Trick - Shake a (back) Leg

[Wooferhound]

1) With your dog standing, kneel or crouch down beside him and hold a treat close to his nose. Now move your hand along your dogs’ body to his hind paw and touch it gently to encourage him to lift it.

2) Most dogs have quite sensitive feet, so a gentle touch will usually cause them to move their paws. As soon as your dog lifts his paw, verbally praise and treat. Repeat this several times so that your dog understands what you want him to do. Then add in the verbal command, such as ‘foot’, just before you praise.

3) Practise the trick, giving your dog the verbal cue and slowly withdrawing the touch on this foot. As he gets the idea, you can try standing up and just giving the verbal command. Then, if you wish, follow the steps through again and teach your dog to raise his other hind paw on a different verbal command.

* If your dog isn’t keen to raise his paw, try tickling between his toes. Many dogs are super-sensitive in this area and will quickly snatch their foot up.

* If your dog still isn’t persuaded to lift his paw, pick it up with your hand and then praise and treat. Repeat this a few times and he should then understand what you are asking for,

* If you choose to teach this trick for both paws, choose verbal commands that are distinct and memorable so that you don’t confuse yourself and your dog. Try choosing words that relate to your dogs paw colours or markings.