How to Teach Your Dog to Shake
Teaching your dog to “shake” (or give paw) is a classic, feel-good trick that strengthens your bond, boosts engagement, and adds some fun to your daily routine. While it’s not part of a behavior modification plan, it’s a great way to reinforce attention and focus—and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Here’s how to teach it step by step.
Step 1: Set the Stage
To start:
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Use high-value treats your dog loves.
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Choose a calm, distraction-free space.
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Make sure your dog is comfortable and ready to engage.
Need help with foundational obedience? Explore our private in home training programs for a strong start.
Step 2: Start With “Sit”
“Shake” builds off a solid “sit” command. Ask your dog to sit and reward them for staying in position. If your dog isn’t reliably sitting on command yet, it’s best to focus on establishing a communication system with markers and obedience foundations first.
Step 3: Encourage the Paw
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Hold a treat in your closed fist near your dog’s paw.
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Wait for your dog to paw at your hand (most will try naturally).
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The moment their paw makes contact, mark the behavior (“Yes!” or click) and give the treat.
Repeat this until they’re consistently offering a paw.
Step 4: Add the Cue
Once your dog is reliably offering their paw:
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Say “Shake” just before they raise it.
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Mark and reward as soon as they touch your hand.
After several repetitions, your dog will associate the word with the behavior.
Step 5: Open the Hand
Now switch from a fist to an open palm:
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Say “Shake.”
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Offer your open hand.
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When your dog places their paw, mark and reward.
This step adds polish and helps the trick feel like a “handshake.”
Step 6: Practice and Have Fun
Like any skill, consistency is key. Practice a few minutes each day, in different environments, and with varying levels of distractions.
While “shake” won’t resolve behavioral issues, tricks like this can help build trust and communication. Want more ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated? Visit our training blog for more ideas.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
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Dog won’t paw at your hand: Gently tap their leg or raise the paw to guide the motion.
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Too distracted to focus: Try shorter, more frequent training sessions.
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Pawing all the time: Only reward when you ask for it to avoid unwanted attention-seeking behavior.
Build On the Basics
Once your dog masters “shake,” you can branch into other fun cues like:
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High five
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Wave
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Spin
These tricks are excellent for engagement and mental enrichment.
And if you’re ready to level up, check out our programs for off-leash obedience and structured training that builds real-world reliability.
Final Thoughts
“Shake” may be just for fun, but it’s also a great way to connect with your dog and keep their brain engaged. It’s a lighthearted way to mix play into training, boost confidence, and show off your dog’s personality.
Looking for more support or advanced training? Contact us today to find the right program for your dog.
Happy training!
