How to Teach a Dog to Shake Paws (Step-by-Step Training)

Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Anthony Thomas

How to Teach a Dog to Shake Paws: A StepbyStep Guide

You’re sitting on the floor, a bag of treats at your side, staring into the soulful eyes of your dog. You say “shake,” and… nothing. Maybe a head tilt. Maybe a lick. It’s a classic scene in households across the country. But let me tell you a secret: teaching your dog to shake isn’t just a cute party trick. It’s a gateway. It builds trust, reinforces your bond, and gives your dog a little job to do. And the best part? It’s one of the easiest commands to teach.

I remember trying to teach my first dog, a goofy Labrador named Gus, to shake. I’d hold a treat in my closed fist, and he’d just noseboop my hand so hard I thought he’d break it. No paw. Just snoot. It was frustrating for both of us. Then I figured out the simple, almost magical method I’m about to share with you. Once you get it, you’ll be kicking yourself for not trying it sooner.

So, grab some highvalue treats—something your dog goes absolutely bonkers for—and let’s get that paw in your hand.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

This isn’t a complicated operation. You don’t need fancy gear or a degree in animal behavior. You just need a few basics.

• HighValue Treats: I’m not talking about their boring old kibble. Use something special. Small pieces of cheese, hot dog bits, or commercial training treats like Zuke’s Mini Naturals work wonders. The smellier, the better.
• A Quiet Space: Start in a place with few distractions. The living room floor is perfect. Later, you can practice with the TV on or in the backyard.
• Patience and a Positive Attitude: Your dog will pick up on your energy. If you’re frustrated, they’ll get confused. Keep it light and fun. This is a game, not a drill sergeant’s boot camp.
• 510 Minutes: That’s it. Keep training sessions short and sweet. You want to end on a high note, before your dog gets bored or tired.

The Foolproof, StepbyStep “Shake” Method

Alright, here’s the main event. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pawshaking prodigy in no time.

Step 1: The Sit

You can’t really shake a paw if your dog is bouncing off the walls. Start with a solid “sit.” This is the foundation. If your dog doesn’t know “sit” yet, that’s your first order of business. Gently push their hindquarters down while saying “sit,” and reward them the moment their bottom hits the floor. Once they’re sitting calmly, you’re ready for step two.

Step 2: The “Paw Target”

This is the key most people miss. You’re not just grabbing their paw; you’re inviting them to offer it.

1. With your dog in a “sit,” hold a treat in your closed fist.
2. Present your fist, palmside up, just an inch or two in front of their chest, near one of their front paws. Don’t say anything yet.
3. Wait. Your dog will be curious. They’ll sniff, lick, and maybe even nibble at your hand. Ignore all of that.
4. The moment they lift their paw—even just a tiny inch off the ground—to investigate your fist, click a clicker or say “Yes!” in an excited voice and immediately open your hand to give them the treat.

Here’s the kicker: you might be waiting a minute or more the first few times. That’s okay. Be a statue. The second that paw moves, you reward. You’re teaching them that the action of lifting the paw is what earns the good stuff.

Step 3: Adding the Cue

Once your dog is reliably lifting their paw to touch your fist, you can add the verbal cue “shake.”

1. Right before you present your fist, say “Shake” in a clear, upbeat tone.
2. Then present your fist. When they paw at it, “Yes!” and treat.
3. Repeat this over and over. The word “shake” becomes the predictor for the action you want.

A friend of mine has a brilliant but stubborn Corgi. She spent three days just on the paw target step. She was ready to give up. Then, on the fourth day, it was like a lightbulb went off in that Corgi’s head. He got it. Now, he offers his paw so enthusiastically he almost falls over. Patience pays off.

Step 4: Opening Your Hand

Now your dog is pawing at your closed fist when you say “shake.” The next evolution is to turn your hand into a welcoming handshake.

1. Say “Shake” and present your open hand, palm up, in the same position.
2. Your dog, conditioned from the previous step, will likely place their paw in your open palm.
3. The moment their paw makes contact, gently hold it for just a second, say “Yes!” and give them a treat with your other hand.

Don’t grab or squeeze. Just a gentle, supportive hold. You’re building a positive association, not trapping them.

Step 5: Practice and Generalization

Congrats! Your dog now knows how to shake. But the training isn’t over. You need to proof the behavior.

• Practice in different rooms of the house.
• Practice outside.
• Practice when you have guests over (they’ll be so impressed).
• Start asking for the shake without a treat in your hand every single time. Switch to a variable reward schedule—sometimes they get a treat, sometimes just praise and a pet. This actually makes the behavior stronger.

This process of generalizing a behavior is crucial. A command learned in the quiet kitchen doesn’t automatically translate to the busy dog park. The American Kennel Club has fantastic resources on this concept of proofing commands in various environments.

Troubleshooting Common Hurdles

It’s rarely a perfect, straight line. Here’s how to handle some common snags.

My Dog Just Nudges My Hand With Their Nose

This was my problem with Gus! The solution is simple: be incredibly patient and only reward the paw lift. If they nose you, become a statue. No treat, no reaction. The second the nose retreats and a paw even twitches, reward that. You have to be quicker than they are stubborn.

My Dog Gets Too Excited and Jumps Up

If your dog breaks the “sit” and jumps, the session is over for a moment. Calmly turn away, cross your arms, and ignore them for 15 seconds. Then, ask for a “sit” again and start over. This teaches them that calm behavior is what gets them the game and the treats.

My Dog Uses Their Nails and Scratches Me

Ouch. This is common, especially with bigger dogs. You can do two things. First, you can gently grasp their paw at the wrist, which naturally prevents them from flexing their claws into you. Second, make a habit of trimming their nails regularly. A wellmaintained paw is a more pleasant paw to shake. The ASPCA website has a great, fearfree guide on how to safely get your dog comfortable with nail trims.

Why Bother Teaching “Shake”?

Beyond the obvious cuteness factor, shake is a seriously useful command. It’s a great icebreaker for people who are nervous around dogs. It’s a nonconfrontational way to handle your dog’s paws, which makes vet visits and wiping muddy feet a whole lot easier. And psychologically, it’s a fantastic confidence booster for a shy or anxious dog. They learn that interacting with you in a specific way yields positive results.

Think of it as a building block. Mastering “shake” shows your dog that learning is fun and that you are a source of good things. This sets the stage for more complex tricks and obedience commands down the line. It’s about building a dialogue with your best friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my dog doesn’t like their paws being touched?

This is super important. For some dogs, having their paws handled is stressful. If your dog pulls away, yelps, or shows signs of fear, back off. Don’t force it. Instead, work on a program of desensitization and counterconditioning. Briefly touch a paw, then give a treat. Over days or weeks, gradually increase the duration of the touch. The goal is to change their emotional response from “uh oh” to “yay, treats!”

How long will it take to teach my dog to shake?

It completely depends on the dog. A foodmotivated Golden Retriever might get it in one 10minute session. An independent Shiba Inu might take a week of short, daily practices. The average is a few days. The key is consistency, not marathon sessions.

Can I teach my older dog to shake?

Absolutely! You can teach an old dog new tricks. The principles are exactly the same. Just be patient and understand that an older dog might have some stiffness or arthritis, so be extra gentle when holding their paw.

My dog knows ‘shake’ with one paw, how do I teach the other?

Simple. Just repeat the entire process, but use a new cue like “Other one!” and present your hand near their other paw. Dogs don’t generalize “shake” to mean both paws; you have to teach each one as a separate, though similar, behavior.

So there you have it. The notsosecret secret to teaching your dog to shake. It’s less about force and more about finesse. It’s about waiting for that tiny, correct movement and celebrating it like they just won the lottery. That enthusiasm, that connection, is what dog training is all about. Now go find those treats and give it a shot. Your next adorable handshake photo is waiting to happen.