Senior Dog Comfort & Care

Wanna hold hands? This trick is a step up from a basic shake or high-five cue and helps with nail trimming and handling. Instead of a quick shake of the paw, you’ll reward your dog for allowing you to gently hold each paw in your hand. If your dog already knows how to shake, start to add in duration for how long they must keep their paw on your hand before they get the yes and a treat. Practice with both front paws.

If your dog doesn’t know shake yet, it’s a fun one to teach! Hold a yummy treat between your thumb and palm, making sure to hold it firmly. Hold your palm out flat in front of your dog. Allow them to sniff and bump at your hand with their nose, but don’t do anything until they paw at it. You’re waiting for them to get a tad bit frustrated and use their paw. Once their paw bumps your hand, say yes and move your thumb to give them their reward. Repeat! With practice, start to play this game without the treat under your thumb, and then add in more time that they have to keep their paw on your palm before saying yes and giving the treat.