Touch Training: Targeting the Hand
Target training involves a dog targeting something (usually with their nose). Using a hand for the dog to target is ideal because owners and trainers usually have one or two with them! Also, nothing else needs to be carried. Watch the video to see how it’s done.
Training can also be done using a clicker, here’s how:
- Before using a clicker remember to do some priming to remind the dog about the connection with the click and treat.
- Hold out your hand so the dog can see it (without thrusting it in their face) and once they move towards it to investigate or sniff it, click and treat.
- If the dog has difficulty, you can smear something tasty on the hand to get them started.
- Repeat this sequence many times: Dog touches it with their nose. Click and treat!
- Move the target (your hand) around and practise a little further away from the dog so they have to move towards the target.
- Once the dog is consistently moving forward and touching the palm of the hand with their nose – add a cue (e.g. TOUCH)
- Fade out the clicker (and the treat) once they are consistently targeting the hand when the cue is given, as in the attached video.
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