Why Teach Your Dog to High Five?

Teaching your dog new tricks is not only fun but also mentally stimulating for them. High five is a simple yet impressive trick that can be easily taught to your furry friend. Not only will it impress your friends and family, but it will also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. So, let's get started!

Step 1: Prepare Treats

Before you begin the training session, make sure you have some small, soft treats handy. These treats will serve as positive reinforcement for your dog's good behaviour.

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Step 2: Get Your Dog's Attention

Call your dog's name and get their attention. Make sure they are focused on you before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Show the Treat

Hold the treat in your hand and let your dog sniff it. This will grab their attention and make them eager to earn the treat.

Step 4: Raise Your Hand

Raise your hand slightly above your dog's head, just enough for them to reach with their paw. Use a verbal cue like "High Five" or "Give me five" to associate the action with the command.

Step 5: Encourage Paw Movement

As you raise your hand, gently tap your dog's paw with your palm. This will encourage them to lift their paw and make contact with your hand. When their paw touches your hand, praise them and give them the treat immediately.

Step 6: Repeat and Reinforce

Repeat steps 4 and 5 several times, gradually reducing the height of your hand until your dog can high-five without your hand being raised. Remember to reward them with a treat and praise each time they successfully perform the trick.

Step 7: Add the Verbal Cue

Once your dog consistently lifts their paw to high five, start adding the verbal cue before raising your hand. This will help them associate the command with the action. Practice the trick with the verbal cue until your dog responds to it reliably.

Step 8: Generalise the Trick

Practice the high five trick in different locations and with various distractions. This will help your dog generalise the behaviour and perform it in any situation. Gradually phase out the treats, but continue to praise and reward your dog with verbal praise or a pat on the head.

Conclusion

Teaching your dog to high five is a rewarding experience for both you and your furry companion. Remember to be patient, use positive reinforcement, and keep training sessions short and fun. With consistent practice and reinforcement, your dog will soon be high-fiving like a pro!

Click here for great training treats.