Teach a Hand Touch

Use this to build a versatile targeting behavior you'll rely on for recall, positioning, and more.

  1. 1Present your flat palm a few inches from your dog's nose.
  2. 2Mark and reward as soon as your dog notices or sniffs your hand.
  3. 3Repeat, marking and rewarding when your dog moves toward your hand.
  4. 4Gradually require actual contact before marking and rewarding.
  5. 5Add the word "touch" right before presenting your hand once the behavior is reliable.
  6. 6Increase distance gradually, from a few inches to about two feet.
  7. 7Take your hand away between repetitions so presenting it becomes the cue.

A strong hand touch becomes your foundation for recall, heel, and more.

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