Among the mandatory and optional commands, the give-paw team does not required. However, it also has a certain functional value, and also helps to establish and consolidate psychological contact between the dog and its owner. How to teach a dog the command “give paw “?
Content
- 1. The value of the command
- 2. Conditions for training
- 3. The sequence of training
- 4. Video on how to teach a dog to give a paw
- 5. When a team is considered mastered
Team value
Dog training is successful if it takes into account instincts and the nature of the animal. Teaching a give a paw team is easy as it also based on innate instinct – movements a newborn puppy called the milk step. Puppy “massaging” mother’s stomach to get more milk. From infancy he has a logical chain is formed – the movement of the legs is associated with pleasure. Therefore, puppies learn so quickly to fulfill this team. In a maximum of 7 days, the dog will already give paw. 
“Handshake” is also important for establishing close emotional connection with the dog. She feels friendly, approved, which is superimposed on an existing instinct. Has a give command paw “and practical significance:
- inspection of the pads after a walk and processing, if necessary, scratches and damage;
- claw care – cutting or sawing;
- putting shoes on the paws.
Dogs always have a hierarchy. He projects it on the “flock”, in which dog lives. Therefore, it’s better to train a dog the leader of the “pack”, so the desire to win the favor of the leader will be stimulate quickly and correctly learn a lesson.
Learning conditions
It is better to start training at the age of 4-5 months. In this period the puppy has already recognized himself as a dog, recognized “alpha” in social hierarchy and learned some commands, for example, “sit”, from which he will execute the command “give a paw”. For training to pass easier, it is necessary that:
- surrounding irritants did not distract the puppy;
- he should not be too hungry or full to food encouragement caused a corresponding reaction. Optimal time training 1.5-2 hours after feeding;
- pieces of goodies should not be too big for the dog I did not have time to quickly get enough and lose interest, and not really small so as not to fall out of the mouth;
- the owner and the dog must be in good mood;
- training should not be too long and alternate periods of rest, so as not to cause psychological stress. It is enough to spend 5-10 minutes daily for a lesson;
- training should be consistent and regular.
There is no lower age limit for team training “give a paw.” Dogs remain trained for a long time.
Training sequence
It’s easiest to train your dog in a team using encouragement and stimulus dainty. For consistent development the command “give paw” is necessary:
- give a command to “sit”;
- hold a piece of goodies in your hand and let the puppy sniff a hand;
- when the puppy becomes interested and tries to unclench his fingers, wielding nose, it is recommended to wait for him to try again, helping paw;
- unclench your hand, giving a treat, and hold it with your free hand puppy’s paw above the wrist 1-2 seconds, saying the words of the team.
- repeat the exercise 3-4 times.
The delivery of goodies should be supported by voice and tactile encouragement is to say good and stroke the puppy. Gradually reduce food promotion signals and accustom to voice expression of approval. If the puppy refuses to raise paw, then he needs help, raising the limb to the level of his shoulder and carefully holding so as not to cause the dog discomfort and preventing a fall.
Any violence or manifestation of irritation, discontent should be excluded. The dog should feel only positive emotions. Games between lessons will help the dog change mental physical stress, which will prevent overwork and increase mood.
Video on how to teach a dog to give a paw
When a team is considered mastered
A team is considered acquired if the dog starts to give paw:
- immediately after a voice command – no later than 2-3 seconds;
- from any position – sitting, lying, standing;
- laying a paw on a support or holding a canopy;
- without food promotion.
In the same scenario, you can train a dog without food encouragement, expressing approval only by voice and stroking. it take a little longer, but then the little sly one doesn’t will manipulate the owner, asking for a treat.
After the dog has mastered the team, he can begin to learn give another paw. This will happen faster, because the command “give another paw “is just a complicated version of the first. Having mastered the command “give a paw”, it can be complicated by commanding “give a left or right paw, give hind paw, give five, and so on. This will help develop behavioral abilities, strengthen the vestibular apparatus, bring the owner and the pet even closer, teach you how to concentrate on object.
