How to Teach Your Dog Paw Easily
- Anja Boecker
- Updated: 25 January, 2023
Do you envy other dog owners because their dogs can do various tricks and are therefore always receiving attention? A dog that gives paws softens all hearts, but don’t worry – in this article, you’ll learn how to teach your darling to do the same.
By giving the command “Paw”, you can make your faithful companion give you a front paw. This should be followed by a reward. Dogs possess high emotional intelligence, so it’s key to show them you’re glad about their achievements! "Give paw!" is one of the easier activities and commands a dog can learn.
Nevertheless, some dog owners – maybe even you – can reach their limit when it comes to teaching. But with a few tips and tricks, it will be easy!
We created this simple and productive guide to help you teach your dog, including a few valuable tips to help your dog learn even faster.
5 Step Guide
Step # 1
The Sitting Position
To perform the command "give paw" on your pet, ideally he should already know the command "sit” . The paw command is based on this. Is your furry friend in a sitting position? Then you can move on to the second step.
Step # 2
The Miracle Treat
In the second step, the treat will come into play. Notice with which paw your protégé is more active.
Observe your pup closely over an extended period. You will then notice which paw is used more often.
Can’t figure it out? This is not necessarily a problem. In this case, just pick a paw The important thing is to always use this paw during the exercise.
Take the treat in your hand and direct your dog's attention to it. Please note: he should not see the treat, only smell it.
Hold your hand in front of your dog's muzzle and slowly walk to the right or left, depending on which side the paw should be trained.
Should the left paw be trained? Go a little to the right. Is the right paw to be trained? Move your hand slightly in the left direction.
This shifts the weight to the other side and makes it easier for your pet to use the "to be trained" paw.
Step # 3
Give Your Dog the Treat
If you have performed the second step correctly, your dog will try to get the treat. He will scratch your hand with the desired paw. When he has done this, you can open your hand and give him the treat.
Step # 4
This Is Where the Command "Give Paw!" Comes Into Play
After the third step, say the command "give paw".
Just throw the command in right before giving the treat. This means:
When your pet touches your hand with his paw, you say the command "give paw". After successful application, your darling should be given the treat.
Step # 5
Both Paws Come Into Play
Do you want your dog to use the command on both paws? Then take the treat in different hands and hold it in front of each paw.
Remember:
My Conclusion
Teaching your dog this command is not difficult. Just follow our step-by-step instructions.
Your darling dog will soon no longer lick visitors and friends when greeting them, but instead greet them by hand - sorry, I mean paw, of course.
Last but not least, here are a few tips and tricks that will make training your four-legged friend easier:
- Be consistent! - It will pay off
- Repeat the exercises continuously!
- Avoid pressure, aggression and admonishments!
- Be patient and invest - if necessary - too much time rather than too little!
- Rewards are reinforced by petting and cuddling!
My name is Anja Boecker and I am a dog trainer and behavior consultant (IHK certificate). With these articles I would like to help you understand your dog better and build an inseparable bond.
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