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Old 12-29-2007, 09:21 PM   #3 (permalink)
greekblue
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Orange County, Ca
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Smile Teach: Touch a Target

These instructions were taken from the book 101 Dog Tricks. They are similar to Cass's instructions, but there is no clicker and the author uses a treat to lure the dog towards the target.

Quote:
Verbal Cue: TARGET
1.In an empty environment, set up a target about 6'-10' away. The target can be a safety cone, plunger, or other unique object preferably one that your dog won't be tempted to take in his
mouth. Show your dog as you or another person places a treat on the target. Get your dog's attention as you do this by saying "cookie" or whichever word he understands to mean a treat.

2.Return to your dog and point in the direction of the target as you release him with "target!" Allow him to run to the target and eat the treat.

3.After a few succesful iterations, send your dog to the target without setting a treat on it. As soon as your dog touches the target, immediately praise him and give him a treat from your hand.

What to Expect:
Practice ten iterations per day and within a week you may be able to send your dog to a target across the room!

Troubleshooting: Is my dog supposed to touch the target with his nose or his paw?
While learning, either is acceptable. As you work with smaller and smaller target objects, your dog will find it easier to touch them with his paw, and will transition to this method on his own.
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