Dog Tricks- Paw

Hi everyone,
In this post, I am going to be teaching you how to teach your dog to give 'paw'. As I got my dog when he was 4 and 1/2 years old, I didn't need to teach him the basics (sit, wait, recall etc.) so I started him on Paw. Now, I can't exactly say that my dog is the brightest of Springers, so lets just say it 'took him a while' to learn it. I've heard of dogs that have picked it up in a couple of days, but don't be put off if your dog is one of the 'slower learners!'.

 
1. Get your dog to sit in front of you whilst you crouch down

2. Pick up your dog's paw loosely and command 'paw'

3. Instantly, click and treat when you say the command

4. Repeat the process 3 more times, click and treating each time

5. Do this session approximately 3 times on the first day. Keep your sessions short and sweet, as the novelty of the treat may warm off!

6. On the second day, start off the session by commanding 'paw'. Some people like to hold their hand out for the dog to 'shake' where as some don't- it's your choice whether you want your dog to 'shake' or give 'paw'. Don't worry if your dog does not instantly give paw- it's very rare! If he does, then click and treat- praise is the key!

7.  If your dog doesn't give paw, then pick up his paw and command 'paw', and then click and treat. Then, once again, command paw.
Repeat this process 3 more times, and then give your dog a break.

8. Over time, your dog will pick it up. Continue click and treating when you say paw until your dog performs the trick correctly every time. Gradually ease the click and treating out of the process until your dog performs the trick on command without a treat in sight, but don't stop giving praise.  A good technique of easing out the treat is giving a click and treat every other time, then every 3rd time, and then every 4th.

9. Have fun teaching your dog tricks and he will in turn reward you!

I hope you enjoyed this post. Each week I am going to aim to post a new trick for your dog to work on until there are enough to put together a Heelwork To Music routine if you want to! Flo x