For example, your dog may paw when it wants attention. Each time you see your dog pawing, say, “Sit!” Do not reward your dog with attention until it sits. This way, your dog will learn to sit quietly and wait for attention instead of pawing.
Hold your hand in front of your dog and say “Shake. " Wait for your dog to paw at your hand and then reward it with a treat and praise. Repeat this several times a day until your dog understands to paw when it hears, “Shake. " After your dog learns the “shake” command, only reward your dog with attention or food when it paws in response to the command. Eventually, your dog will learn pawing is only appropriate when you ask it to shake.
For example, if you want your dog to sit when it wants food instead of pawing, do not feed your dog until it sits. If your dog is pawing, patiently command your dog to sit and only give it food when it obeys.
When you initially start ignoring your dog, it will probably paw you harder to try to get your attention. Be patient and do not engage with the behavior. Engaging with pawing after your dog becomes more aggressive encourages your dog to paw. Ignoring bad behavior is much more effective than scolding your dog, as scolding is seen as a form of attention. If ignoring your dog isn’t working or is getting annoying or painful, trying getting up and moving away from your dog to avoid them and not reward their pawing.
Also, keep toys low to the ground when playing with your dog. This will prevent your dog from having to paw to get its toys.
Talk to your vet about how much exercise is safe for your dog, especially if your dog is a senior or if it has underlying health problems.
If your dog paws you during a game, pause the game until the pawing stops.
You can find training programs online or ask your vet for a recommendation. Trainers can also help you work through other unwanted behaviors with your dog, such as jumping.
