Targeting teaches your pet to touch a part of their body, like a paw, shoulder, hip, or nose, to an object, such as your hand. It is a fun game that can help build your pet’s confidence, especially when interacting with something they might find scary. Targeting is a basic skill that can also be used to teach other helpful behaviors, such as:

• Coming when called
• Redirecting your dog from other dogs on walks
• Greeting new people
• Getting used to a muzzle
• Moving off furniture
• Getting on and off the veterinarian’s scale, in and out of the car, and touching scary objects, like vacuums, cars, or baby cribs

Phase 1: Basic Targeting – Introducing the Target                                                                       

Start by offering your target hand with your palm facing forward, fingers pointing down, and holding it a couple of inches away from your dog’s nose, just below chin level—like you are showing them something. If you are using a target stick or spatula, hold it in the same way, pointing down and below their chin level.

When your pet sniffs or touches your hand, say “yes” or click, then remove your hand and toss a treat a few feet away with your other hand. Repeat this several times, tossing the treat a bit farther each time to make the game more exciting. This encourages your pet to come back to you for the next treat toss. Change the direction of your treat tosses to keep it interesting.                                                                          

Each session, position your hand a little differently, gradually moving it farther from your dog’s face. Once your pet consistently touches your hand with their nose, you can add a cue. Say “touch” just before your pet touches your hand, then click and treat. After a few repetitions, when your pet responds to the cue reliably, you can stop marking with “yes” or a click.   

Phase 2: Adding Movement

Once your dog consistently touches your hand or object with their nose on cue, you are ready to add movement. Now, as you toss a treat and your dog goes after it, take a step or two in any direction while they are facing away. When they turn back to you, you will be in a new spot, making the game more exciting.

Each time you toss a treat, move a few feet in a different direction while your pet retrieves it. After several repetitions, you can make it even more fun by playing hide and seek. Move behind furniture, so your dog has to find you after they get the treat.

Phase 3: Jazz Hands

When your dog reliably touches your hand or object, add more targets and reduce the frequency of treats. Start by asking for a “touch.” When your pet touches your hand, move that hand behind your back and offer your other hand in the same position without moving your feet. When your pet touches the new target hand, toss a treat. Only one hand should be offered at a time.

Repeat this several times, then add a step between each touch (like in Phase 2). Gradually increase the number of touches, aiming for three or four touches before tossing a treat. Move farther with your pet each time.

Phase 4: Reverse or Backward Touch

When your dog can do “jazz hands” with movement, you can start teaching a reverse touch.

Begin by standing still and asking for a regular touch. After your pet touches, turn to face away from them and hold your hand out to your side with your palm facing backward toward your pet. When they touch your hand in this new position, mark it with “yes” or a click and toss a treat.

To get their attention, lower your hand, wiggle your fingers, or hold your hand farther from your side. Once your pet understands the reverse touch, add a 3rd touch to the sequence. For example, ask for a forward touch, then a reverse touch, then turn again for another forward touch, tossing a treat after the 3rd touch.

When your dog is used to these new hand positions, you can add movement. Try alternating forward and reverse touches as you walk across a room or around furniture. The reverse touch helps keep your pet engaged on walks by encouraging them to follow you closely.

Tips

• Respect your dog’s personal space. Do not offer your hand so close that they back away or become afraid. It is always your pet’s choice to touch your hand. Do not touch their nose. Only offer one hand at a time to avoid confusing your pet.
• Keep practice sessions short, just a few minutes, and no more than a couple of times each day. Practice while moving around the house if your dog is following you. Start with little to no distractions indoors, then add distractions and practice outside.
• Play hide and seek with your dog. Hide behind furniture or a door, call their name, and when they find you, ask for a touch and give them a treat. You can also play with more than one person, each taking turns calling your pet to find them.