Teach Your Dog to High Five in 5 Minutes or Less!

Before you start, let’s gather a few simple things to make this training session a huge success. The great news is you probably have everything you need right at home. The key isn’t fancy equipment; it’s a positive attitude and irresistible rewards!

• High-Value Treats: This is the secret weapon. Forget the dry kibble for this one. You want small, soft, and extra-tasty treats that your dog absolutely loves. Think tiny pieces of cheese, cooked chicken, or their favorite smelly training treats. The goal is to make them say, ‘Wow, I’ll do anything for that!’
• A Quiet Space: Choose a location with minimal distractions. The living room when the TV is off or a quiet hallway is perfect. You want your dog’s full attention on you and the fun game you’re about to play.
• An Enthusiastic You: Your energy is contagious! Bring a happy, patient, and positive vibe to the session. Your dog will pick up on your excitement, making them more eager to learn and play along.

That’s it! No fancy clickers or special gear required unless you’re already using them in your training. This trick is all about simplicity and connection.

Alright, it’s go-time! Remember to keep sessions short and sweet—just a few minutes is perfect. We’re aiming for a quick win to keep your dog excited and engaged. Follow these simple steps and get ready to be amazed.

1. Start with a ‘Sit’: Ask your dog to sit. This gives you a calm, focused starting position. Once they are sitting politely, give them a treat and some praise. You’re setting the stage for learning.
2. Present the Treat: Take one of those yummy treats and close your fist around it. Let your dog sniff your hand so they know the prize is in there. Hold your closed fist low, just in front of their shoulder and near the floor.
3. Wait for the Paw: Now, be patient. Your dog will likely try a few things to get the treat. They might sniff, lick, or nudge your hand with their nose. Ignore these behaviors. What you’re waiting for is for them to lift a paw to investigate. The very instant their paw touches your hand—even the slightest tap—you’ve hit the jackpot!
4. Mark and Reward: The second their paw makes contact, say an enthusiastic ‘Yes!’ or ‘Good!’ and immediately open your hand to give them the treat. This is called ‘marking’ the behavior. You’re telling them, ‘That! That paw touch is exactly what I wanted!’ Repeat this step 3-4 times.
5. Introduce the Cue: Once your dog is consistently pawing at your hand to get the treat, it’s time to name the trick. Just as they are about to touch your hand, say the verbal cue, ‘High Five!’ in a happy, upbeat tone. Then, mark and reward as usual.
6. Raise Your Hand: Now, start presenting your hand slightly higher off the ground. It’s no longer a closed fist but an open palm, just like you’re asking for a real high five. Say ‘High Five!’ and wait for them to tap your open palm. Reward them enthusiastically when they do!

Expert Tip: Keep it fun! If your dog gets frustrated or loses interest, end the session on a positive note with a trick they already know and try again later. Training should always feel like a game.

Sometimes our furry students have their own ideas about how the game should be played. Don’t worry, it’s completely normal! Here are a few common hiccups and how to navigate them with a smile.

• The Sniffer: What if your dog just keeps sniffing or licking your hand instead of using their paw?
  

  Try this:

  Lift your hand away for a second and then present it again. Sometimes, slightly moving your hand can trigger their instinct to use a paw to stop it. Be patient; they’ll eventually try their paw.

• The Nibbler: Some dogs, especially puppies, might try to gently mouth or nibble your hand to get the treat.
  

  Try this:

  If they use their mouth, say a gentle ‘oops!’ and pull your hand away for a moment. Don’t scold them. Simply re-present your hand. Only reward the paw touch. They’ll quickly learn that only paws win the prize.

• The Overly Enthusiastic Paw-Slammer: Got a dog who gives you a high five with the force of a wrecking ball?
  

  Try this:

  Reward only the gentler taps. If they slam your hand, just ignore it for a second. When they offer a softer touch, reward that with extra enthusiasm. You can also teach a cue like ‘Gentle’ to encourage a softer touch.

• The ‘No Paw’ Pup: What if your dog just won’t lift their paw at all?
  

  Try this:

  You can gently tickle the hair on the back of their paw or lightly tap it. This often causes a reflex to lift the foot. The moment they lift it, even a millimeter, mark and reward! You’re rewarding the choice to lift, which is the first step.

Congratulations, you’ve mastered the high five! But why stop there? This simple trick is a gateway to a whole world of adorable and impressive behaviors. Once your dog is a high-five pro, try some of these fun variations to keep their mind sharp and the good times rolling.

• Teach the Other Paw: Your dog probably has a ‘dominant’ paw they prefer to use. Now, try teaching the same trick with their other paw! You can use a different cue, like ‘Other Paw’ or ‘Shake,’ to distinguish between the two. This is a great brain game for your pup.
• Go for a ‘High Ten’: This one is a real crowd-pleaser! Once they know how to offer both paws individually, hold up both of your hands and ask for a ‘High Ten!’ It might take a few tries, but it’s a super cute trick that shows off your dog’s coordination.
• Fade the Lure: The ultimate goal is for your dog to respond to your cue without seeing a treat in your hand. Start practicing by showing them your empty open palm while saying ‘High Five!’ and then giving them a treat from your other hand after they complete the trick. Eventually, they’ll do it just for the praise (and the treat that comes after!).
• Wave Hello: Once they are comfortable lifting their paw, you can shape the high five into a wave. Hold your hand up a little further away, and reward them for just lifting their paw in the air toward you, without making contact. With practice, you can have a dog that waves goodbye!