Teaching A Nose Target

Teaching A Nose Target

TEACHING A NOSE TARGET 


WHAT IS A NOSE TARGET? 

Nose targeting refers to your dog’s ability to touch their nose to an object. Start by teaching your dog to touch their nose to your flat palm. Once they eagerly do so, you can teach them to touch their nose to a variety of objects. 

 

WHY TEACH YOUR DOG TO NOSE TARGET? 

A Nose Target may seem like a cute party trick, but it is so much more than that! Nose Targets are useful for polite greetings, coming when called, or moving your dog into or out of position. Dogs who are skilled at nose targeting pay more attention to their handlers, always looking for body cues that give them direction. A reliable Nose Target can also help build a dog’s confidence, and help fearful dogs learn how to explore new spaces and interact with new people. 


HOW TO TEACH IT 

  1. Hold your hand flat, with fingers pointed downward or to the side. Tuck your thumb across your palm, and face your palm toward your dog. 

  1. Gently offer your hand directly in front of your dog’s face, 2-3 inches from their nose. 

  1. Keep your hand still, being very careful not to move it toward or away from your dog. 

  1. Wait for your dog to look at your hand, sniff it, or touch it with their nose. 

  1. Say 'yes' as soon as they offer any of these behaviors, then offer a treat.  

  1. While your dog eats the treat, remove your hand from your dog’s view to reset.  Repeat these steps 5-10 times, offering your hand at the same height and distance.


TRAINING TIPS 

  1. You can advance this skill by offering your hand at different heights and distances.   

  1. If your dog stops touching their nose to your hand, go back to an easier position. 

  1. Add a verbal cue: say the word “touch”, count 1-missisippi, then offer your hand. 



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