Useful behaviors to train: Targeting

Target: 

This is another easy one for dogs.  Begin by teaching your dog to target (touch with his nose or paw) any moving object that you choose:  a finger, your hand, a fist, or one end of a target stick (see “Optional Equipment”).  Use shaping to teach him to follow the object around, first for very short distances, then for longer and longer ones.  Vary directions, teach him to spin in circles, to circle you, etc.  By touching the targeted stick to the end of a stationery object such as the top of an Alley-Oop, you can teach your dog to target that.  One easy way to start a dog targeting with his nose at the end of a stick is to rub a very slight amount of something that smells good on it, like peanut butter.  The dog will sniff at it naturally.  Click and treat, and you’re off to a great start!

Why teach targeting?

1. You can use it to direct your dog on top of the scales at the vet’s office.  Combine that with sit and stay while they weigh him.  This saves a lot of pushing and pulling, and makes for a very favorable impression on the staff!  Targeting is used similarly to train dogs to take obstacles in dog sports such as Agility.
2. You can use targeting to build confidence in a shy or anxious dog.  A dog that has been severely under-socialized or abused might fear a stick, so begin by teaching the dog to target your fingers.
3. Targeting can build precision in a dog’s movements.  You can use it to teach off-leash heeling, for example.
4. You can teach the dog to target a bell at the door when he wants to go out.
5. You can use targeting the stationery object to teach the dog to move in various directions, including away from you (“go outs”).
6. You can use targeting to train a dog to go up or down the stairs. Yes, even old dogs can learn new tricks, and this one can help get an older dog safely up or down from a couch, a bed, or a vehicle.
7. It’s fun and easy.