Teach your Dog to High Five

by Jamie Pyatt

Beyond the basic commands – sit, stay, come, down – that your dog must learn, there are some less important, but fun tricks, you can teach Fido.

If your dog already knows how to Shake or Give Paw, you are already halfway there! If not the most important component of the High Five is repetition, repetition, repetition. And did I mention repetition?

The First step is to squat in front of your dog while he’s sitting. Hold your hand, palm out, in front of him and give the command, then pick up his front foot and contact it to your hand. Reward with a treat, praise, or both. Lots of excitement over the wonderful trick he’s just performed. Tell him how smart he is and what a good dog he is. Do the happy dance.

The command “High five” is simple and to the point but you can decide to call it whatever you prefer. Just remember not to use the same command for multiple tricks, such as “Shake” for shaking hands, drying off and high-fiving. Dog’s are able to understand many words but giving the same command for different actions will confuse and frustrate your dog, and remember, this is supposed to be fun for both of you.

Practice 3 times each training session, 3 short training sessions per day, rewarding him with treats, praise, excitement, or all three, until he makes the connection between the command and the action.

Once your dog figures out what you are asking of him, you have the basics down. Gradually increase the height of your hand until you are as high as your dog can comfortably go.

Now you are ready to impress and amaze your friends with a doggy High Five at your next party!