How To: Teach a dog to shake hands

From housebreaking to traveling, crate training a puppy or dog can have long-term rewards for both owners and pets. Watch this how to video to learn how to teach a dog to shake hands.

You Will Need
* A crate
* A screwdriver
* A soft towel or blanket
* Two dog toys
* 1/2 gal Pet carrier water bottle
* 12 dog treats or biscuits

Step 1: Get them to sit
While looking at your dog, give the command for "sit." While their backside and rear legs are touching the ground, they should be putting their weight on their front legs.
*Tip: While working with your dog, get them to sit in a corner where they can't easily walk away if they get distracted.

Step 2: Extend your hand
While maintaining eye contact, give the command "shake hands," extend your hand, and touch their right front paw.

Step 3: Raise the paw
If your dog doesn't raise their paw, lift it for them. Repeat this step until your dog raises their paw on their own. Reward your dog with a treat and words of praise such as "good boy!" or "good girl!"

Step 4: Switching paws
After your dog correctly responds to the "shake hands" command six times with one paw, repeat the steps with the other paw. For this variation of the trick, use the command "other paw," reinforcing the correct response with a treat and praise.

Step 5: Try it out
Try it out with friends, neighbors, and even passersby while out walking with your dog. It never fails to impress!

Fact
Some historians believe the handshake was first used in medieval times to make sure a stranger didn't have a weapon hidden in their hand.