I love teaching "Paws Up" because it's such a great trick and builds into more advanced obedience skills. I start teaching this in puppy kindergarten classes and continue practicing with students all the way up into my advanced obedience classes.
What starts as a simple two paws up can turn into fancy tricks and complex heeling skills. But it all starts with learning the basics.
When your dog puts their front two feet up on a platform or prop, it's working their core muscles and back end. This is important for senior dogs to maintain strength and muscle mass, as well as helping puppies build confidence and body awareness.
Training Your Dog to Put Their Paws on a Target
What You'll Need:
- Clicker or Marker Word: A clicker or marker word like "yes" helps to clearly mark the behavior for your dog.
- Treats: Choose small, tasty, high-value treats that your dog loves.
- Treat Pouch: It's best to keep treats in a pouch rather than in a pocket or trying to hold them all in your hand at once.
- A Sturdy and Correctly Sized Platform or Stool: Your dog needs something to put their paws on. I use these lightweight stools in my group training classes, but you can also use a thick book or other platform.
Choose something with a non-slip surface and non-slip footing so your dog doesn't slide around and get scared of the prop. If you have a toy breed, choose a platform only one or two inches high so you don't overextend their reach. - Quiet Environment: Start training in a distraction-free zone where you and your dog can concentrate.
Step One: Get Your Dog Used to the Platform/Stool
- Place the platform or stool in an open area where your dog feels comfortable. Allow your dog to sniff and investigate the platform at their own pace. There is never a need to force your dog to interact with it.
- Whenever your dog shows interest in the stool (looking at it, sniffing it, nudging it), reward them with a treat and praise. This will build positive associations.
Step Two: Encourage Interaction
- Use a treat to lure your dog toward the platform. As soon as they touch it with any part of their body, mark with a click or "yes!" and reward them with the treat.
- Gradually increase the difficulty. Once your dog is comfortable touching the platform, start luring them up and over it so they place a paw (or ideally two) on top. Click/"Yes!" and treat. Repeat until they place both front paws on the platform comfortably and quickly.
Step Three: Add a Cue
- Once your dog is consistently placing their front paws on the platform, introduce the verbal cue. I use "paws up," but it can be anything you'd like, such as "Up."
- Say the cue just before your dog puts their paws up, click or say "yes!" and treat.
- Repeat this step several times to reinforce the association between the cue word and the action.
Step Four: Generalize & Fade Out Treats
- Try it out on different objects. Once your dog has mastered a simple platform or stool, you can begin practicing with other objects like chairs, walls, or benches. Start with objects similar in height to the original platform and gradually progress to other items.
- Practice the skill in different environments and with different props.
- As your dog is successful, start treating intermittently. As you fade out food treats, add in real-life rewards.
Here's a video showing the process of teaching paws up:
Teaching your dog "Paws Up" should be fun for both of you. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your dog will be showing off their new trick in no time!
Questions? Let us know in the comments below!
