Day 10: Shake

Today’s trick is the classic Shake, which appears on the AKC’s Novice Trick list. This is a timeless favorite that’s always a hit with friends and family! If your dog doesn’t already know how to shake, don’t worry—there are several ways to teach it, so you can find the approach that works best for your pup.

 

 

 

 

How to Teach Shake

Method 1: Shaping with a Closed Fist (My Favorite Method)

 

  1. Start Position: Sit facing your dog.
  2. Present a Closed Fist: Hold a closed fist with treats inside in front of your dog.
  3. Mark and Reward Paw Movement: Your dog will likely try different strategies to get the treats. The moment they lift their paw, even a little, mark and reward.
  4. Shape the Behavior: Gradually wait for more deliberate paw lifts toward your hand.
  5. Phase Out the Treat in Hand: Once your dog is consistently lifting their paw, stop holding treats in your fist and begin presenting an open palm.

 

 

 

Method 2: Back of the Paw Touch

 

  1. Lightly Touch Their Paw: Gently touch or tickle the back of your dog’s paw.
  2. Mark and Reward Paw Movement: Mark the moment your dog lifts their paw, even slightly, and reward them.
  3. Shape into a Shake: Gradually encourage your dog to place their paw in your open palm as part of the behavior.

 

Method 3: Lifting the Paw (Use Sparingly)

 

  1. Gently Lift Their Paw: If your dog isn’t responding to other methods, you can gently lift their paw yourself while saying the cue “Shake.”
  2. Mark and Reward: Mark and reward after lifting their paw.
  3. Transition to Independent Action: Over time, wait for your dog to start lifting their paw on their own before marking.

 

 

 

Adding the Cue

Once your dog is consistently offering their paw:

  1. Say your chosen verbal cue (e.g., “Shake”) just before they lift their paw.
  2. Mark and reward when their paw touches your hand.

Pro Tips

  • Patience is Key: If your dog is new to this, keep sessions short and upbeat.
  • Switch Hands: Once your dog masters shaking with one paw, try teaching them to use the other paw by presenting the opposite hand and giving a different cue (e.g., “Other paw”).
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Even small paw movements are progress—mark and reward to keep your dog engaged!

We’d love to see how your dogs are progressing with Shake! Post your videos and updates in the Facebook group so we can cheer you on and offer tips if needed. Tomorrow we’ll tackle another fun trick—see you then!