How to Teach a Dog to Shake Hands

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Shake is a classic trick that makes people smile, and it is also useful. Dogs who offer a paw cheerfully tend to be more relaxed about paw handling at home and at the vet.

Before you start

Your dog should know how to sit. See how to teach a dog to sit. Have small treats and a quiet place.

Method 1: shaping

1. Ask your dog to sit.
2. Hold a treat in your closed fist, near the floor in front of your dog.
3. Wait. Most dogs will sniff and then paw at your hand.
4. The instant a paw touches your hand, mark and reward from the other hand.
5. Repeat until your dog paws quickly.

See lure, capture and shaping explained.

Method 2: capturing

If your dog already lifts a paw, mark and reward it. Hold a hand out, and mark when your dog places the paw on it.

Step 3: Raise the hand

Gradually raise your hand off the floor, so your dog must lift the paw higher. Reward each step.

Step 4: Add the cue

Say "shake" just before presenting your open hand. Over time, remove the treat from your closed hand, and present an open palm.

Step 5: Switch paws

Teach the other paw using the opposite hand, with a different cue if you like, such as "other paw" or "left" and "right".

Step 6: Make it polite

Reward a soft paw placement, and ignore scratching. If your dog paws constantly, teach a cue for when it is allowed and when it is not.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog does not paw. Use a more interesting treat, or lightly touch the leg to encourage lifting.
• Your dog digs. Reward only a gentle placement.
• Your dog loses interest. Shorten the session and use better rewards.
• Your dog pulls away. Some dogs dislike paw handling, so go slowly.

Using shake for handling

Gradually hold the paw for longer, and touch the nails. See how to get a dog used to nail trims. Always reward calm acceptance.

Next tricks

• High five and wave
• Spin
• Bow

A sample plan

• Day 1: Shape the paw touch, ten repetitions.
• Day 2: Add the cue.
• Day 3: Raise the hand and add the second paw.
• Week 2: Practice in new places.

Common mistakes

• Grabbing the paw. Taking the paw before your dog offers it teaches them to pull away. Let your dog place it on your hand.
• Rewarding scratching. If you treat every pawing, you may build a dog who paws constantly at you or at the table.
• Teaching only one paw. Dogs often favor one side. Practice both so your dog does not get stuck.
• Using the trick when your dog is overexcited. Shake works best when your dog is calm and focused.

Why a paw trick matters

Dogs who trust you to handle their paws find nail trims, paw checks after walks and vet exams much easier. Short, happy paw practice every day is a good habit. If your dog is sensitive about feet, go slowly and reward even a tiny pause with your hand near the paw.

You can also turn shake into a wave by asking for a paw lift without touching your hand, rewarding a little higher each time. Some owners use it as a polite greeting for guests, rewarding only calm shakes rather than jumping.

The takeaway

Reward paw touches, add the cue and teach both paws. Shake is a fun way to bond and prepare your dog for handling.