Papillon training can be a lot of fun for both you and your little friend.  Dogs love to learn and please you and having control over your pooch and spending time with him will make you very happy.  Therefore, don’t limit your lessons to a few commands when there are many tricks and activities you can teach your pup, such as a paw shake.

Teaching your small canine to shake paw, also known as “give paw”, is usually a common part of papillon training because it is easy for your pal to learn and is often a favorite among owners and those excited to trade a treat for a trick.  Furthermore, providing your buddy with this particular education will also serve as the foundation for any other paw-related tricks you wish for him to master in the future.

You can train your papillon to give his paw on demand by following this simple step-by-step process:

Step 1 – Take your pet to a private area of your home where there is little to distract him.  Bring along a few of his favorite treats.

Step 2 – Have him sit in front of you (Note: you must make sure you have already covered the papillon training for the sit command for best results).

Step 3 – Place one of the treats in your closed hand and hold it out in front of him.  Let him smell it but do no give it to him.

Step 4 – Pull your hand back slightly to gain more of his interest.  He may whine for the cookie or poke your hand with his nose.   Don’t give in until he’s eager enough that he uses one of his paws on your hand.

Step 5 – As soon as your poochie reacts using his foot, immediately encourage the action by saying “yes” or a click (if you use clicker papillon training).   Then open your hand and allow him the reward.

Step 6 – Repeat this process until he gives you his paw every time.  Once he begins to catch on, only then add the one-word verbal command “paw” or “shake” when you hold your hand out.

Step 7 – Continue the repetition of the lesson until he does it every time when you give the order.

As you can see, just like all other papillon training, it’s about providing your dog with consistent and repetitive teaching until he gets it.