Border collies are known for their high level of intelligence and eagerness to please. They are quick learners and can be trained to perform a wide range of tricks and behaviors. One of the most popular tricks is teaching them to shake hands or give high-fives. It’s not only a fun and cute trick to show off to friends and family, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of teaching your Border collie to shake hands or give high-fives, so let’s get started!

Are you a proud owner of a Border Collie and want to teach them some new tricks? One of the most popular tricks that dogs can learn is to shake hands or give a high-five. Not only is it an impressive trick for your Border Collie to show off to your friends and family, but it also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to teach your Border Collie to shake hands or give a high-five.

Step 1: Start with Basic Commands

Before you can teach your Border Collie any tricks, it’s important to establish a strong foundation of basic commands. Your Border Collie should be able to sit, stay, and come on command. These basic commands are essential to ensure that your Border Collie is able to follow your instructions.

Step 2: Choose a Cue

Once your Border Collie has mastered the basic commands, it’s time to choose a cue for the trick. For example, you could use the command shake or high-five to signal to your Border Collie that you want them to perform the trick. Consistency is key, so make sure to use the same cue every time you want your Border Collie to perform the trick.

Step 3: Get Your Border Collie in the Right Position

Before your Border Collie can shake hands or give a high-five, they need to be in the right position. Start by getting your Border Collie to sit in front of you. You may need to use a treat to get your Border Collie to sit and stay in position.

Step 4: Encourage Your Border Collie to Raise Their Paw

Once your Border Collie is sitting in front of you, hold a treat in your hand and place it in front of your Border Collie’s nose. Slowly move the treat up towards your Border Collie’s chest, encouraging them to raise their paw to reach for the treat. As soon as your Border Collie raises their paw, give them the treat and praise them with enthusiasm.

Step-by-Step Guide: Teaching Your Border Collie to Shake Hands or Give High-Five

Step 5: Add the Cue

Repeat step 4 several times, each time saying the cue word as you encourage your Border Collie to raise their paw. Eventually, your Border Collie will associate the cue word with the action of raising their paw.

Step 6: Add the Shake

Once your Border Collie has mastered the paw raise, it’s time to add the shake. Hold out your hand to your Border Collie and say the cue word. When your Border Collie raises their paw, take their paw in your hand and shake it gently. Reward your Border Collie with a treat and lots of praise.

Step 7: Add the High-Five

To teach your Border Collie to give a high-five, follow the same steps as for the shake, but instead of holding out your hand for a shake, hold it up high for a high-five. When your Border Collie raises their paw to give you a high-five, reward them with a treat and lots of praise.

Step 8: Practice, Practice, Practice

As with any trick, practice is key. Practice the shake and high-five with your Border Collie every day until they have mastered the trick. Once your Border Collie has learned the trick, you can gradually phase out the treats and rely on verbal praise instead.

Conclusion

Teaching your Border Collie to shake hands or give a high-five is a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. With patience, consistency, and lots of praise, your Border Collie will soon be able to impress all your friends and family with their new trick. Remember, the key to success is practice, so keep practicing until your Border Collie has mastered the trick.

Training your Border Collie to shake hands or give a high-five is a fun and rewarding process that strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can teach your dog this impressive trick in no time. Remember to be patient, consistent, and positive throughout the training process, and don’t forget to celebrate your dog’s successes along the way. With a little bit of effort, you and your Border Collie can become a dynamic duo that impresses everyone with your impressive handshake skills.