did the right thing. Immediately follow up with a treat to show them pawing your hand is what you want.
Step 3: Reinforce the Behavior
Keep practicing by offering your hand and marking every time your dog’s paw touches it. Make sure to reward them consistently so they start to connect pawing with getting treats.
The more you repeat this, the quicker your dog will understand the pattern: paw = reward.
Step 4: Lower the Treat Value
Once your dog is confidently placing their paw in your hand, you can switch to less exciting treats, like kibble or plain chicken. Using lower-value rewards helps keep your dog focused without overloading them with excitement.
This bridging step helps them stay motivated and not too dependent on high-value treats.
Step 5: Introduce a Cue
Pick a simple word like “Shake” or “Paw” to use as a command. Say this cue right before you extend your hand. When your dog responds and places their paw in your hand, mark and reward them like usual.
Over time, your dog will associate the cue word with the action, and you can reduce how often you give treats while still praising them.
Step 6: Practice in Different Settings
Once your dog can shake paws consistently, start practicing in new environments with distractions like other dogs or noises. This helps your dog stay consistent no matter where you are.
Most importantly, keep these training sessions positive and fun. Your dog will learn faster in a relaxed environment where they feel encouraged to try new things.
How to Fix Problems When Teaching “Shake”
Not all dogs learn to shake paws right away—some need extra help. Here’s how to troubleshoot common challenges:
Don’t force paw handling
If your dog seems anxious about giving their paw, stay calm and patient. “Don’t force your dog to give their paw or use a frustrated tone,” Julien says. This can make your dog stressed.
Instead, keep the training positive, fun, and low-pressure. If your dog hesitates, Chong says to check for signs of pain that can affect your dog’s movement. “A visit to the vet can rule out any underlying issues,” she adds.
Try other training exercises
If shaking isn’t clicking, Julien recommends starting with something easier to boost your dog’s confidence. She says nose touching is a simple exercise that helps dogs understanding shaping.
If necessary, Chong says to try luring them by holding a treat near their paw or chest. Most dogs will naturally paw at your hand to reach it. When they do, mark the moment and reward them right away.
Take breaks when needed
Training comes with bumps in the road. If you or your dog get frustrated, it’s okay to take a break and reset. “Both you and your dog need time to recharge,” Chong says.
Returning with fresh energy makes learning more enjoyable and effective for both of you.
Minimize distractions
Train in a quiet, distraction-free area like a closed room with no other pets or noises. “This helps prevent distractions and allows the dog to focus entirely on the task,” Julien says.
If distractions still creep in, consider using a leash to keep your dog from wandering. Chong says you can also switch to high-value treats to grab their attention and make training more exciting. This is especially effective for puppies.
Ask for professional help
If your dog continues to struggle, contact a certified dog trainer. “They can assess the situation, provide tailored advice, and help prevent any behavioral issues from worsening,” Chong says.
Trainers can also demonstrate hands-on methods and guide you through step-by-step strategies to make learning easier for your dog.
Takeaway
Teaching your dog to shake paws is a fun and rewarding way to bond while building their confidence and obedience. With patience, positive reinforcement, and consistent practice, most dogs can master this trick quickly. Keep training sessions upbeat and enjoy the process of learning together!
