4 Steps to Teach Your Dog to Give You a High-Five

Teaching your dog to high-five is not only ridiculously cute, but it’s also one of the easiest tricks for them to learn.

Plus, who doesn’t want a dog that can greet you with some serious paw power? Whether you’ve got a puppy who’s eager to learn or an older dog looking for a new party trick, this is a fun one to try.

Let’s break it down step by step. You can also scroll down to watch the video lesson instead.

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Step 1: Start with a Sit

First things first—get your dog to sit. This is your starting position for the trick. If they don’t already know how to sit, teach that first (you know, the classic butt-to-the-floor move). Once they’re sitting calmly, you’re ready to roll.

Grab a treat. Hold it near their nose to keep their attention, and make sure they’re focused. No distracted dogs allowed!

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Step 2: Teach the Paw Target

Hold the treat in your hand, just slightly above their paw level. Your dog will naturally try to get at it by raising their paw. As soon as they lift their paw, say “yes” or “good!” and give them the treat. Repeat this a few times until they realize lifting their paw = getting the treat.

If they’re hesitant, gently tap their paw or nudge it up to get them started. Some dogs need a little extra encouragement to figure it out.

Step 3: Add the High-Five Motion

Once they’re confidently offering their paw, it’s time to turn it into a high-five. Start holding your hand open, palm up, instead of holding the treat. Encourage them to hit your palm with their paw. When they do, say “high-five!” and immediately reward them with a treat or lots of praise.

If they’re still trying to sniff your palm instead of pawing it, try hiding the treat in your other hand for now.

Step 4: Practice and Perfect

Now it’s all about repetition. Practice the high-five motion a few times a day. Gradually start phasing out the treat and just use verbal praise when they get it right. Eventually, your dog will start high-fiving on command without needing a snack every time.

Once they’ve mastered the basic high-five, you can level it up—try teaching them a double high-five with both paws or even a “low-five” for variety. Because, let’s face it, a dog with cool tricks is the star of every room.

Video Lesson

Common Mistakes

Being Impatient

Not all dogs pick this up right away. If your dog doesn’t get it in one session, don’t get frustrated. Some dogs need a little more time to figure out what you’re asking.

Skipping the Basics

If your dog doesn’t know “sit” yet, teaching them high-five will feel like trying to run before they can walk. Start with the basics and build from there.

Relying Too Much on Treats

Yes, treats are life, but don’t make them the only reason your dog listens. Pair treats with verbal praise early on so they learn to respond to your voice.

Overtraining

Dogs have short attention spans. If you spend 30 minutes trying to teach high-five, your dog will tune you out. Stick to 5–10 minute sessions to keep things fun.

FAQ: Teaching High-Five

1. How long will it take to teach my dog to high-five?

It depends on your dog’s personality and learning speed. Some dogs get it in a day, while others might take a week or two. Patience is key.

2. What if my dog doesn’t lift their paw?

If your dog isn’t lifting their paw naturally, try gently tapping it or nudging it upward. Once they start getting the idea, reward them immediately.

3. Can older dogs learn this trick?

Absolutely. Age doesn’t matter as long as your dog is comfortable and willing to learn. Older dogs might take a little longer, but they can still master it.

4. Do I need to use treats forever?

Nope. Treats are just to help them learn the trick. Once they’ve got it down, switch to verbal praise or belly rubs as a reward.

5. Can I use a different command instead of “high-five”?

Of course! Use whatever word feels natural to you. “High-paw,” “paw bump,” or even just “five” works—dogs don’t care about the actual word as long as it’s consistent.

Final Thoughts

Teaching your dog to high-five is quick, fun, and a great way to bond. It’s not just about the trick—it’s about spending quality time together. Some dogs will pick it up in no time, while others might need a little extra patience. Either way, it’s worth it when you see that proud, happy look on their face.

So grab some treats, roll up your sleeves, and start practicing. Pretty soon, your dog will be handing out high-fives like they’re running for office. And let’s be honest, they’d win. 😊

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