Teach your dog Shake

Shake is a fun, easy trick that everybody loves!

Start by placing a treat in front of your dog's nose to keep their attention forward and not on what you are doing to their foot. At the same time, gently tickle behind your dogs foot until they pick it up. (Some dogs may need a more forceful tap behind the leg). When they pick it up, say GOOD! and give the treat. DO NOT PICK THE LEG UP YOURSELF. They must offer it!

Once they are offering it consistently, start asking for it. Keep their focus with the treat, extend your hand out, and ask them to "shake". If they don't offer the paw, tickle behind the leg until they pick it up. When they do, praise and treat. Repeat until they start lifting the leg without you having to tickle. 

The first time they offer it on their own, praise them like you won the lottery and give them an extra treat! 

That's it! If you would like your dog to shake with both paws, I recommend teaching them to mirror you. For example, if you offer your left paw, they should offer their right. In the picture above, you can see my left hand and her right paw. When you ask for the other paw, switch hands. This way, when you move onto more advanced paw-work, such as High 5 and Wave, they will know which paw to use. 

If your dog is paw-shy, start by letting them "shake" by only tapping your hand, don't try to hold it. Build up a tolerance and trust by asking them to keep their paw on your hand for a longer period each time. As they get better, you can actually grab their paw with your hand.

Great work! Now go upload your Shake pictures on our Facebook Wall!