Module 6.9 Hand 'Touch' Target
Hand Target - ‘Touch’
Video 1:
Teaching a hand target (or “touch”) is a great way to build engagement and create a simple, clear behaviour for your puppy to follow. To begin, hold a small piece of food between your fingers and present your hand close to your puppy’s nose. As they move towards and touch your hand, mark with “yes” (or a click) and reward. Repeat this until your puppy is confidently moving towards your hand, then begin to fade the food from your fingers, presenting the same hand target and rewarding from your treat bag instead.
Video 2:
In the next stage, you can start to build distance and movement. After marking and rewarding a touch, gently throw the treat a short distance away. This encourages your puppy to move away, then orientate back towards you. When they return, present your hand again for another touch. This helps strengthen the behaviour and builds a puppy who is actively choosing to come back and engage with you.
