Target Practice

Today I’d like to encourage you to teach your dog to hand target.  This is something that will pay rich dividends.  Right now I’m working with a dog that is afraid of strangers.  One of the benefits of hand targeting is it can help our dogs to learn to approach and interact with strangers.  It’s part of my treatment plan for this particular dog.  It’s also a great way to redirect your dog away from certain things.  For instance, I’ve used it on dogs that are habitual jumpers.  Let’s say you come home and your dog is super excited to see you and keeps jumping on you.  One technique you can use to redirect that energy is to utilize hand targeting.  It’s also useful out on a walk if your dog is reactive around other dogs or people.

How do I teach my dog to hand target?

1.     Fill up your treat pouch with tiny very appealing treats for your dog.

2.     Simply present your un-baited right-hand in front of your dog no more than several inches away.  We want our dog to touch our palm, so wait until that happens.  The moment your dog does, say “Yes” and then give him a treat from your left-hand immediately.

** Be sure to avoid pushing your right-hand into the dog’s face.  It’s also a good idea in the beginning stages to keep the treats away from your dog’s face so it’s not distracting him from what we want him to do.

         3.   As your dog is successful, you can slowly add some distance.  The further you are away from your dog the more difficult the exercise is, so add a little bit of distance at a time.  We want our dog to be successful. 

         4.   When your dog gets it, and is touching your hand 100% of the time, we’re ready to add the cue.  This time around, just before you present your hand say, “Touch.”   Practice this over and over again.

5.     In the next stage I suggest sometimes presenting your hand and don’t say a word.  If your dog touches your hand, don’t reward.  Only reward for those times when you say “Touch” as you present your hand.

6.     Now you’re ready to add some distractions.  Practice this out on a walk in distracting environments.  Does your dog react around other dogs?  Try hand targeting as the other dog approaches and continue until it leaves.