Teaching a dog new tricks can be a fun and rewarding experience for both pooch and human. A simple trick, like giving a doggy high five, can have a number of benefits for both the dog and their owner. By following a few simple steps, with some patience and positive reinforcement, teaching a dog how to give a high five is not as hard as some may think it is.
Benefits of Teaching Dogs New Tricks
Some dog owners love to teach their pets tricks, like giving high fives, while others prefer the more functional commands, like sit and stay. The fact is that all types of training, whether it is for fun or function, helps keep dogs engaged, mentally stimulated, and increases the dog-human bond.
Teaching tricks, like high fiving, is a great companion to the lessons learned at dog obedience classes. Whether someone has found online classes by searching for “dog trainer near me” or they have attended in-person training classes, teaching some fun tricks can help cement the other lessons learned.
Tricks that involve contact can also help with a dog’s comfort level in other situations. For example, learning how to give a high five can help a dog get used to humans touching their paws. This makes going to the groomers or the vet a less traumatic experience.
Tricks can also be used to add a positive association to a new situation. Dogs get a lot of satisfaction from performing tricks with their owners. In situations where the pet may be unsure or anxious, giving a high five followed by praise may be enough to help a nervous dog relax. Giving a dog a high five can also help give people who are nervous about being around a dog some added confidence as well.
How to Teach a Dog to Give High Fives
There are a few simple steps to teaching a dog how to high five. Progressing patiently and consistently is the best plan for success.
1) The pup should start in a sitting position.
2) Hold a treat in a tight fist in front of the dog’s nose.
3) When the dog paws at the fist, praise him and allow him to have the treat.
4) Repeat steps 1 – 3 five times.
5) Repeat the same motions but say “high five” before the dog puts his paw on the fist.
6) Praise and give the treat.
7) Repeat steps 5 and 6 five times.
8) Progress to a flat hand with no treat
9) Say “high five”, praise, and reward with a treat.
10) Slowly decrease the frequency of treats but always praise.
11) Eventually, high fives will become a piece of cake.
What to Avoid
In order to avoid frustration for both dog and owner, there are a few things to avoid doing when teaching a dog how to give a high five:
1) Don’t practice for too long – shorter practice sessions (five minutes) three times a day is much more effective than one long practice session.
2) Don’t grab the pooch’s paw – dog’s paws can be sensitive and grabbing a paw can be uncomfortable.
3) Giving up – if the training isn’t going well, consider backing up and progressing slower through the steps. If it just isn’t working, dog owners should consider looking online for a “dog trainer near me” who can provide some professional help.
Finding Help
For help with simple tricks, like giving high fives, or with more serious concerns, like behavior, barking, aggression, or separation anxiety, dog owners should search for a “dog trainer near me.” There are trainers that offer a variety of services, including online tutorials, one-on-one training (both in-person and virtual), and group classes. The best dog trainers have an impressive resume and a long list of happy customers.
Whether a dog owner has never attempted to teach their pup a trick or they want to add something new for their doggie to try, teaching high fives is a good choice. The mental challenge helps to stimulate the dog while the patience and perseverance helps the owner become a better dog friend. If training isn’t going as planned, dog owners should remember that finding help is as simple as an online search for a “dog trainer near me.” Dog owners should not forget that teaching their four-legged friends new tricks should be fun and rewarding for both human and pup.
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