The One Dog Trick That All Dogs Must Know - The Hand Shake Trick

The first dog trick that is generally taught a dog is to shake hands, and there are very few puppy and dog owners who do not teach their pets this simple trick.

In most cases it is so easily accomplished that the amateur trainer does not know exactly how it was done, for if you take hold of a dog's paw and say "paw" or "shake" and repeat the performance often enough and at odd times, it will be the most natural thing for a dog to place his paw in your hand as soon as you extend it and he hears the word "paw," to which he has become accustomed.

If during the training you always take hold of the right paw, this paw will always be the one he will give you, but he can be taught to give you the left paw by taking it when you make the request. You can make the performance more interesting by saying "shake hands" when you want the right paw and when you want the left paw say "left paw."

This gives your audience the impression that your dog understands that it is customary to shake hands with the right hand and that he also possesses a left paw, in fact that is what he actually learns.

Should your dog offer you the left paw when you ask to "shake hands," repeat your command distinctly, and when he sees, after a moment or two, that you are not going to take the paw he offers, he will put it down and in all probability offer you the other paw, which is the one you want.

You should take it promptly and hold it for a minute, then pat him on the head and impress on him that he has pleased you by praising and giving him a treat. This trick of shaking hands can also be varied by asking the dog to show you his pulse, or the trick can be farther elaborated by saying to your dog when you want to show him off to friends or acquaintances:

"Buddy, old man, you are not looking well this morning; come here and let me feel your pulse,"

and by putting a little emphasis on the word "pulse" the dog will come up to you and offer you his paw, and if you take it with an air of gravity it will impress your audience with your dog's talent.

Some dogs, after sufficient practice at this trick, get so habitual that they continually offer their paw to every one who will take it, and a case is recorded of a half-grown puppy of one of the larger breeds which was so accustomed to offering his paw that one day when a strange cat made its appearance on the premises before the puppy. He made a rush at the intruder with every appearance of hostility, but when near the cat habit gained a mastery over instinct, and held out his paw as usual to offer a friendly hand shake.

Enjoy teaching your dog the hand shake trick and most importantly have fun!

About the Author:
Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of DogsObedienceTraining.com ? The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog.

You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.



Secrets of Kitty Body Language

Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know... Read More

Dog Tricks: Understanding Your Dogs Capabilities Before You Teach Buddy New Tricks

The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More

Crate Training Dogs: The Right Way and the Wrong Way - Part One

Part1: There is Actually a "Wrong" Way to Crate TrainCrate... Read More

Easy Tips for Healthy Pets

Do you want a long and healthy life for your... Read More

Dog Clicker Training

Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More

The Importance of a Plan When Building a Reptile Cage

Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More

Westie - West Highland White Terrier Puppies - Fragile and Needful Of Protection

Have you ever held any Westie puppies? These tiny creatures... Read More

Cats Make Great Pets If You Understand Them

Anyone wanting a new kitten should be a cat lover.... Read More

Distemper in Dogs - Home Detection Tips

Distemper: Spotting This Dog Killer Before it's Too LateCanine distemper... Read More

5 Ways to Pamper Your Parrot

We are all busy these days and I know it's... Read More

Kids and Pets, Will it Work?

How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills... Read More

Pet Pampering Business is Booming

It's no secret that Americans love their pets. In fact,... Read More

Charming Trends in Dog Jewelry

The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More

The TOP 7 Mistakes Horse Owners Make

Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More

Dogs and Old Age, How To Care For Your Aging Canine

Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More

Dog Training Basics

All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More

Lemon Tetras

Glassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear to... Read More

Special Gifts for Animal Lovers

Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More

Here?s How To Find The Right Pet Meds For Your Favorite Pet

Our pets depend on us for their every need, including... Read More

Agility Training For Dogs

Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More

Dealing with a Dog Food Allergy?

Just as humans allergies can show up as a sneeze... Read More

Disaster Preparedness for Pets - A Guide for Pet-Care Business Professionals

June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More

Dogs, Cats, Horses?We Love Them All!

We have a long history with domesticated animals and even... Read More

Treating Dog Arthritis With Natural Supplements

Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that... Read More

7 Puppy Naming Tips

You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language: