How to Train Your Dog to Be Your Valentine: Fun Tricks Like Giving a "Hug" or "Kiss"

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for humans—your dog can be the best Valentine you’ve ever had! Training your dog to give a hug, a kiss, or other affectionate tricks is a fun way to bond and celebrate the holiday. Here’s how to teach these adorable tricks in time for February 14th.

1. Teaching Your Dog to Give a "Kiss"

A dog kiss is a heartwarming trick that is easy and fun to train.

Steps to Teach:

Step 1: Take a small amount of peanut butter (xylitol-free) or a dog-safe treat and place it on your cheek or hand.

Step 2: Bring your dog close and say, “Kiss!” as they sniff and lick the treat.

Step 3: Reward them with verbal praise and a small treat.

Step 4: Repeat daily, gradually phasing out the treat on your cheek until they respond to the cue alone.

2. Training Your Dog to Give a "Hug"

A dog hug is an affectionate trick where your pup wraps their front paws around your arm or shoulders.

Steps to Teach:

Step 1: Have your dog sit in front of you and hold a treat near your shoulder.

Step 2: Encourage them to place their front paws on you by luring them with the treat.

Step 3: Say, “Hug!” as soon as they wrap their paws around you.

Step 4: Reward with treats and praise.

Step 5: Practice regularly, gradually refining their hug to make it more natural.

3. Teaching Your Dog to “Hold Paws”

This is a simple yet sweet trick where your dog places their paw in your hand and build duration (also great to teach for paw inspections or nail trimming).

Steps to Teach:

Step 1: Hold a treat in one hand and extend your other hand towards your dog.

Step 2: Say, “Paw” or “Hold Hands” while lightly tapping their paw.

Step 3: When they place their paw in your hand, reward them with a treat.

Step 4: Repeat until they offer their paw naturally on command.

Step 5: Start to build duration of having their paw in your hand before reward.

4. Creating a Valentine’s Day Routine

Make February 14th extra special by incorporating these tricks into a fun routine. Here are some ideas:

Start the day with a special Valentine’s treat (homemade dog biscuits or heart-shaped kibble).

Practice their affectionate tricks and capture adorable photos.

Go on a Valentine’s Day walk at your favourite spot.

End the day with snuggles and their favourite toy.

Final Tips

Always use positive reinforcement with treats and praise.

Be patient—some dogs learn faster than others.

Keep training sessions short and enjoyable.

Make it fun! Valentine’s Day is all about love and joy, and your dog will pick up on your enthusiasm.

With these tricks, your dog will be the best Valentine ever! Happy training and Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️🐶