Enrichment & Fun

Trick: Shake a Paw

Enrichment & Fun

Overview

Shake is a beginner trick that most dogs pick up in a session or two. It doubles as paw-handling practice, which pays off at every nail trim.

Why it matters

Tricks are training with the pressure off. They keep sessions fun and build the same skills as "serious" cues.

Watch: demonstration

[VIDEO PLACEHOLDER] Shake demo: dog paws at handler's closed fist for a treat. — trainer to attach a video via the admin uploader.

Step by step

  1. Have your dog sit.

  2. Hide a treat in a closed fist and hold it at chest height in front of the dog.

  3. Wait. Most dogs will paw at the hand.

  4. The instant the paw touches your hand, mark and treat.

  5. Add the cue "shake" as the dog reliably paws.

  6. Fade the treat in your hand — offer an empty hand, reward from the other.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER] Correct hand position for the shake ask. — trainer to upload one or more still images.

Common mistakes

  • Grabbing the dog's paw — they should offer it, not have it taken.

  • Rewarding a bump instead of a lift.

  • Adding the verbal cue before the behavior is reliable.

Practice this week

10 shake reps a day for a week.