Training · Tricks · beginner

Shake / Paw

Dog lifts one front paw into your hand on cue.

Age suitability: From about 10 weeks; no upper age limit.

Prerequisites: Sit

Details

Why dogs take to it: Many dogs naturally paw for attention, making this easy to capture.

Breed tendencies: Retrievers, poodles, and many terriers often learn quickly.

Physical suitability: Generally safe. Do not force paw lift for dogs with shoulder discomfort.

Supplies: small treats, optional clicker

Verbal cues: shake, paw, gimme

Hand signal: Open palm at chest height.

Fun fact or history: “Shake hands” appears in dog manuals from the 1800s.

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