Say Hi

Teaching a dog to Say Hi is a really great way to control your dog when meeting new people.  You simply give the Say Hi cue and your dog touches the stranger's hand with their nose.  This is also counter productive to jumping!  Here is how you teach your dog this behavior.

Sit in front of your dog with the clicker in your right hand.  Present your left hand to your dog, about 3 inches from his face.  He will naturally be curious about it and will bump it with his nose.  As soon as he does, click and treat him.  Repeat this five times and then move your hand to the other side of your dog's face.

Once your dog is hitting your hand with some purpose, test him by putting it just above his head.   Be patient and wait for him to touch your hand.  If after 10 seconds, he doesn't touch your hand, say "Ooops" and put it back next to his face for a few more successful touches.  If he does touch your hand above his head, you're ready to insert your verbal cue.

Tell him "Say hi" and then present your hand.  Click and treat when he bumps it and there you go!  Now practice this with other people.  Walk up to them and give him the cue, then have them put out their hand for him to touch.  It's a fun exercise!
 

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Frequently Asked Questions - Say Hi

What if I can't get my dog to touch my hand in the first place?

If you're having trouble getting your dog to touch your hand, rub some of your training bait on your palm so it smells tasty.  Your dog will touch your hand, he may even lick it and then you can continue the exercise.

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Green Paws Training Options

We teach and practice Say Hi in our Puppy Manners and Basic Manners group classes. 

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Books and Tools

There are no books or tools to recommend for this behavior.

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