Today we will explain how to teach your dog to wave. There’s nothing cuter than seeing a puppy lifting its paw to say hello or goodbye, right?
Waving is a very fun trick that impresses everyone. Best of all, the trick is not difficult to teach or learn. You’ll just need patience, a few treats, and your clicker if you have one.
It is recommended that your dog already knows how to shake his paw, because the wave is built from what he learned with this skill.
Below, we explain how to teach your dog to wave:
How to Teach Your Dog to Wave:
Step 1
To teach your dog to wave, you will need treats and a clicker if you have one.
Before starting training, be sure to choose a quiet place in the house and take your dog there.
Sit facing your dog and place one hand in a fist in front of your puppy.
If your dog is small, place him a little off the ground. It is important that you are at a height that he can reach with his paws. This will depend on your dog’s height.
Let your dog see the treats and the clicker in your other hand.
Your dog will surely start scratching your hand, thinking that there is something in it. At this point, click and use your marker word. Reward your puppy as soon as he lifts his paw, reaching for your hand, without touching it.
Do not tag or offer a reward if the dog touches your hand.
Step 2
When your dog is repeatedly putting his paw in the air without trying to touch your hand, you can proceed to step 2 by removing your fist.
To advance in training, you can remove your hand completely. At this point, your dog will continue pawing the air even if you just remove your hand.
Another option is to move your fist further and further away from the dog as he waves.
Step 3
After your dog is waving, you can add a cue, that is, a signal for your dog to start waving. Some people prefer to use a hand signal, while others prefer to use a word.
Using a hand signal is a great option to make people think the dog is waving alone. But that will depend on how your dog adapts best.
Step 4
Once your dog is waving without difficulty, you can teach him to do the same with the other paw.
It is important to remember that most dogs are dominant with one paw, so your dog may have difficulty waving the other paw.
To teach him, repeat the entire initial process, but using a different cue, such as “Other Paw”.
You can also combine other tricks with the waving trick.
If your dog has already learned to “Sit Pretty”, how about combining it with a wave? It will definitely be a lot of fun!
To learn how to teach your dog to sit, click here.
Important Tips for Teaching your Dog to Wave!
– If your dog doesn’t want to hold your hand at the time of training, try using some objects, such as a toy, a book, etc.
– Maintain the frequency of training. Practice the command with your dog two or three times a day.
– Be patient, as every dog learns at their own pace.
– If your puppy seems tired or bored, stop the session and start again later. It is recommended to end each training session with a positive response.
– Start Training Sessions at home. Once your dog learns, try training him in other places, such as in the yard or in a park.
– Remember to always give your dog a reward after sessions!
Read more: Why Do Dogs Howl?
How about starting today to teach your dog to wave? It sure will be so cute to see your dog greeting you with a wave every time you come home!
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