Teaching Hand Targeting ("Touch")

​Overview: Hand targeting, where the dog touches its nose to your hand, is a foundational skill useful for recall, positioning, and building focus. Here's how to teach it step by step:
​Step 1: Prepare

1. Choose a Marker or Clicker: Use a clicker or a verbal marker like "Yes!" to mark the correct behavior.
2. Have Treats Ready: Use small, high-value treats your dog loves.

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​Step 2: Introduce Your Hand

1. Present Your Hand: Hold out your open hand, palm facing your dog, a few inches away from their nose.
2. Wait for Curiosity: Most dogs will naturally sniff your hand. As soon as their nose touches it, mark ("Yes!" or click) and reward immediately.

Step 3: Repeat and Reinforce

1. Repeat the Action: Present your hand again and mark/reward each time the dog touches it with their nose.
2. Keep Sessions Short: Practice in short 2–5 minute sessions to keep the dog engaged.

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Step 4: Add a Cue

1. Introduce a Cue: Once your dog reliably touches your hand, say the cue (e.g., "Touch") right before presenting your hand.
2. Mark and Reward: Continue marking and rewarding each successful touch.

Step 5: Increase the Difficulty

1. Change Hand Positions: Gradually vary the placement of your hand (higher, lower, to the side).
2. Add Distance: Start with your hand close, then slowly increase the distance your dog must travel to touch it.

Step 6: Generalize the Behavior

1. Practice in New Environments: Train in different locations to help your dog generalize the command.
2. Fade the Reward: Gradually reduce treat rewards, using praise or play instead, but occasionally reward with treats to keep the behavior strong.

Step 7: Apply Hand Targeting in Real Situations

1. Use for Recall: Call your dog and use "Touch" to bring them to you.
2. Positioning: Guide your dog to specific spots or positions with the "Touch" command.