Target Training Books?

[dogs4life]

Any recommendations for teaching Target Training which covers theory and practical advice?
greekblue suggested Amazon.com: 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog: Books: Kyra Sundance,Chalcy

Thanks!

[Cassiepeia]

There really isn't that much to target training. Hold out your hand or target stick, dog touches it with its nose...click/treat. And repeat as many times as is needed for the dog to do it on purpose. Then add in the cue/command a few times, then only click/treat when you say the command. Done.
However, anything by Karen Pryor is great if you're clicker training. Also try looking at her site Karen Pryor Clickertraining | dog training and cat training info, books, videos, events .

Cass.

[greekblue]

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.

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.

[dogs4life]

Thank you! I'll try it with him in a couple months, he is still kinda scared of the clicker.

[greekblue]

I do not use a clicker and the book does it without a clicker also, although the clicker can and is VERY helpful to some people and to their dogs. I was just lucky and Niki responds to my voice perfectly well -- even when the intonations are not exactly the same.

Good Luck! I am sure Hank will have a fun time learning

[Cassiepeia]

Originally Posted by dogs4life

Thank you! I'll try it with him in a couple months, he is still kinda scared of the clicker.

Try putting the clicker in your pocket or behind you back to dull the sound a bit.

Cass.

[britishbandit]

Originally Posted by Cassiepeia

Try putting the clicker in your pocket or behind you back to dull the sound a bit.

Cass.

Or use the cap off of a Snapple bottle. Seriously though, it's like a clicker without the really sharp sound.

[DogTrainingTips]

Thanks for the recommendation.. would take a look at it

[dogs4life]

Just found this one at DogWise , anyone read it yet?

Right On Target! Taking Dog Training to a New Level by Mandy Book and Cheryl Smith

There is also a VHS for $59.95 which is more than I was willing to pay, but thought I'd mention it. Also it seems to be a European format not US format
ON TARGET! VIDEO (PAL - EUROPEAN VCR) by Gary Wilkes