Training your dog to offer his paw in exchange for a “high-five” is rather simple. Below is a short but simple way that you can teach your dog this neat trick:

1. Holding a treat in one hand with your dog sitting in front of you, crouch down to his level (eye to eye), and give him the command of your choice. Your command can either be “Shake”, “High Five”, or anything similar that you like.

2. Once you have spoken your “high five” command with your empty hand out to shake the dog, gently pick up his or her dominant paw, lift it off of the ground about three inches, and easily slide your hand into the paw. Then shake!

3. Once you shake the dog’s paw you should give as much enthusiastic love and attention that you can, along with a treat. Repeat this process multiple times until the dog will offer you his paw for the “High Five” readily on command.

The above 3 simple steps can be used to train you dog anywhere and at anytime. It is important to remember that once your dog is trained to shake hands, you must still give the dog a lot of praise each he completes the “high five” in the future.

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