From recall to vet visits: why Hand Target training is a game changer

Training your dog to touch your hand with their nose -known as a hand target — is one of the most versatile and valuable skills you can teach. It's quick to learn, incredibly useful, and offers benefits that go far beyond just a fun trick.

So, why do I love teaching a hand target?

First, it helps dogs understand that a human hand is not a threat. Many dogs can develop behavioural issues, from negative experiences with unfamiliar hands approaching them.

A hand target teaches dogs that hands mean good things are coming - like treats or playtime! This can help reduce anxiety and build your dog's confidence. It's also really good fun and easy to build into playtime with your dog.

Why Hand Targeting is pawsome!

• Builds confidence: Teaching hand targeting helps your dog become more comfortable with hands reaching toward them, something they will experience a lot in life.
• Encourages polite greetings: Instead of jumping up, your dog can politely approach strangers by touching their hand, which is a much more controlled and friendly greeting.
• Redirection tool: If your dog is overly interested in an object or in a high-energy situation, you can use the "touch" cue to bring their attention back to you calmly.
• Improves recall: When you call your dog, a hand target gives them a specific place to go—your hand—rather than having them circle around or get distracted.
• Polite requests: Want your dog to ask nicely for something? You can use a hand target as a polite behavior before they get to play, go outside, or cuddle on the couch.
• Focus in distractions: On walks or in busy environments, a hand target can help keep your dog’s attention on you, making it easier to manage them.
• Vet visits: It’s an easy way to move your dog onto the vet scales or reposition them without having to pull or push. It’s also helpful for keeping them still during an examination.
• Moving and positioning: If you want to move your dog without getting hands on a hand touch can be really helpful - you can use it to move them off the sofa or away from the door or onto their bed - the possibilities are endless!

How to teach a Hand Target

Step 1:

Start in a quiet space and present your hand near your dog’s nose. When they touch it with their nose, mark this ("nice") and reward them immediately.

Repeat until they touch reliably every time your hand is presented.

Top tip: If you need to help your dog engage with your hand at the start - try rubbing a treat on your palm to make it nice and smelly . This encourages your dog to sniff your hand and you can mark and reward any contact.

Step 2:

Once they understand the required behaviour, add a verbal cue like "Touch." Present your hand just after saying the cue.

Keep practising over the next few days until you'd bet £100 that your dog would target your hand whenever you ask!

Step 3:

Gradually increase the difficulty by adding distance, distractions, and duration. Try it in different environments, slowly building up to more challenging scenarios.

Hand targeting is not only useful in everyday life but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Give it a try - you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your go-to tools. Let me know how you get on!

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