Instruction: how to teach a dog to give a «high five» with both paws.

Introduction

As a certified canine behavior specialist, I will outline the fundamentals of training a dog to perform a high‑five using both front paws. This behavior combines obedience principles with a clear cue, offering a reliable trick that reinforces focus and strengthens the human‑dog bond.

The process begins with establishing a solid “paw” command, then shaping the simultaneous lift of both paws to meet an open hand. Consistent timing, appropriate reinforcement, and gradual reduction of prompts ensure the dog learns the precise movement without confusion. The following sections will detail equipment, cue progression, and troubleshooting strategies essential for successful acquisition.

Preparing for Training

1. Necessary Equipment

Effective training of a canine to perform a two‑paw high five depends on reliable tools that reinforce the behavior and maintain consistency.

High‑value, small‑piece treats that the dog can consume quickly; soft, moist treats are preferable to avoid chewing delays.
A clicker or other marker device to signal the exact moment the desired action occurs.
A flat, non‑slip training mat or low‑profile rug that defines a clear work area and reduces distractions.
A hand target, such as a short, lightweight baton or a silicone pad, which the dog can learn to touch with its paw.
A short, adjustable leash or a gentle‑leader to keep the dog positioned within the training zone without restricting movement.
A lightweight harness, optional, to provide additional control for dogs that tend to pull or jump excessively.

A quiet environment with minimal visual and auditory stimuli enhances focus, while a timer can help track short training intervals and prevent fatigue. All equipment should be clean, odor‑free, and stored in a dedicated training kit to ensure readiness for each session.

2. Choosing the Right Environment

Selecting an optimal training setting accelerates a dog’s ability to perform a two‑paw high five. The environment must meet three criteria: safety, minimal distraction, and consistent cue association.

Safety: Choose a flat, non‑slippery surface such as a rubber mat or hardwood floor. Eliminate hazards-cords, fragile objects, or sharp edges-that could injure the animal or interrupt the session.
Low distraction: Conduct practice in a quiet room with limited foot traffic. Close doors, turn off televisions, and silence mobile devices. If external sounds are unavoidable, use a white‑noise machine to mask them.
Cue consistency: Use the same location for each training block to help the dog link the physical space with the desired behavior. The familiar setting reinforces the command and reduces the cognitive load of adapting to new surroundings.

When indoor space is constrained, an outdoor area can serve as an alternative if it meets the same standards. Prefer a fenced yard with a level lawn, shielded from passing pedestrians and vehicles. Conduct sessions during calm periods of the day-early morning or late evening-to avoid sudden noises or activity spikes.

Maintain a tidy training zone by removing toys, food bowls, and other items that might draw the dog’s attention away from the task. A controlled environment ensures the dog focuses on the hand signal and paw lift, leading to faster mastery of the bilateral high five.

Initial Steps: Teaching "Paw"

1. Lure and Reward Method

Training a dog to perform a two‑paw high‑five can be achieved efficiently with the lure‑and‑reward technique. The method relies on shaping the desired behavior by presenting a tempting stimulus and immediately reinforcing successful attempts.

Begin by selecting a small, high‑value treat that the dog finds irresistible. Hold the treat in one hand, positioned just above the dog’s nose, then move it upward and slightly outward, encouraging the animal to lift a paw to reach the bait. As soon as the paw makes contact with the hand, deliver the treat and praise briefly. This creates a clear association between the action and a positive outcome.

Repeat the sequence several times until the dog consistently raises a single paw on cue. At this stage, introduce a verbal marker such as “high‑five” or a hand signal, delivering it the moment the paw contacts the hand. Continue rewarding each correct response.

To develop the use of both paws, alternate the hand holding the lure after the dog masters the one‑paw version. Present the treat in the opposite hand, prompting the other paw to rise. Reinforce each successful bilateral response with the same treat and marker. Gradually reduce reliance on the lure by offering the treat only after the dog offers the high‑five without waiting for the bait, thereby strengthening the voluntary nature of the behavior.

Conclude training sessions after a short series of successful repetitions to prevent fatigue. Consistent, short practice periods combined with immediate, high‑value rewards produce reliable, long‑lasting performance of a two‑paw high‑five.

2. Adding a Verbal Cue

When expanding a high‑five routine, the verbal cue bridges the physical signal and the dog’s response, ensuring consistency across environments. Choose a short, distinct word-such as “high,” “up,” or “five”-that does not overlap with commands already in the dog’s repertoire. Pair the word with the hand gesture from the very first session; the dog learns to associate the sound with the motion, not the other way around.

Begin each training episode with a brief cue‑hand sequence:

Present the cue word in a calm tone.
Immediately raise your hand to the dog’s paw level.
Reward the paw contact with a treat or enthusiastic praise.

Repeat the pattern until the dog raises a paw upon hearing the word alone. Gradually fade the hand motion, leaving only the verbal prompt. Maintain a consistent volume and intonation; variations can confuse the animal and slow acquisition.

Once the dog reliably lifts one paw, repeat the process for the opposite paw, using the same cue word. After both paws respond independently, introduce a “both” modifier-such as “both” or “double”-and cue the dog to offer each paw simultaneously. Reinforce successful dual responses with high‑value rewards, then practice in varied locations to strengthen generalization.

Regular short sessions, clear language, and immediate reinforcement cement the verbal cue as an integral component of the high‑five behavior.

Introducing the "High Five" Concept

1. Raising the Paw Higher

Teaching a dog to lift each paw beyond the normal shake requires deliberate shaping of the movement. Begin by establishing a reliable “paw” cue with one paw, then extend the height gradually.

Select a target height. Place a low, stable object (e.g., a coffee mug) on the floor. The dog should raise its paw to touch the object’s rim.
Mark the behavior. When the dog’s paw contacts the target, deliver an immediate marker (clicker or verbal “yes”) followed by a high‑value treat.
Increase the elevation. Raise the object incrementally-first a few centimeters, then several inches-each time rewarding only when the paw reaches the new level.
Introduce the opposite paw. Repeat steps 1‑3 with the other paw, using the same progressive height adjustments.
Combine the cues. Once both paws respond independently at the desired height, cue “high five” with a hand gesture and reward simultaneous contact.

Consistent repetition, clear markers, and incremental height adjustments condition the dog to lift each paw higher until the full “high five” is performed reliably.

2. Hand Position for "High Five"

When training a dog to perform a high five with both paws, the trainer’s hand placement is the pivotal cue that signals the desired response. The hand must be positioned so the dog can easily associate the gesture with the reward.

Hold the hand palm‑up, fingers slightly spread to create a clear, flat surface.
Align the wrist at approximately shoulder height; this height matches the natural reach of an adult dog’s forelimb.
Keep the hand steady for a moment before presenting it; sudden movements can confuse the animal.
Position the hand directly in front of the dog’s nose, about six to eight inches away, allowing the dog to see the target without needing to shift its body.
Use the same hand for each repetition to maintain consistency; changing hands introduces a variable that can delay learning.

The hand’s orientation should remain consistent throughout each training session. A stable, open palm at shoulder level provides a visual and tactile cue that the dog learns to match with its own paws, resulting in a reliable high‑five response.

Transitioning to Two Paws

1. Encouraging the Second Paw

Teaching a dog to raise the opposite paw after mastering a single‑paw high‑five requires a clear, incremental approach. Begin by reinforcing the existing behavior: reward the dog each time it lifts the trained paw on cue. Use a distinct verbal marker such as “high‑five” and a consistent hand signal.

Next, introduce a secondary cue that signals the use of the other paw. Position yourself opposite the dog and present a treat just out of reach of the trained paw, forcing the animal to consider the opposite limb. When the dog attempts to reach with the second paw, immediately mark the action with a click or a brief “yes” and deliver the treat.

To solidify the new response, alternate cues within a single training session:

Issue the original “high‑five” command; reward the trained paw.
After a short pause, give a modified cue-e.g., “other‑hand” or a mirrored hand signal.
Reward any attempt with the opposite paw, even if the motion is incomplete.
Gradually increase the required height and precision, reducing treat frequency while maintaining intermittent praise.

Maintain short, focused sessions (5‑10 minutes) to prevent fatigue. Keep the environment free of distractions, and ensure the dog is physically comfortable; joint pain can impede willingness to lift a paw.

Finally, integrate both cues into a single command sequence: “high‑five both.” Begin with the trained paw, then cue the second paw using the previously established secondary signal. Consistent repetition will merge the two actions into a fluid, bilateral high‑five.

2. Combining the Cues

Teaching a dog to raise both paws simultaneously requires the seamless integration of visual and verbal signals. Begin by establishing each cue independently: a hand gesture that invites the front paw and a distinct word that signals the desired response. Once the dog reliably performs the gesture and the word separately, introduce them together in a single training session.

Present the hand signal while uttering the verbal cue at the same moment.
Reward immediately after the dog lifts both paws, using a high‑value treat or enthusiastic praise.
Repeat the combined cue for several short trials, maintaining consistent timing.

If the dog hesitates or offers only one paw, revert to the single‑cue stage until the behavior is solid, then resume the combined approach. Gradually increase the interval between cue presentation and reward to reinforce reliability. Consistency in cue pairing and prompt reinforcement will condition the dog to associate the paired signals with the bilateral high‑five action.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Dog Not Responding

When a canine fails to perform the desired “high‑five” cue, the first step is to verify that the foundational elements of the behavior are in place. The dog must already understand basic hand‑targeting and reward association; without this, any attempt at a dual‑paw gesture will be ignored.

Confirm that the animal reliably touches a single hand with one paw when prompted. Use a clear marker such as a clicker or verbal cue, followed immediately by a high‑value treat. If the response is inconsistent, reinforce the single‑paw touch until success reaches at least 90 % across several sessions.
Ensure the hand signal is distinct from other commands. A raised palm, steady for two seconds, works best. Avoid mixing this cue with “shake” or “paw” signals, which can create ambiguity.
Assess the dog’s motivation level. Low energy, recent illness, or lack of preferred treats will reduce willingness to engage. Adjust the reward to something the dog finds irresistible-small pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or a favorite chew-delivered within one second of the correct response.
Eliminate environmental distractions. Training in a quiet room with minimal foot traffic helps the animal focus on the hand cue. Gradually introduce mild background noise once the behavior is solid.

If the dog still shows no reaction after these checks, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Re‑establish the cue‑reward link - start each session with a brief refresher of the single‑paw touch, then immediately add the second paw as a “bonus” after the first is completed.
Shape the second paw - reward any slight lift of the opposite paw, even if the dog only brushes the trainer’s hand. Increase the criteria incrementally until the full high‑five is achieved.
Use a visual guide - place a small, low‑profile target (e.g., a sticky note) on the trainer’s palm. The dog learns to aim for the target with both paws, reducing confusion about hand placement.
Check for physical limitations - joint pain, arthritis, or recent injury can prevent the dog from lifting a paw. Consult a veterinarian if the animal shows signs of discomfort during attempts.

Consistency across sessions matters more than duration. Short, frequent training bouts (5‑10 minutes, three times daily) keep the dog’s attention high and reinforce the behavior without fatigue. Document each trial’s outcome, noting the cue used, response latency, and reward type. This data allows precise adjustments and tracks progress objectively.

By systematically confirming basic hand‑targeting, sharpening the cue, optimizing motivation, and eliminating distractions, the most common reasons for non‑response disappear. The result is a reliable, enthusiastic high‑five performed with both paws, ready for real‑world practice.

2. Dog Using Mouth

When training a canine to perform a bilateral high‑five, the mouth serves as a primary conduit for delivering reinforcement and shaping the behavior.

The mouth’s role can be broken down into three functional phases:

Reward delivery - Hold a small, soft treat between thumb and forefinger. Release the treat only after the dog raises both front paws and contacts the hand. Immediate oral reward creates a clear association between the action and a positive outcome.
Target acquisition - Attach a lightweight cue stick to a chew‑safe sleeve. Encourage the dog to bite the sleeve, then gently lift the stick to the height of the hand. The dog learns to position its paws while maintaining a bite, reinforcing the combined mouth‑paw coordination.
Signal consistency - Use a clicker or a verbal cue followed by a brief mouth click (e.g., a soft “tsk”). The auditory cue, produced by the trainer’s mouth, marks the exact moment the paws touch, ensuring precise timing for the dog’s response.

Practical steps for integrating mouth‑based reinforcement:

Begin with a sit‑stay to secure focus.
Present the treat in the mouth, allowing the dog to sniff but not ingest.
Raise the hand to the dog’s shoulder level; the dog instinctively lifts a paw to reach the treat.
When the first paw contacts, click and release a portion of the treat.
Repeat until the dog consistently offers the first paw.
Introduce the second hand, mirroring the first.
Apply the same treat‑in‑mouth protocol, rewarding only when both paws simultaneously touch the hands.
Gradually phase out the treat, retaining only the mouth‑produced click as the marker.

Key considerations:

Use treats small enough to be swallowed quickly, preventing distraction.
Maintain a steady hand height; variable positions confuse the mouth‑paw link.
Limit sessions to five minutes to avoid fatigue and preserve motivation.

By systematically employing the mouth for reward, target, and marker functions, the dog learns to coordinate both paws and achieve a reliable high‑five response.

3. Inconsistent Performance

As a professional canine behavior specialist, I observe that inconsistent execution of a bilateral high‑five often stems from three primary sources: unclear cue differentiation, uneven paw strength, and variable reinforcement timing.

Cue ambiguity - If the verbal command or hand signal does not distinctly separate the single‑paw and double‑paw actions, the dog may default to the more familiar behavior. Use a unique phrase (“both paws”) paired with a symmetrical hand motion that differs markedly from the one‑paw prompt.
Paw strength disparity - Dogs frequently develop a dominant forelimb. When the weaker paw hesitates, the gesture appears incomplete. Incorporate targeted strength‑building exercises, such as weighted paw lifts and balanced stepping drills, to equalize muscular development.
Reinforcement inconsistency - Rewarding the dog only after a flawless double‑palm response creates a high threshold for success. Apply a shaping protocol: immediately praise any attempt that includes the second paw, then gradually require tighter contact before delivering the primary treat.

Addressing these factors in a systematic training plan restores reliability. Begin each session with a brief review of the single‑paw high‑five, then introduce the dual cue. Alternate reinforcement intervals to prevent anticipation patterns, and monitor the dog’s paw usage across varied environments to ensure transfer of the skill. Consistency in signal, balanced physical conditioning, and precise timing of rewards collectively eliminate erratic performance and solidify the bilateral high‑five as a dependable command.

Advanced Tips

1. Varying the Context

When training a canine to perform a two‑paw high five, altering the learning environment prevents the behavior from being tied to a single set of circumstances. By exposing the dog to diverse situations, the response becomes reliable regardless of location, people present, or background activity.

Change the setting: practice in the yard, a quiet room, a bustling hallway, and an outdoor park. Each venue introduces different visual and auditory stimuli.
Vary the handler’s stance: alternate between standing, kneeling, and sitting. Adjust the height of the hand to match the dog’s natural reach from each position.
Modify the cue: use a verbal command (“high five”), a hand signal, or a combination. Rotate the cue order across sessions to reinforce flexibility.
Introduce distractions: incorporate toys, other dogs, or passing traffic while the dog executes the trick. Gradually increase the intensity of the distraction as proficiency improves.
Switch reward type: alternate treats, praise, and brief play. This prevents reliance on a single motivator and sustains enthusiasm.

Consistently rotating these variables builds a robust high‑five response that transfers to real‑world interactions, ensuring the dog offers the gesture on command in any context.

2. Adding Distractions

When a dog reliably offers a high‑five in a quiet environment, the next phase is to introduce stimuli that compete for its attention. This step tests the durability of the response and prepares the animal for real‑world situations where noises, people, and other animals are present.

Begin by selecting a single, low‑intensity distraction-such as a ticking clock or a distant conversation. Position the source at a comfortable distance and cue the high‑five as usual. If the dog complies, reduce the gap by a few feet. Continue until the animal performs the trick while the background sound remains audible.

Progress to dynamic distractions:

A second person walks slowly past the training area.
A favorite toy is tossed a short distance away.
A brief pause in the cue is followed by a sudden, non‑threatening bark from a recording.

For each new element, maintain the same hand signal and reward timing. If the dog hesitates, revert to the previous level of difficulty and repeat until success is consistent before adding the next variable.

When multiple distractions occur simultaneously, arrange them in order of increasing complexity. For instance, start with a moving person while a soft music track plays, then add a distant doorbell. Observe the dog’s focus; if errors appear, isolate the offending stimulus and practice it independently.

Reward criteria remain unchanged: deliver the treat immediately after the paw contact, then release the cue. Consistency in timing reinforces the association between the action and the reward, even under competing inputs.

If the dog regresses, shorten the session, reduce the intensity of the distraction, and increase the frequency of successful trials. Gradual escalation, paired with precise reinforcement, builds a robust high‑five behavior that persists amid everyday interruptions.

Maintaining the Trick

Consistent reinforcement is the cornerstone of long‑term reliability. After the initial training phase, continue to reward the high‑five response at least three times per week. Use the same cue word and hand signal to preserve the association, but vary the reward type (treat, praise, brief play) to keep motivation high.

Gradual reduction of treats prevents dependence on food. Replace half of the treats with verbal approval after the dog reliably offers the gesture. Maintain a schedule that alternates between rewarded and unrewarded trials; this intermittent reinforcement strengthens the behavior without overfeeding.

Generalization extends the trick beyond the training area. Practice the high‑five in different rooms, on varied flooring, and during brief walks. Each new context should include a quick reminder of the cue, followed by an immediate reward. Successful execution in diverse settings indicates a robust command.

Monitor the dog’s physical condition. Joint discomfort or fatigue can diminish performance. Adjust the frequency of sessions if the dog shows signs of soreness, and incorporate gentle stretching before practice.

Periodically assess retention by introducing a short delay between cue and response. A delay of five to ten seconds tests the dog’s memory and reinforces patience. If the response falters, revert to a brief refresher session with higher reward frequency until accuracy returns.

Maintenance checklist

Reward at least three sessions per week.
Alternate treat and verbal praise.
Practice in three new locations each month.
Observe for limping or reluctance; pause training if needed.
Introduce a 5‑10 second cue‑response interval weekly.

By adhering to these protocols, the high‑five remains a reliable, enjoyable behavior for both dog and owner.

Safety Considerations

As a professional canine trainer, I prioritize safety throughout the high‑five training process. Before beginning, confirm that the dog is free of joint or paw injuries; a brief veterinary check eliminates hidden problems that could worsen under pressure. Choose a non‑slippery, stable surface such as a rubber mat or hardwood floor; slick floors increase the risk of sudden slips and strain on the limbs. Keep training sessions brief-no longer than five minutes-to prevent fatigue and overheating, both of which can lead to loss of coordination.

When positioning your hand, avoid excessive force. Extend the palm gently and wait for the dog to make contact; forcing the paw can cause bruising or stress on the carpal joint. Use a soft, high‑value treat as a reward, ensuring that the food does not encourage rapid, uncontrolled paw lifts that could result in accidental bites. Observe the dog’s body language continuously; signs such as tail tucking, excessive panting, or avoidance indicate discomfort and require an immediate pause.

Key safety measures:

Verify health status with a vet or thorough physical inspection.
Use a stable, traction‑providing training area.
Limit each session to a few minutes, with ample rest between attempts.
Apply gentle hand placement; never push the paw beyond natural range.
Reward with small, easy‑to‑chew treats to maintain focus without overexcitement.
Monitor for stress signals and discontinue if they appear.
Keep the training environment free of hazards such as cords or sharp objects.

By adhering to these precautions, the dog learns the high‑five behavior without compromising musculoskeletal health or overall well‑being.