Imagine capturing that perfect photo: your beloved dog, wrapping their paws around you in what looks like a warm, heartfelt hug. It’s a moment of pure connection, a trick that melts hearts and showcases the incredible bond you share.
Teaching your dog impressive tricks like “play dead” or “roll over” is fun, but teaching them to hug feels different. It’s personal, intimate, and one of the most endearing behaviors you can train.
The thought of teaching such a complex trick can seem daunting. You might wonder if it’s even possible, or if your dog will understand what you’re asking.
How do you get them to lift their paws and place them on you gently, without jumping or scratching? It’s a common concern for enthusiastic owners who want to deepen their training journey but aren’t sure where to start with more advanced, interactive tricks.
This guide is here to show you that with patience, positive reinforcement, and a clear step-by-step method, you can absolutely teach your dog to hug.
We will break down this adorable trick into simple, manageable steps, suitable for dogs of all sizes and breeds. Get ready to unlock a new level of connection and create a heartwarming moment you can share for years to come.
Table of Contents
Before You Begin: The Foundations of a Good Hug
Before we jump into the training steps, it’s crucial to establish a few ground rules and considerations. A “hug” is not a natural behavior for a dog, and our goal is to teach it in a way that is safe, comfortable, and positive for them.
Is This Trick Right for Your Dog?
While most dogs can learn this trick, it’s important to consider your dog’s individual personality and physical condition.
- Respect Their Body Language: The most important rule in any dog training is to respect your dog’s comfort. A true hug involves wrapping arms around someone, which can be a threatening gesture in the dog world as it restricts their movement. The trick we are teaching is a “posed” hug, where the dog places their paws on you. Never force your dog into a position they resist. If they show signs of stress (like lip licking, yawning, whale eye, or pulling away), take a break and reassess.
- Physical Limitations: This trick is best suited for medium to large-sized dogs, as it’s easier for them to place their paws on your shoulders. For smaller dogs, we will provide a modification so they can “hug” your arm or leg. Be mindful of elderly dogs or those with joint issues; this trick may put uncomfortable pressure on their hind legs.
- Jumping vs. Hugging: It is critical to differentiate this trained behavior from jumping up on people, which is generally discouraged. The “hug” is a specific, controlled action that is only performed on cue. Never reward your dog for jumping on you or other people unsolicited.
Gathering Your Training Essentials
Positive reinforcement is the key to success. This means you will be rewarding the behavior you want to see, making your dog excited to learn.
- High-Value Treats: For a special trick like this, their everyday kibble might not be motivating enough. Use small, pea-sized, extra-yummy treats that they absolutely love. Think tiny pieces of cooked chicken, cheese, or soft, smelly training treats.
- A Clicker (Optional but Recommended): A clicker is a small device that makes a distinct “click” sound. It’s used in clicker training to mark the exact moment your dog performs the correct behavior. The “click” is always followed immediately by a treat. This provides clear and precise communication, which can speed up the learning process significantly.
- A Quiet Training Space: Choose a calm, distraction-free area for your training sessions. Your living room or a quiet backyard is perfect.
- Lots of Patience and Enthusiasm: Your dog feeds off your energy. Keep your training sessions short (5-10 minutes at a time) and always end on a positive note.
Method 1: How to Teach a Large Dog to Hug (The “Shoulder Hug”)
This method is designed for medium to large dogs who can comfortably place their paws on your shoulders while you are sitting or kneeling. We will break this down into three distinct phases: targeting, lifting, and the final hug.
Phase 1: Teaching the “Paws Up” Target
The first step is to teach your dog to place their front paws up onto an object on cue. This is the foundation of the hug behavior.
Step 1: Choose Your Target Object
Start with an object that is low to the ground, like a sturdy, wide book, a yoga block, or a low stool. The object should be stable and not slide around when your dog touches it.
Step 2: Introduce the Target
Place the target object on the floor in front of you. Sit on the floor nearby. Your dog will likely be curious about this new object. The moment they show any interest in it—sniffing it, looking at it, or moving towards it—click (if using a clicker) and immediately give them a treat. Repeat this several times.
Step 3: Encourage Touching
Now, we want them to physically interact with the object. Hold a treat near the object to lure them closer. The instant they touch the object with their paw (even accidentally), click and reward with lots of praise and a treat. At this stage, you are rewarding any paw interaction.
Step 4: Shaping the “Paws Up”
Once your dog reliably touches the object with one paw, start waiting for them to offer a little more. Wait until they place the full paw on the object before you click and treat. Then, start rewarding only when they put both paws on it. This process is called “shaping,” where you gradually build up to the desired behavior.
Step 5: Add the Verbal Cue
When your dog is confidently placing both paws on the target object every time, you can add your verbal cue. As they are in the process of putting their paws up, say your chosen cue clearly, such as “Paws Up!” or “Place!” Immediately click and treat when they complete the action. After several repetitions, you can start saying the cue first to see if they will perform the action on command.
Phase 2: Transferring the Behavior to Your Body
Now that your dog understands the “Paws Up” cue, we will transition from the target object to you.
Step 1: Become the Target
Sit on the floor or on a low chair. Give the “Paws Up!” cue and gesture towards your lap. Your dog might be confused at first. Lure them with a treat towards your lap. The moment their paws touch your legs, click and reward enthusiastically. You are now the target object.
Step 2: Raising the Target
The next step is to get them to place their paws higher up on your body.
- Kneeling: Start by kneeling on the floor. Give your “Paws Up!” cue and pat your chest or shoulders. Lure them with a treat held up near your shoulder. Click and reward any upward movement of their paws onto your body.
- Sitting on a Chair: Alternatively, sit on a dining chair. This naturally puts your shoulders at a good height. Give the cue and pat your shoulders.
Your goal is to have your dog place their paws gently on your shoulders. Be patient with this step, as it requires more balance and confidence from your dog. Reward every small success.
Phase 3: Shaping and Naming the Final “Hug”
You’re almost there! Your dog is now placing their paws on your shoulders on cue. The final phase is to refine this into the “hug” and give it its official name.
Step 1: Introduce the “Hug” Cue
As your dog is placing their paws on your shoulders, start saying your new cue, “Hug!” or “Give a hug!” right before you click and treat. You are associating this new word with the completed action.
Step 2: Increase the Duration
Initially, you clicked the moment their paws touched you. Now, start building a little duration. After they place their paws on your shoulders, wait for just one second before you click and treat. Gradually increase this time to two seconds, then three. This teaches them to hold the “hug” position until they are rewarded.
Step 3: Add the Release Cue
It’s just as important to teach your dog when the trick is over. Use a release word like “Okay!” or “Free!” to signal that they can take their paws down. Practice cueing the “Hug,” holding for a few seconds, then saying your release word and tossing a treat on the floor for them to get. This prevents them from just jumping down whenever they feel like it.
Step 4: Fade the Lure
If you are still using a treat to lure them up, start to fade it. Go through the motion with an empty hand, then reward with a treat from your other hand after they complete the hug. Eventually, your verbal cue and hand signal (patting your shoulder) will be enough.
Congratulations! You have now taught your dog to give you a gentle, controlled hug on command.
Method 2: How to Teach a Small Dog to Hug (The “Arm Hug”)
For our smaller canine friends, a shoulder hug isn’t practical. Instead, we can teach them an equally adorable version where they “hug” your arm or leg.
Step 1: Teach the “Paws Up” Target (Low-Level)
This starts the same way as with a large dog, but our goal is different.
- Sit on the Floor: Sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you.
- Target Your Leg: Use treats to lure your small dog to place their front paws on your leg. Click and reward the instant they touch your leg with their paws.
- Add the Cue: Once they are reliably putting their paws on your leg, add the “Paws Up” or “Place” cue.
Step 2: Shape the “Wrap Around” Motion
This is the key step for the small dog hug. We want to encourage them to wrap their paws around your arm.
- Target Your Forearm: Sit on the floor and rest your forearm on the ground. Give your “Paws Up” cue and encourage your dog to place their paws on your arm. Click and treat.
- Encourage Wrapping: Hold a treat in the hand of the arm that is on the ground. Lure your dog to move “around” your arm to get the treat. As they reach, they will naturally have to wrap their body and paws more fully around your arm. Click and treat this “wrapping” motion.
- Refine the Movement: Continue rewarding this behavior until they are comfortably placing their paws on one side of your arm and leaning their body around it.
Step 3: Name the “Hug” and Add Duration
- Add the “Hug” Cue: When your dog is consistently wrapping their paws around your arm, start saying your “Hug” cue just before they perform the action.
- Build Duration: Just like with the large dog hug, start waiting a second or two before you click and treat, teaching them to hold the position.
- Use a Release Cue: Use your release word (“Okay!”) to signal when the hug is over.
This adorable trick is perfect for smaller breeds and creates a wonderfully charming photo opportunity.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- My dog is scratching me! This usually means you are rewarding them too soon. Go back a step and focus on rewarding only gentle paw placement. You can also file your dog’s nails before a training session. If they are pawing frantically, the treats are likely too high-value, and they are over-excited.
- My dog just wants to jump on me. Do not reward this behavior. Turn your back and ignore them if they jump. Only reward them when they respond to your cue with a controlled “Paws Up.” The trick must be on your terms only.
- My dog is scared to put their paws up. The target is likely too high or too intimidating. Go back to a very low, stable object like a book. Build their confidence slowly and never push them past their comfort level. Make every step of the process fun and rewarding.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Trick
You did it! You have successfully learned how to teach your dog to hug. This journey has done more than just add another cute trick to your dog’s repertoire.
It has strengthened your communication, built their confidence, and deepened the bond you share. Every time you cue a “hug,” you are reinforcing a history of positive, fun, and collaborative experiences.
Remember that every dog learns at a different pace. Be patient, stay positive, and celebrate the small successes along the way. The real reward isn’t just the final, picture-perfect hug; it’s the process of learning and growing together.
Now go show off your new trick! Capture those adorable moments, share them with friends and family, and take pride in the amazing partnership you have built with your best friend. This is what training is all about: creating a shared language and finding joyful ways to connect.
