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A bearded older man kneels on a patterned rug holding the paw of a golden retriever who sits facing him in a cozy room. 20 / 22

It Took Grandpa a Few Tries to Teach Shake. Then Honey Got It Right.

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Down on one knee on the patterned rug, Gus has taken Honey's paw in both hands like he is accepting a very formal handshake. Honey sits tall with her chest out, gazing up at him with soft, serious eyes, clearly proud of herself for getting it right. Gus is smiling the kind of smile that says this took a few tries. The living room around them is warm and cluttered in the best way: a basket of blankets, a stack of books and a mug on the coffee table, a couple of tennis balls, and big leafy houseplants by the window.

Teaching shake is a great first trick because it builds on something many dogs already do naturally. Start with your dog in a sit, hold a treat in a closed hand near their paw, and wait. When they lift or paw at your hand, say your cue word, open your hand, and reward. Keep sessions short, just a few minutes, and end while your dog is still having fun. Golden retrievers are usually quick learners and highly motivated by praise and food, which makes training enjoyable for both ends of the leash. For a senior trainer, gentle tricks like this are a lovely, low-effort way to stay engaged together.

Honey may not know what a handshake means in human terms, but she clearly understands the deal. Paw goes up, Gus smiles, good things happen. That is a contract she is happy to sign every day.

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