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A silver-haired woman in a knit cardigan kneels on a rug holding the raised paw of a smiling white Samoyed. 8 / 34

Rose Knelt Down on the Rug and Held Out Her Hand. Yeti Knew Just What to Do.

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One fluffy paw rests in Rose's palm, and the lesson is a success. She kneels on a woven rug in her cozy living room, her silver hair twisted into a messy bun and her long oatmeal cardigan pooling around her, smiling down at Yeti through her glasses. The big white Samoyed sits upright in front of her, mouth open in a pleased grin, looking every bit the star pupil. Behind them, a soft grey sofa is piled with cushions and a knitted throw, houseplants crowd the windowsill, and a mug sits on the side table, waiting to be finished after practice.

Shake is a classic first trick, and it's a great way to build communication with a dog of any age. Start with your dog in a sit, hold a treat in a closed hand near his chest, and wait. Many dogs will paw at the hand to get the treat. The instant the paw lifts, say a marker word like yes, open your hand, and reward. After a few repetitions, add the cue word and offer your open palm. Keep sessions short and upbeat, ending before your dog loses interest. Samoyeds are clever and eager to engage, but they can also have an independent streak, so patience and positive reinforcement work far better than pressure. Use tiny treats so the calories don't add up, and if your dog has sore joints or seems reluctant to lift a paw, check in with your vet.

With a little patience and a pocket of treats, Rose has turned a simple trick into a sweet daily ritual. Yeti seems ready for his next lesson already.

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