Some dogs don’t just greet people — they launch themselves at them in an airborne triple spin and attempt to lick the inside of their nostrils.
Go Say Hi teaches your dog a much more polite way to greet someone: approach, touch their hand with their nose, then come back to you for a reward.
How
Step 1: Teach the hand touch
Hold your hand down with your palm facing your dog.
When they touch your palm with their nose, mark with “Yes!” and reward.
Repeat several times, changing hands and positions.
Step 2: Practise saying hello
Ask someone to approach you and your dog. Have them stand side-on rather than facing your dog directly, with one hand held slightly towards your dog and their palm facing out.
Wait until your dog is calm, then allow them to approach and touch their hand.
Mark with “Yes!” and reward when your dog returns to you.
If your dog doesn’t come back straight away, use a treat to guide them back. They’ll soon learn that after saying hello, the reward comes from you.
Step 3: Add “Go Say Hi”
Once your dog is confidently following the pattern, add your cue.
Say “Go Say Hi” and allow your dog to approach the person and touch their hand.
Mark with “Yes!” and reward when your dog returns to you.
