Train Your Dog to Hug

Randy Bruck & Louise Shye • May 22, 2025

A woman and a dog are paddle boarding on a lake at sunset.

By Randy Bruck & Louise Shye

Photography by Randy Bruck.

Training your dog to hug can be very rewarding to both dog and owner. From a human definition, a "dog hug" is very cute and rewarding. But the method of training a dog to hug, from the dog mind, requires structure, repetition, positive reinforcement and practice. Many people see dogs do tricks and are amazed that a canine is capable of such abilities. But dog tricks require a lot of firm direction, physical control and direct voice to manifest the concept and physical consistency. Most dog trainers frown upon dogs putting their paws on people. But for this exercise, we will allow the "paws up" on a permission basis. This one is only for adults with good dog control! Also, please clip your dog's nails prior to practice!

All dogs learn, or become trained, by com- bining and associating concepts or stimuli together in real time, in repetition and prac- tice; followed by positive reinforcement at the end. All tricks, like teaching your dog to sit for the first time, require the same word "sit," attached to physically managing the dog's body to the position of sit, followed by praise or a treat. Nuff said! With a little prac- tice, direction and motivation; all dogs have the ability to perform tricks. Keep in mind, even little dogs like "Miss Feona's Flying Poo- dles" from the circus, were great at perform- ing tricks.

Step 1: Focus

Release energy first. Train second. Your dog needs to be calm and relaxed prior to a train- ing exercise. A little walk or ball play will release excess energy and ensure a focused training session. Make sure to be in a quiet area with no distractions. Have 25 or so small treats ready.

Step 2: Voice

Canine training requires a firm, direct voice. You cannot ask, negotiate or coax a dog to do something. A trustworthy pack leader needs to be commanding and tell a dog how to per- form a new task. Many working breed dogs need a "boss" to initiate new tasks as a "job" or else they will not be motivated to do it. So, instill trust by "being the pack leader!"

Step 3:

Command & Physical Control Association Always start any exercise with the attention- getting command of "sit." Make sure your dog is focused on you. Lean down, tap your shoulders with your hands (this is the con- "hug!" Grab your dog's paws gently and place nective hand sign) and use the direct voice of them on your shoulders. Say "Good Boy!" and return your dog's paws manually to the ground and say "sit" firmly. Give them a treat. Repeat this process 20 times, always starting in the standing position and with the canine sitting by command.

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Step 4: The Stand

After Step 3, which was performed from a crouched position, it's time for "the stand." Repeat Step 3, but this time, hold your dog's paws on your shoulders and stand to a prone position, pulling your dog up with you gently and slowly. You can "hug" your dog at this time, but always return him to a "sit" position. by command at the end with a treat or prais- ing voice. Repeat this step 20 times.

After your dog has the "hug" down pat, make sure it is only performed by permission. If your dog gets a little ambitious and tries it on his own, correct him sternly and make him "sit" to designate specifically when the trick shall be allowed. Have fun with the "HUG!

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Louise Shye is available for private in-home dog obedience training sessions. (406)309-1900

Randy Bruck, owner of Randy's Savedog Hidden Fence Systems, specializes in containment and canine behavioral issues. (406) 249-3143

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Train Your Dog to Ride a Paddleboard

May 16, 2025

Paddle boarding is a fun and rewarding activity for both paddler and dog! Within an hour of direction and practice, any human pack leader can train their dog to enjoy the water on a paddleboard as a team. Dog trainer, Louise Shye, as seen here with her deaf dog Elsa, demonstrates how to confidently train the concept of paddle boarding in 8 easy steps. This process should take approximately 60 minutes. This exercise needs to be controlled. It is recommended to have the dog in a canine life jacket with a handle to manage falls. Your dog also needs to be on a leash. The environment should be private to maintain focus with minimal distractions. The human needs to know how to ride a paddleboard! Hello! And start with a wide and stable beginner board. 1. Release energy first, train second. Your dog needs to be calm and relaxed to learn new things. Always exercise your dog for a half hour to release excess energy. Some ball play, a good walk or swimming will prepare them for a focused training session. Treats are always a good motivator to lengthen your dog’s attention span. 2. Direction and education. Whenever teaching a dog a new concept, the human needs to convey a voice of trust and confidence. Never repeat cues to a dog in a high pitched tone that communicates coaxing, negotiating or coddling. These voices will NEVER evoke trust with your dog. Your voice should be of firm direction and even correction. Show your dog firmly, because when your dog protests the new concept (and he will) you need to control him firmly and speak directly “Hey, easy there, sit right, no squirming, I have something cool to teach you. Trust me. Calm down and learn from me.” The tone should be similar to that used when teaching a child to ride a bike for the first time in order to convey trust. 3. Object introduction . Have the paddle board on shore near the water and have your dog sit next to it. Place a treat on the paddle board and have your dog eat it to attach positive association. 4. On land board sit . Command your dog to jump on the paddleboard with an “up” command and a “sit” command. Once your dog is on the board, praise him accordingly. 5. Partial water board sit . Move the paddleboard a few inches into the water and repeat Step 4. Have good hold on the leash and correct unwanted behavior with a used, firm, corrective voice of “no!” and repeat Step 4. 6. Prepare for launch . Once your dog is calm sitting on the board, slowly push the board a few inches into the water while holding your dog in position. Continue to use only a direct, firm voice of appreciation “Good job! Way to go!” If your dog moves, hold him more tightly and repeat. 7. Sit on your board . In about two feet of water, with your dog held in a seated position, sit with your dog, backward behind him first, then forward behind him to identify fun. 8. Full stand . Stand up while holding your dog in seated position. Be patient and stay close to shore. Practice short sets with short intervals. Practice near shore 4-5 times, and try to jump off to teach your dog exit strategies. Once your dog can jump off on command, re-mount... and your dog can paddle into the sunset! Louise Shye is available for private in-home obedience training sessions. (406) 309-1900 Randy Bruck, owner of Randy’s Saveedge Hidden Fence Systems, specializes in containment and canine behavioral issues. (406) 249-3143