Comments on: 6 Quick Steps to Teach “Targeting”

By: Robyn

Robyn — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:00:13 +0000

I use the “Touch” command in my puppy and basic classes as a tool for parents to use to get their dog’s attention off a distraction. We use it in conjuction with our Loose Leash Walking exercises.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:14:39 +0000

I got a Clik Stik in a doggy gift basket I bought for charity. I wasn’t sure how to use it, but had heard it was good for training. Since I do agility with my dog I’m sure it will be helpful now. Thanks!

By: Grisha

Grisha — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:57:41 +0000

How fun! Targeting is a great gateway skill to thinking games.

By: Robi

Robi — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:19:03 +0000

I like to play a game called Hot/Cold. I use three different colored frisbees and at first my dog can touch any of the frisbees and gets a click and treat. Than after the warm up one or two frisbees goes “cold”. So if she touches a cold one no click and treat. It’s a great thinking game and it got us through a long cold winter in Cleveland Ohio.

By: Grisha

Grisha — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:11:49 +0000

Awesome! I love it! It sounds like he’s doing great. Pluto should definitely be able to go touch a person by name.

My dog, Peanut, does kisses that way. I can say, Peanut, Kiss Jill” and he’ll go give her a kiss. The only problem is that sometimes he’s a little exuberant, so it’s more of a muzzle punch than a little lick.

So watch your nose and keep up the great training!

By: Courtney

Courtney — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:00:21 +0000

I like to play “touch” games with my dog. Right now I work on “Pluto touch” and he will touch his nose to my hand. Click. treat. Then I have him touch my other hand. Then I have him sit and I say “Pluto Touch nose” and he touches his nose to mine. It’s rather adorable. The next step is to have him touch his nose to my foot. So eventually we can play all sorts of games and mix it up. It’s one of the only commands that I feel he totally understands. It’s also helpful for when he isn’t doing something you want, so if he is biting on the leash and tugging I say “Pluto, Touch!” and he drops the leash and touches.

I also want to get him to understand my name and my boyfriends, so that I can say “Pluto Touch Doug!” and he will run to Doug and touch. But for now “touch foot” is the goal.