Why Does My Dog Shake?

Why, when my dog gets out of the water, does he come over to me and shake?

I wish there were some mysterious or fascinating reason for this particular bit of dog behavior, but it’s really just plain old common sense.  Your dog approaches you because he likes you and likes being near you; and he shakes because he’s wet and wants to get dry.

Try teaching him a “stand” command, and then add a “stay” to it — you can then give the “stand-stay” command as soon as he gets out of the water.  I must admit, I’ve never tried this with my dogs, so whether or not your dog will shake while in a “stand-stay” remains to be seen, but it’s worth a try, and the worst that can happen is you’ve taught your dog two very useful commands!

Raising Canine has a school for dog trainers which focuses on operant training for dogs, dog behavior, working with clients and addressing client compliance, and the science behind behavior modification.