"Give paw" is the crowd-pleaser of dog training, the one that makes visitors coo and children giggle. But I love it for a more practical reason too: a dog who happily offers a paw is a dog who is comfortable having their feet handled, and as a groomer I can tell you that makes nail trims, paw checks and drying so much easier. It is one of the simplest, most rewarding tricks to teach, it builds your dog's confidence, and it is a lovely bit of gentle bonding. This guide walks you through it step by step, using kind, reward-based methods with plenty of praise and treats.
Think of this as a fun companion to the basic commands overview. Once your dog can sit, they are ready to learn to shake.
Why "give paw" is more than a party trick
Teaching paw gets your dog used to a hand reaching towards their feet and to having a paw held, calmly and pleasantly. That pays off every time you need to wipe muddy feet, check between the pads, or trim nails. It is also a brilliant confidence builder for shy dogs, because every successful paw earns a reward and a bit of praise. Reward-based training like this is exactly what Dogs Trust recommends in its guide to positive reinforcement training.
Before you start
- Start with your dog in a sit, which frees up a front paw and keeps them settled.
- Choose a calm, quiet spot with no distractions.
- Have small, tasty treats ready and a marker word like "yes".
- Keep it short and jolly. This should feel like a game, never a drill.
Step by step: teaching give paw
- Hold a treat in a closed fist at your dog's chest height, just in front of them.
- Let them investigate. Many dogs will sniff, then paw at your hand to try to get the treat out. That paw is exactly what you want.
- Mark and reward the paw. The instant their paw touches your hand, say "yes" and open your hand to give the treat.
- Repeat until your dog is reliably lifting a paw onto your hand.
- Add the cue. Once the paw is happening every time, say "paw" (or "shake") just before you offer your hand. After lots of repetitions, your dog will lift the paw on the word.
- Fade the treat in the hand. Offer an empty hand, say "paw", and reward from your other hand when they touch it. Now the trick works without food in the presenting hand.
Dogs Trust describes this same gentle, treat-in-the-fist method in its guide to teaching a high five, which is a natural next step once paw is solid.
Groomer's tip: Take a few seconds after each paw to simply hold the paw softly, then reward. This little habit teaches your dog that having their feet handled is pleasant, which is gold for stress-free nail trims and paw checks.
If your dog will not lift a paw
Some dogs nose at your hand rather than pawing at it. If so, you can gently give them a hint: with your dog in a sit, softly tickle the back of one leg or lightly touch the paw, and the moment they lift it even slightly, mark and reward. Never grab or force the paw up, as that feels unpleasant and can make your dog wary of having their feet touched. Just reward every tiny lift and build from there. Keep sessions to a few minutes and always finish on a win.
Building up to a high five
Once "paw" is reliable, a high five is an easy and fun progression. Hold your open hand a touch higher each time so your dog reaches up to touch it, and reward the higher paw. Gradually raise your hand until it becomes a proper high five, then add the words "high five" just before you present your palm. It is the same friendly method, just a little taller.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to teach a dog to give paw?
Many dogs offer a paw within one or two short sessions, since pawing at a treat comes naturally. Adding the verbal cue reliably usually takes a few days to a week of cheerful practice.
My dog just sniffs my hand and will not paw. What now?
Try gently touching or tickling the back of one front leg to encourage a lift, and reward the tiniest movement. Some dogs are more "nose" than "paw" and simply need a little hint to get the idea.
Which paw should I use?
Either is fine. If you would like your dog to learn both, teach one paw first with its own cue (like "paw"), then teach the other with a different cue (like "other paw" or "high five") so your dog can tell them apart.
Is give paw suitable for puppies?
Yes, it is a lovely, gentle first trick for pups. Keep sessions very short and rewards frequent, and enjoy building their confidence and their comfort with having their feet handled.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A dog who is happy to give a paw is far more relaxed about nail trims and paw care in the salon. Book a gentle one-to-one groom.