How to teach a dog to give a paw?

The Give A Paw command is one of the most common. But the paradox lies in the fact that she is not taught in any courses. Many owners of four-legged friends consider it absolutely unnecessary. Let's see if it’s worth the time and effort to train this team, how to do it easily and quickly.

The team we are considering does not really matter much. If the execution of other orders is determined by certain needs or even security considerations, then the simple “Give a paw” seems insignificant against their background. But not so simple. The fact is that dogs are not robots or soulless insects. In addition to simple physiological needs, they also have other more complex psychologically. Therefore, this simple command will help to establish closer contact with your pet. Several important aspects will help to believe in the need for team training.

• Everyone understands that different breeds were bred in due time for one purpose or another. Some were excellent hunters, others were security guards, while others were kept for beauty. But each four-legged friend needs to feel his "need." To teach giving paw dogs of small breeds is also important as huskies or husky dogs to carry sledges. The fact is that they cannot play the role of a defender or a hunter, but they also need to understand that they are important and needed by the owner. Praise for the execution of the team is a kind of confirmation that the owner loves and appreciates it. Therefore, the importance of this team from this point of view is very great.The dog understands that she correctly performs the tasks of her master, which means that she knows how to do something.
• A moment of trust. If the pet unconditionally gives you a paw and is in no hurry to remove it, this can only mean one thing - it completely trusts you. The paradox also lies in the fact that emotional rapprochement occurs precisely at the stage of training. It is impossible to teach the team in one lesson, and it will take more than one day to consolidate the skill, which can only mean one thing, you will spend more time with the dog. And the positive effect of such a rapprochement will not take long.
• Auxiliary function. With the help of this simple manipulation, the owner can easily examine the dog's paws and pads, cut its nails and so on. But professionals are advised to learn individual teams for these purposes. In the first stages, you can use this universal team. Different commands are needed so that the dog understands exactly what is required of him and what will follow after execution. For example, if after a simple command “Give a paw”, you immediately give a treat, then the command “give a look” will mean that a treat will follow only after you carefully examine this very paw.
• Sometimes even in non-trained dogs you can observe the habit of raising a paw on the owner. It can be of a different nature. This may be a requirement to attract attention, a request to give a treat. But in some cases, this is an attempt to improve their status, to show leadership inclinations. In this case, the process should be completely under your control. The “give paw” team is very disciplined. The dog understands that raising a paw on a person is possible only when he asks for it. This is especially true for dogs of large breeds.
• Having mastered this simple command, both the owner and the dog will be able to understand that training is not so difficult. It is important only to devote a sufficient amount of time to this, systematize the process and be persistent and patient. Dogs love to learn something new. But it will be useful for their owners. Therefore, the “give paw” team can be the first step in a long and consistent training.

Often beginner breeders wonder at what age to start training. Experts say that pets of any age group can be trained. But each of them has its own characteristics that must be taken into account.

Many make a critical mistake, believing that the puppy is still too small for training. All attempts to learn at least one simple command are reduced to zero. A little fidget is willing to play and have fun, but not to carry out boring obscure commands. Nevertheless, starting training in this period, you will achieve better results in the future. It is worth noting that the entire learning process should be reduced to the game, as it happens in children.

If you can turn training at this age into an exciting game, then by the age of three months your pet will perceive and carry out the simplest commands - “sit”, “lay” and so on.

It is at this age that serious work begins. Although classes should still take place in a calm or moderately playful manner, they should be repeated daily. If you started training earlier, now it will be much easier for you, as the puppy is already familiar with what teams are.

If at a young age training was not given proper attention, then it will be much more difficult to train adult teams. But it is possible.There are situations when a dog enters an adult's house. However, she does not know any of the usual teams. Do not despair. Even in adulthood, you can and should train a dog. It just may take a little more time and effort. But to give up or consider it an empty idea is not worth it.

In addition to the desire to train a dog for any team, it is necessary to understand and put into practice the general rules of training. It is the man who owns the dog, and not vice versa. Therefore, it is important to gain credibility and achieve rigorous submission (within the framework of the reasonable, of course). Much depends on how you set up your mind and how you conduct your workouts. Do not shift all blame onto the dog and assume that it is she who is not able to understand the elementary task. First of all, pay attention to those methods and the attitude with which you conduct training.

Here are a few more important tips from professionals to help you learn.

A few recommendations should be taken into account.

• The dog does not understand the word, but clearly distinguishes sounds and intonation. The team must be submitted in the same mode every time. The pet must get used to one clear phrase.
• Be strict, but don't be angry. It often happens that training does not bring the desired results. Then the owners begin to get annoyed and frustrate the dogs. This must not be allowed. The effect will be exactly the opposite. Therefore, do not yell at the dog, especially do not physically punish.
• Be demanding of yourself and the dog. Skipping the next training is not allowed. This applies to both you and the pet. Do not let him dodge and leave the classroom. But you should not allow yourself slack.
• Another common mistake is repeating a command multiple times. You must pronounce it no more than two times. If you start endlessly saying, “Give a paw,” “Give a paw,” “Give a paw,” this will lead to exactly the opposite effect. From the very beginning, teach your dog that you are the commander, therefore the execution of the order is not discussed.
• If the puppy begins to indulge and play instead of following the command, stop it with a stop word. It should be the same for different situations. It can be a team of "bad", "no", "fu" and so on.

Remember the indisputable truth that a kind word is pleasant to a cat. So the dogs are also waiting for approval and praise on your part. Do not forget about it, otherwise the dog will lose interest in the execution of commands and training in general.

• Praise must be sincerely and in the cause. Intonation should be appropriate. The dog must understand that he did everything right, the owner is really pleased with his work. It’s better if you come up with a few standard words (clever, well done, handsome).
• Weasel should not be rude. You can pat the dog on the crown, but do not rudely pat or pat on the ears. This can be perceived as violence.
• If you are working out a new team that has not yet been given to the dog, then you need to finish anyway on a positive note. Offer him the execution of an already familiar and well-developed team. Do not spare the goodies.

This criterion is manifested. in the following:

• do not miss classes;
• master everything in stages - first work out one command before automatism, only then proceed to the next;
• it is best to conduct training 6-7 hours after eating, the pet will be more willing to fulfill the requirements for a treat;
• you yourself must be positively charged, do not start training in a bad mood, this will affect the dog.

There are three effective ways to teach your dog a Give A Paw command.Which one to choose depends on your preference and the nature of the pet.

Without physical contact, you show the dog (gestures) what is required of her. To do this, you need to seat the puppy in front of you, hold the treat in your hand and bring it to the nose so that she understands that it is intended for her. The pet will try to get her nose, do not let him carry out his plan. Say the command loudly. After an unsuccessful attempt to get a treat by the nose, many dogs reflexively raise their paws to get the cherished piece. Place your free hand under it while pronouncing the command. When the paw is in your hand, praise and give the treat.

Do not forcibly hold your paw. In the first stages, it will be enough for the dog to voluntarily lay it in your palm.

It's a little easier to get what you want. You give a command and take a paw yourself, after which praise. But each time it is necessary to complicate and ensure that the dog itself raises and gives you a paw.

You well know the habits of your pet and are able to predict its action. For example, he may ask for a treat or demand to play by touching you with his paw. Use this moment and give the command before the dog does it himself. Do not forget to praise.

For more information on how to train a dog to give a paw, see the video below.