Training in the Shelter: Introduction to Targeting
Targeting, when a dog to touches a body part to a specific object or person, is a very valuable and versatile skill to teach a shelter dog, as it serves as a base for so many useful behaviors (come, heel, go-to-crate, go-to-place, say hello, and many more). Targeting can also help many shy dogs develop confidence with people fairly quickly.
Targets can be almost anything. If your dog seems scared of an object, use another object or your hand. In this video, KPA faculty member Steve Benjamin teaches a puppy to hand target.
To teach this behavior:
- Present the target about ¼” in front of the dog’s nose.
- Click and treat the instant your dog looks at the target. (If your dog touches it right away, click that!)
- Again, present the target ¼” away from your dog’s nose.
- When the dog touches the target, click and treat.
- Next, progress to presenting the target a little to the left, a little to the right, a little higher, a little lower—clicking and treating every time your dog touches the target. For now, make it easy for your dog by continuing to present the target close to your dog’s nose.
- Work in short sessions, no more than 3-5 minutes at a time.
For more information about how to enrich the lives of animals in your care and help them get adopted faster, check out KPA’s Shelter Training & Enrichment course!
Celebrate With Us! Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month
Enrich the lives of animals in your care and solve common behavior problems with our online course, Shelter Training & Enrichment. Enroll in October and save $50 with Coupon Code: STE2024 or apply for a Zoe scholarship.
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