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An older Asian American man in a gray sweater vest holds the raised paw of a brindle Boxer on a patterned living room rug. 26 / 29

Training Class Was in Session on the Living Room Rug. Rocco Had One Job.

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Training class is in session on the patterned living room rug. Grandpa Ken kneels in his gray sweater vest and plaid shirt, gently holding Rocco's raised front paw in his hand with a proud, delighted smile. The Boxer sits tall in front of him, looking straight into Ken's face with total focus, as if waiting to hear whether he passed the test. Around them the room is pleasantly cluttered, with sneakers, a basket of toys and tennis balls, folded clothes, a stack of books, and a tea mug sitting on the floor.

Shake is a classic trick that many dogs pick up quickly, and it is a fun way to build trust and communication. One common method is to ask the dog to sit, hold a treat in a closed hand near his chest, and wait for him to paw at it. The moment the paw lifts, say a word like shake, gently take the paw, and reward. Keep sessions short and upbeat, ending on a success. Boxers are intelligent and eager to engage, though they can also be playful and a bit stubborn, so patience and positive reinforcement work best. Training is good mental exercise for dogs of any age, including seniors.

Rocco clearly takes this handshake very seriously, and Ken looks as pleased as any proud teacher could be. A firm paw and a steady gaze make for an excellent first impression.

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