How to Teach a Dog to Give Paw

Teaching your dog to give you their paw can be a great way to build positive behaviour and communication with your pet. It’s also a fun trick that most dogs enjoy learning.

In this guide, we walk you through the process with easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, so you can start training your dog in no time.

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Aside from being an adorable party trick, teaching your dog to give paw can be a great way to engage your dog mentally and physically. It helps reinforce positive behaviour and can be a good bonding activity between you and your pet.

Most dogs can start learning this trick from around 8 weeks old. However, young puppies may have shorter attention spans, so be sure to keep training sessions short and enjoyable. 

Before you start any training session, ensure you have your dog’s full attention. Make sure there are no distractions around, and have a few tasty treats ready to reward your dog. Use a calm and encouraging voice to let your dog know it’s time to focus on you. If your dog is distracted or hyper, consider taking a few moments to calm them down before proceeding.

Start by having your dog sit or lie down in front of you. You want your dog to be relaxed and in a position that allows them to lift their paw easily. It’s also easier to teach paw when your dog is calm and still.

Gently lift one of your dog’s front paws by holding it in your hand. Some dogs may be unsure about having their paws touched, so if your dog is hesitant, take it slow and be patient. As you gently lift their paw, say the cue word you want to use, such as “paw” or “give paw.” Be consistent with the word you choose so your dog can associate the action with the command.

Once your dog lifts their paw (or you help them lift it), praise them and offer a treat. Keep your praise enthusiastic and use a treat your dog loves. Positive reinforcement is key when teaching a dog paw.

Repeat the process several times in short, positive sessions. Gradually, your dog will start to associate the command with the action of lifting their paw.

As your dog begins to understand the trick, gradually reduce the amount of assistance you provide in lifting their paw. Eventually, your dog will lift their paw on their own when they hear the command. If your dog is struggling, try breaking the task down into smaller steps. For example, you can reward your dog for simply moving their paw in the direction of the target without fully lifting it.

Like any skill, teaching a dog paw requires practice. Once your dog has learned the basics, reinforce the behaviour by practising regularly. Keep training sessions fun and positive, and always end on a good note with praise and treats.

It’s not uncommon for some dogs to take longer than others to learn a trick. If your dog is not yet giving paw, it could be due to a few reasons:

Once your dog has mastered the paw trick, you can move on to teaching them a fun variation: the high five. To do this, simply follow the same steps as above but, instead of lifting the paw, encourage your dog to place their paw on your hand. Use the command “high five” and reward them when they make contact.

If you have a puppy, teaching them to give paw can be an excellent way to start their training journey. Puppies are naturally curious and eager to learn, and teaching them paw is a relatively simple trick. Remember that puppies have shorter attention spans, so keep sessions brief and use plenty of treats and praise to keep them engaged.

If you’re looking for more in-depth training tips for your puppy, Centre of Excellence offers a range of courses on dog training that can help you master the basics and move on to more advanced tricks.

While it might take a little longer for older dogs to grasp the trick compared to a puppy, with patience and consistent training, dogs can learn at any age. Just be sure to go at their pace and keep training sessions enjoyable.

Once your dog has learned to give one paw, you can teach them to give the other paw using the same process. Simply repeat the steps for the second paw, using a different command if you like, such as "other paw."

If you'd like to teach your dog to give paw without relying on treats, you can use praise or a favourite toy as rewards instead. Some dogs respond well to verbal encouragement or playtime. Gradually phase out treats over time as your dog gets more comfortable with the behaviour, but always make sure to offer some form of reward to reinforce the trick.

If your dog has joint problems or is older, be gentle when teaching the paw trick. Instead of lifting their paw manually, try encouraging them to place it in your hand by guiding them with a treat. Always watch for signs of discomfort, and if you notice any, consider consulting a vet before proceeding with training.

Training sessions should be short and consistent. Aim for 5–10 minute sessions a few times a day to keep your dog engaged without overwhelming them. Frequent, positive reinforcement during these short sessions will help your dog learn faster and enjoy the process.

If you’ve enjoyed learning how to teach a dog to paw and are interested in dog training, why not consider taking the Dog Training Diploma Course with Centre of Excellence? It’s an excellent opportunity to learn more about dog behaviour, training techniques, and how to improve your relationship with your dog. You can enrol today at a discounted price of just £29.