How To Teach Your Dog To High Five In Under 10 Minutes

Teaching your dog to high five isn’t just a fun party trick—it strengthens the bond between you and builds confidence in your pet. The best part? With the right approach, most dogs can learn this behavior in under 10 minutes. This guide walks you through a step-by-step method rooted in positive reinforcement, ensuring your dog enjoys the process and retains the skill long after the lesson ends.

The key lies in understanding canine learning patterns: dogs respond best to short, consistent sessions that reward desired actions immediately. Unlike complex commands, high fiving relies on natural paw movement and mimics behaviors dogs already perform—like reaching for food or pawing at toys. By shaping this instinct into a deliberate action, you create a reliable cue-based response.

Why This Training Works So Quickly

Dogs are naturally curious and eager to please, especially when treats are involved. High five training leverages these traits by using a combination of target training and luring. Target training teaches your dog to touch a specific object (in this case, your hand) with their paw. Luring uses a treat to guide the motion, making the learning curve shallow and immediate.

According to Dr. Sophia Yin, a renowned veterinary behaviorist, “Shaping behaviors through small, incremental steps allows dogs to succeed quickly, which boosts motivation.” When each tiny movement toward the goal is rewarded, your dog learns faster because they associate the action with positive outcomes.

“Dogs don’t think in words—they think in consequences. If an action leads to something good, they’ll do it again.” — Dr. Ian Dunbar, Veterinarian and Dog Behavior Expert

This principle is central to the method below. Instead of forcing the behavior, you’re guiding your dog to discover it on their own—with your encouragement and rewards reinforcing the correct choice.

Step-by-Step Guide: Teaching High Five in Under 10 Minutes

The following timeline outlines a proven sequence that works for most dogs, regardless of age or breed. All you need is a quiet space, a handful of small treats, and about 8–10 minutes of focused time.

1. (0–2 min) Warm Up and Capture Attention
   Sit comfortably with your dog on a leash or in a distraction-free area. Show them a treat in your closed hand to gain focus. Let them sniff it but don’t give it yet. This builds anticipation and sets the stage for engagement.
2. (2–4 min) Encourage Paw Movement
   Place the treat in your palm and close your fingers loosely around it. Hold your hand flat, palm up, near your dog’s chest level. Most dogs will naturally paw at your hand to get the treat. The moment they make contact—even lightly—say “Yes!” or click a clicker, then immediately give them the treat from your other hand.
3. (4–6 min) Shape the Behavior
   Repeat the previous step 5–7 times. Gradually raise your hand slightly higher each time so your dog must lift their paw more deliberately. Only reward touches that come closer to a full paw lift. Avoid rewarding random sits or barks—stay focused on paw contact.
4. (6–8 min) Add the Verbal Cue
   Once your dog consistently lifts their paw to touch your hand, introduce the cue word “High five!” just before they make contact. Say it clearly and enthusiastically. Over the next few repetitions, they’ll begin associating the phrase with the action.
5. (8–10 min) Fade the Lure and Practice
   Now, offer your empty hand in the same position without holding a treat. Use the verbal cue. If your dog lifts their paw, mark it (“Yes!”) and reward with a treat from your pocket or other hand. Repeat 3–5 times. Success here means they’ve learned the command independently of the lure.

Tip: Keep training sessions short and upbeat. If your dog loses interest, end on a positive note and try again later.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Not every dog catches on instantly. Some may hesitate to paw, while others might jump or bark instead. These challenges are normal and fixable with minor adjustments.

• Dog won’t lift paw: Try gently tapping the back of their front leg to trigger a reflexive lift. The moment they move it, guide it toward your hand and reward.
• Dog uses nose instead of paw: Close your hand completely when they nudge. Only open it when they switch to pawing. Be patient—this teaches discrimination.
• Dog gets overly excited: Lower the value of the treat temporarily or take a short break. Practice in a quieter environment next time.
• Paw contact is too soft: Wait for firmer pressure before marking. You can gradually shape stronger taps by only rewarding confident touches.

Real Example: Training Bella, the Shy Rescue Dog

Bella, a two-year-old mixed breed adopted from a shelter, was initially hesitant around hands. Her owner tried teaching high five using a traditional slap-and-reward method, which made her flinch. Switching to the luring technique described above, the owner started by rewarding any interaction with the hand—even a sniff.

Within three days of 10-minute daily sessions, Bella progressed from sniffing to touching with her paw. By day five, she was confidently high-fiving on cue. The breakthrough came not from repetition alone, but from respecting her pace and building trust through consistent positive feedback.

This example illustrates that even dogs with behavioral hesitations can learn tricks like high five when trained with empathy and precision.

Do’s and Don’ts of Teaching High Five

Do’s	Don’ts
Reward even small attempts at paw contact early in training	Don’t force your dog’s paw into your hand—this can create fear
Use high-value treats like chicken or cheese for motivation	Don’t repeat the command multiple times—say it once per attempt
Practice in a quiet space free from distractions	Don’t train when your dog is tired or overstimulated
End each session on a successful note	Don’t punish failed attempts—ignore them and reset
Gradually phase out treats as the behavior becomes reliable	Don’t skip the shaping phase and expect instant results

Tip: Always pair verbal praise with treats during early training. Your tone of voice helps reinforce success.

Checklist: Mastering the High Five in One Session

Use this checklist to ensure you cover all critical steps during your 10-minute training window:

• ✅ Choose a quiet, familiar location
• ✅ Prepare small, soft treats (pea-sized)
• ✅ Have a clicker ready (optional but helpful)
• ✅ Gain your dog’s attention before starting
• ✅ Use your non-dominant hand to hold the lure
• ✅ Mark the exact moment of paw contact (“Yes!” or click)
• ✅ Deliver the treat from your other hand to avoid confusion
• ✅ Introduce the verbal cue only after consistent paw touches
• ✅ Test the cue with an empty hand before ending
• ✅ End with a fun play session or belly rub to reinforce positivity

When to Move Beyond the Basics

Once your dog reliably performs the high five on cue, you can expand the skill. Try asking for a “left” or “right” paw by positioning your hand slightly to one side. Some owners even chain the behavior—high five followed by spin or sit—for entertaining sequences.

More importantly, this foundational training improves overall obedience. Dogs who enjoy learning tricks tend to be more responsive to basic commands like sit, stay, and come. The mental stimulation also reduces boredom-related behaviors such as chewing or barking.

“Trick training is brain exercise. A tired mind is just as important as a tired body for a well-behaved dog.” — Victoria Stilwell, Animal Behavior Specialist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can older dogs learn to high five?

Absolutely. While puppies pick up cues faster due to heightened curiosity, adult and senior dogs can learn just as effectively with patience. Adjust treat size and session length based on mobility and energy levels. An older dog may need more repetition, but motivation remains strong when rewards are appealing.

What if my dog doesn’t seem interested in treats?

If food isn’t motivating, try alternative rewards like a quick game of tug, a favorite toy, or enthusiastic verbal praise combined with petting. Some dogs respond better to play than food. Identify what drives your dog and use that as the primary reinforcer.

How do I stop my dog from jumping when asking for a high five?

Jumping often occurs when excitement overrides impulse control. To prevent this, ask your dog to sit before giving the cue. Only present your hand if they remain seated. Reward both the high five *and* the stay. Over time, this conditions calm behavior alongside the trick.

Final Tips for Long-Term Success

Consistency is the cornerstone of lasting behavior. Practice the high five cue daily for the first week, then a few times a week thereafter. Random reinforcement—rewarding occasionally instead of every time—helps cement the behavior so your dog stays engaged even without constant treats.

Also, vary the context: practice indoors, outdoors, in the yard, or during walks. Generalizing the cue across environments ensures your dog understands the command regardless of distractions.

Tip: Record a video of your dog performing the high five. It’s a great way to track progress and share the joy with friends and family.

Conclusion: Turn Minutes Into Memories

Teaching your dog to high five in under 10 minutes isn’t just about the trick—it’s about connection. In less time than it takes to brew a cup of coffee, you can build trust, boost your dog’s confidence, and add a delightful skill to their repertoire. The method is simple, science-backed, and accessible to anyone willing to invest a few focused minutes.

So grab some treats, call your dog over, and start today. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply deepening your daily bond, this small act of training delivers outsized joy. And once you master high five, who knows what’s next—shake, roll over, or even play dead?

💬 Did your dog learn high five in under 10 minutes? Share your story or post a video in the comments—inspire others to try!