Target Training

The goal of target training is to teach the dog to find a target (your hand, a specific object, etc) touch it whenever she is told to do so. Target training is pretty easy, and helps your pup focus on you and problem solve. To begin, choose a cue word such as “touch” or “target.”  Tap or wave your target, and reward the dog when she touches it with her nose or paw.  Repeat this until your pup can reliably touch the target on command.  Continue and put the target a little further away each time, until the dog can touch it while it's on the ground.  Make this exercise a game and watch how fast your dog picks this up!  How is this helpful in agility?  Put the target on the contact spot and give the touch cue.  With a little work, your pup will never miss a contact again.