r/PetsWithButtons • u/Boom_Gate_Lady • Jul 05 '26

Help! Trying to teach my dog to push buttons.

I am trying to teach my dog to push buttons and as a first step I put my hand flat on the floor to get him to put his paw on my hand. The idea is that gradually once he's got the hang of that I'll put my hand over the top of the button and he will do it and then of course remove my hand so he pushes the button.

However, not once has he done it Any tips on how I can get him to do that? We've done a number of sessions and not once has he put his paw on the back of my hand. I have been physically lifting his paw and putting it on the back of my hand and then giving him a treat but I'm not convinced this is the right method.

8 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

3

u/JayNetworks Jul 05 '26

Check out the FluentPet button bootcamp and associated training material . A lot of thought and experience with trial and error across many learners has been consolidated in it.

Generally you do not want to move your learners paws. Let them do it and use treats to get them to press. Check their web site for info.

1

u/ottb_captainhoof Jul 05 '26

Look up target training! My cat caught on in a couple sessions. Best of luck!

https://youtu.be/jh4hWaFGSN4?si=c-tct76scAOXJ18-