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Clickers are often associated with positive reinforcement training

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement is a popular and effective training method for dogs, cats, horses, and just about any living, breathing creature. It involves rewarding the animal for desirable behaviours, rather than punishing them for undesirable behaviours. This type of training has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people have become aware of its effectiveness and its benefits over other training methods.

One of the key elements of positive reinforcement training is the use of treats as rewards. Treats can motivate the animal to perform a desired behaviour and help reinforce that behaviour. For example, if you want your dog to sit on command, you can reward them with a treat every time they successfully sit. Over time, your dog will learn that sitting is a behaviour that results in a reward, and they will be more likely to sit on command in the future.

Using Rewards Effectively

When using treats as rewards, choosing healthy and appealing treats is essential. For dogs, this might include small pieces of cooked chicken or cheese. For cats, it might be small pieces of tuna or salmon. Horses may enjoy carrot pieces or apple slices as treats. It is important to ensure that the treats are tiny and can be devoured quickly to keep the training momentum going. Making the treats part of your animal’s overall diet is also advisable to avoid weight gain.

Clickers are often associated with positive reinforcement training

To make it easy to carry and get access to treats during training, many trainers use treat bags. These pouches can be attached to your belt or waistband and used to hold treats. This lets you quickly and easily reward your animal during training sessions without fumbling with a bag of goodies.

Another tool that is commonly used in positive reinforcement training is a clicker. A clicker is a small device that makes a clicking sound when pressed. The sound marks the desired behaviour, letting the animal know that they have done something right and that a reward is coming. Clickers are particularly useful as they give instant feedback, marking the moment when the task is completed successfully, i.e., if you’re asking for a sit, click when the bottom touches the ground.

Treat bags come in all shapes and sizes and make training more efficient

Reward Good Behaviour

Reward-based training is about reinforcing positive behaviours, rather than punishing negative ones. This means that when your animal does something wrong, you should focus on redirecting their behaviour, rather than punishing them. For example, suppose your dog is jumping up on people. In that case, you might redirect their behaviour by asking them to sit instead. You can reward them with a treat when they sit, reinforcing the desired behaviour.

Tools of the Trade

In addition to treats and clickers, there are a variety of other rewards that can be used in positive reinforcement training. For example, praise and affection are powerful rewards that can be used to reinforce good behaviour. Also, many pets respond well to toys. So you might reward them with a treat, a word of praise, or a throw of their favourite ball, letting them know that they have done something good.

Target sticks are a very useful tool in training

Positive reinforcement training can teach a wide variety of behaviours, from basic commands like “sit” and “stay” to more advanced behaviours like agility training and obedience competitions. The key is to be consistent and patient, rewarding your animal for the behaviours you want them to exhibit and redirecting their behaviour when they do something wrong.

Building a Bond

One of the benefits of positive reinforcement training is that it helps to build a stronger bond between you and your animal. By focusing on positive behaviours and rewarding your animal for good behaviour, you build trust and strengthen your relationship. This can lead to a happier, healthier, and more well-behaved animal.

“With clicker training I feel that there is no longer any barrier between me and my dog – we now speak the same language”

A Trained Dog is a Happy, More Confident Dog

In conclusion, positive reinforcement training is a highly effective training method that can be used to train dogs, cats, and horses, to name the obvious ones. It involves rewarding the animal for desirable behaviours, rather than punishing them for undesirable behaviours. Clickers, target sticks, and treat bags are all useful tools. In addition, treats, toys, praise, and other rewards can motivate and reinforce positive behaviours. By using positive reinforcement training, you can build a stronger bond with your animal and help them become happier, healthier, and better behaved.

Create a special bond with your pet

Preparing for a New Puppy

Your New Pup

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time. You’ve probably spent ages thinking about it. Looking for the right dog. You may have visited it already with its mother, and now you’re just counting down the days until you can collect your puppy and bring it home. You’ve probably already picked out a name, the collar and lead or harness, and maybe even a dog bed. So, what haven’t you considered?

Choosing the right pup

Preparing the Home

Well, one thing that we always think about is cables. These days with all the technology in use, there are lots of trailing cables all over most homes. Tilly was very keen on cables, so we tidy all these away and ensure they are out of reach of small needle teeth. You may also want to take a careful look around and move other things temporarily, like shoes, TV remotes and anything that could appeal to a curious pup.

Sleeping Arrangements

Secondly, you need to consider where they will sleep. You may have their bed all picked out, but where will you put it and what will happen at night? Many years ago, when someone suggested crating a pup, we were very against it. Then we discovered that they really are beneficial. Not only that, the dogs loved them – it was their own little den. It may be best to have them in a secure area at night where they can’t get into too much trouble.

A safe haven for a pup

A crate may also be helpful for when you leave them during the day. Since, now that most people have returned to work, there will be times when they will be left home alone. Ensure that the crate is big enough for them to move around freely and perhaps give them a stuffed frozen Puppy KONG. It is NOT recommended that you leave them unattended for hours on end and make sure you crate train them first so that they actually feel comfortable in there.

Preparing the Garden

What about outside? Have you got an area that is safe for them to run about? No toxic plants, things they could hurt themselves on, and more importantly, somewhere they can’t escape from, like gaps in hedges or fencing?

Check your outside space for toxic plants and make sure it’s secure

Diet

Then you need to consider their diet. The breeder will no doubt provide you with their current food to give you time to move them onto your choice of food, but you should have it ready in advance to mix in with the food supplied to make for an easier transition and minimise the risk of upset tummies.

Taking Time Out

If you are out at work, try and take some ‘pawrental’ leave for a week or so until they are settled in. Or at least try and arrange for someone to come in during the day to check on them and let them out for toilet breaks.

Speaking of toilet breaks, we always swore we would never have another pup during the wintertime as there is nothing worse than rushing outside every hour or so in the freezing cold or pouring rain!

The Journey Home

Toby Pup on his 100-mile journey home

On the day you collect your new addition to the family, you may want to prepare a crate for the car ride home, especially if you have a longer journey. Ideally, this would be a two-person trip and the crate should be secured and stable on the back seat of the car beside you and give access to the puppy. It should be big enough to allow the pup choices about where to lie and with enough room for them to sit up. The pup needs to feel secure but not restricted. The base of the carrier should be thick and soft. This can help to reduce the vibration of the moving car and provides support. An ideal arrangement would be a ‘donut bed’ which has soft, raised sides that provide support as the car moves, or use rolled-up towels around the inside. The first time they travel in a car will likely set them up for future car trips, so make it as pleasant an experience as possible. This may avoid trouble and particularly car sickness in the future.

On Arrival

All puppies are different. Some approach life without a care in the world, while others need time to adjust to new situations. When you get your pup home, imagine what it must be like for them. They have been taken away from everything they’ve ever known and are now in a strange place with people and possibly animals they don’t know. It must be scary and confusing for them. Give them time to explore and be particularly careful when introducing them to existing pets. Certainly, don’t leave them alone together until they have had time to get to know each other.

Introduce your pup carefully to other pets

Toys!

Choose toys carefully. You don’t want something with small pieces that could easily be swallowed. Always supervise your pup with its toys. Treat dispensing and interactive toys are great as they tend to focus the pup more on getting to the treat and less on chewing – although they will chew. And remember, squeaky toys will likely drive you and other pets crazy.

Check out our complete puppy range here. From left to right Kibble Chase, Cyber Puppy Teethers, Puppy KONG, Junior Snuggler Natural Nippers Multi Activity Blanket.

Natural Nippers Snuggle Heat Cushion for Puppies

Train, Train, Train!

And finally, start training from the moment they get home. Don’t think you have to wait to attend a training class. You will be training full-time at home, not saving it for the hour a week you spend at a class. Get that clicker out – it’s so much quicker with a clicker – and get them used to being trained from the outset. Once they understand the basics of action and reward, it will make all future training easier and more fun!

Get a head start with our Training Bag and Clicker combos – it really is quicker with a clicker!

Good luck with your new pup – you’ll need patience and humour to get through those first few weeks, but most importantly, enjoy it as they’re not puppies for long!

Enjoy your pup. They don’t stay that size for long!

The Trick is in the Click

SPECIAL EDITION Teardrop Clickers

They’ll be no tears with these clickers!

What is a clicker?

A clicker is a small, plastic, (usually) hand-held noisemaker.

What do you use a clicker for in dog training?

You use a clicker as a marker. It marks the exact moment that your pet did what you wanted them to do.

Clicker Training your dog – total focus

What happens after the click?

You give a treat – always, no questions asked. Even if you clicked at the wrong moment.

How does it work?

Clicker training is a reward-based (positive) training method, so your pets generally love it. In the early stages, they associate the click with a treat. Once this concept is learned, every time you click, they know a treat will be forthcoming, so they work hard to achieve that “click”.

Do I have to carry a clicker forever?

No. Once the lessons are learned, you can put the clicker away until you want to teach the next trick.

It’s as simple as that.

And it really is quicker with a clicker!

A few of the varieties available – Teardrop Clicker, Box Clicker, i-Click, Clik-R

Clickers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and volumes. The box clickers tend to be louder, and the button clickers quieter. Remember, your pets have amazing hearing, so they don’t necessarily need loud.

For the first-time clicker trainer, buttons are usually best as it is much easier to locate the clicking part. They can also be used with your foot.

SPECIAL EDITION Teardrop Clickers

We happen to love these teardrop clickers. They are lightweight, fit nicely in the hand, have a good substantial click, and the button is easy to locate without being too prominent. So, we have created two fun SPECIAL EDITION varieties with pawsitive training messages!

Orange Teardrop Clicker – Trick & Click & Treat
Blue Teardrop Clicker – It’s Quicker with a Clicker

There is a small hole near the edge for fitting your favourite attachment to ensure that your clicker is always close at hand.

They make lovely gifts for your dog training pals!

Approx measurements: 6 x 4 x 2cm

Halloween SPECIAL EDITION Bundle

Our Halloween SPECIAL EDITION Bundle is available for a limited time only and includes the Doggone Good Rapid Reward Treat Pouch in Orange, Black Webbing Belt, SPECIAL EDITION Orange Teardrop Clicker, and Black Wrist Coil. Save over 10% on individual prices!

Calm Dog Games

What is Calm Dog Games?

Calm Dog Games is a beautifully presented pack of cards, wonderfully illustrated with different dog breeds. It contains 52 individual challenges for dogs, along with a guide booklet to help you on your way.

As has been proven, mental stimulation can be just as engaging and demanding as physical exercise for the active canine. In situations such as our current lockdown or maybe for disabled dogs, or dogs recovering from surgery, or even just bad weather, these cards are the perfect solution.

The five categories

The cards are divided into 5 different categories; Puzzle, Bond, Focus, Calm and Play, so you can quickly select an appropriate activity for your mood or desired aim. The categories are a mixture of scent games, stealth training, brain games, enrichment activities and bonding exercises to strengthen your relationship.

Whether you are training a pup, settling in a new rescue, or just spending time with your four-legged bestie, these games are great to help you bond, train and have fun together. Add joy, stimulation and enrichment to their day while developing positive behaviours such as calmness, confidence and connection with you.

How to play

PICK A CARD – Select from a category or choose from the whole deck.
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS – Play the game for 60 seconds to 5 minutes max.
PLAY AGAIN OR CHILL – 3-5 games over the course of the day is sufficient.

(Some games require additional equipment)

From the creator

Calm Dog Games is, first and foremost, for the love of dogs. Inspired by my own spaniel, Cam, my desire was to give him an interesting and enriching life.

Dogs really are the best of us, and they deserve to be listened to and heard. I believe many behavioural issues can be remedied through clear communication, gentle understanding and positive reinforcement. In essence, a calm default.

My aim is to help empower other people who have a dog in their life with the tools and strategies to communicate and connect with their dog, develop calmness and build upon that all-important bond.

Calmness isn’t just for dogs, it’s for us too.

What people are saying about Calm Dog Games

“Great for any dog lover. Lovely cards with some great games on them. Simple ideas well thought out. Glad I bought them. I feel I have an ace up my sleeve with these.”

“A handy resource for enrichment and training. These cards are a great way to find games that will help you boost the behaviours you want from your dog.
Being able to pick a card at random is an easy way to make sure you include variety in your play.

They’re great for rainy days and handy for holidays, and they include lots of ideas that would work for dogs who are on restricted exercise.

I especially like the little book that explains the thinking behind the games and how to take them to the next level as your dog becomes an expert.

On top of that, they’re very pretty and easy to wrap, so I am working out who I can buy them for as a gift.”

“Honestly brilliant!

These are great little fun games to help focus, calm bond and play with my dog, and I love the fact that it has a little book that has higher levels of you can train further. It’s compact to carry around and to just whip one out, I really enjoy doing the focus games with my pup while out walking!”

Dog Backpacks – The Positive Benefits

Archie wearing Julius-K9 Saddlebags

The positive benefits of a backpack

Dog backpacks can have many positive benefits for your canine and can turn a basic walk into a rewarding experience.

It gives your dog a job

Many types of dogs like to be engaged in activities, and a dog backpack can help to give your pup a purpose. When they’re wearing their backpack, they know they’re helping in a tangible way, which will make them happier and ultimately, healthier. If you have a small or ageing dog, an empty backpack is just as effective. They will still feel they have a job!

It calms them down

A bit like a pressure wrap for anxious dogs, a backpack can help to calm your dog and make them feel more secure.

Helps them focus

Is your dog distracted on walks? Maybe it’s other dogs, cars or bikes. A backpack can set them into work mode and help them focus and disregard the distractions.

They carry their stuff

Poop bags, for instance! You never have enough hands or pockets so why not fill the backpack with a collapsible bowl, water bottle, tasty treats and even a basic first aid kit?

It’s a workout and can build muscle

An extended hike with a well-balanced backpack can result in a good workout and help build muscle, and even on those dismal days when ‘walkies’ time is shorter, they will still get a decent amount of exercise.

Walking together strengthens your bond

Put the backpack on whether it’s a long hike in the woods or a quick trot around the park, walking together strengthens your bond and both of you will sleep better for it.

Improves physical and mental health

Walking is good for the body and the mind for both you and your pup. Not only does it increase stamina, but during regular exercise, dopamine levels in the body increase, which is associated with improved mood and a happier outlook on life.

Top Tips to teach your dog to wear a backpack

Step 1: Choose the right backpack for the job. Is it for long hikes or a quick jog around the park?

Step 2: Measure your dog to ensure you get a good fit.

Step 3: Get them used to the backpack. Let them see it and sniff it before attempting to put it on.

Step 4: When they wear it for the first time, let them get used to the empty weight of it on their back and adjust to walking through gaps with it on.

Step 5: Start slowly and add items to the backpack so that they get used to carrying a bit of weight. Do short walks at first.

Step 6: Gradually add items so they can get used to balancing and manoeuvring with the filled backpack in place.

Step 7: When they’re comfortable with it, go off and have adventures!

Adventure Hund also have some excellent advice on How to Train Your Dog to Wear a Backpack.

Archie, ready for an adventure!

See our range of Dog Backpacks and start your adventures here!

Training with a Long Line

The beginning of the line

Many years ago, we attended a number of workshops for reactive and aggressive dogs. Throughout the workshops, long lines were being used as training aids and at that time, they were hard to come by. We realised there was an unmet need, so began making those long lines and hence the name of our company, Training Lines.

We used climbing rope to make the original ones, and we are still using our prototypes today!

The use of a long line has been brought home to us again just recently because Tilly has been on restricted exercise following her elbow arthroscopy. We have also used the same long line in the not too distant past when Tracking with Toby.

In short, they are useful tools, training tools, and not to be confused with long leads or extending leads.

We prefer to use them with a harness rather than a collar and advise you should always, no matter what the weather, wear gloves. Rope burns are painful.

Why use a long line?

Well, although they could be used as a long lead, they take some management to prevent both yourself and your dog from becoming hopelessly entangled.

It’s easy to get tangled up, especially when other dogs are around

They are useful for young dogs to give them a sense of freedom while still retaining that all-important control, or for teaching a recall. They are also essential in BAT (behaviour adjustment training) in reactive dogs and provide a physical connection to your dog as a back-up for your mental connection.

And of course, there are various ones for use in Scent Work or Tracking.

Our preference is no handle. A dog can get up a good turn of speed on a long line, and the last thing you want is a dislocated wrist. It can help to tie knots near the end so that you know when you are running out of rope.

Before buying a long line, you should decide first of all what you want to use it for and then how long you want it. As mentioned above, the lines can be very unwieldy if too long.

Although we no longer make them ourselves, they are now far easier to obtain and here is our pick of the ones available.

Puppy House Line

The Clix Puppy House Line is a lightweight lead that can be used in the house to interrupt a dog’s undesirable behaviours without the need for confrontation or misunderstanding.

Preventing undesirable behaviour is always more effective than stopping it once it has started because your dog will not get a chance to find out how much fun it is to be ‘naughty’. You do have to think ahead and predict what your dog might do next.

The house line helps you to get to your dog before he makes a mistake. If your dog is about to do something undesirable, pick up or step on the house line to restrain him. Distract him from what he was about to do by calling him, encourage him to show the behaviour that you want instead and then praise and reward him for getting it right.

Can be used to stop jumping up, stealing, chewing, digging, chasing, play biting, pestering other dogs in the household, climbing onto furniture or running out through an open door.

It should never be left on an unattended dog.

A lightweight recall line

Lightweight Recall Line

The Clix Lightweight Recall Training Line is ideal for puppies and young dogs as it is made from an ultra-light yet durable fabric. The recall line allows the dog to be seemingly free and yet remain under control, combining security with freedom. An essential tool for recall training and ideal for controlled socialisation of puppies and aggressive dogs.

The perfect training tool for outings in a public place and the soft padded webbing makes the recall line comfortable to hold.

Recall Training line

Recall Training Line

As with the lightweight version, the Clix Recall Training Line allows the dog a feeling of freedom while ensuring that you have control. For teaching a reliable recall, the long line is an excellent proofing tool for testing your dog’s proficiency and doing it safely.

Two lengths are available (5m, 16 ft 8 inches, & 10m, 33 ft 4 inches).

Tracking Lines: Tracking Line with Ball (cord), Tracking Line (cord), Tracking Lead (webbing)

Tracking Lines

The Trixie Tracking Lines come in several different varieties and can be a powerful communication tool between the dog and handler. With proper use, the communication flows back and forth all the time during the track. A handler’s primary job is to keep the line from distracting the dog, keep it out of the dog’s way and do not let it get tangled. The correct tension on the line will keep it straight in the air from the dog’s harness to your hand.

Tracking leads can be used for scent work or as a long line for recall training. They come in various lengths and styles.

Tracking leash with a PVC coating or integrated shock absorber

The Trixie Easy Life Tracking Leashes are available with a PVC coating which is resilient and durable, and easy to wipe clean. Available in various lengths, they offer freedom of movement while training or walking, and are also ideal for tracking or searching.

You can even get one with an integrated shock absorber that helps to cushion any sudden pulling making it kinder on you and your dog.

Excellent for tracking, scent work and distance or recall training.

Lining yourself up for success

We hope that gives you an insight into why, if used correctly, a long line is such a valuable training aid and although we haven’t gone into detail on how best to use them, a lot of the products come with basic instructions which are well worth reading before getting started. Alternatively, it’s worth doing some research online before deciding which one is best for you and your dog.

The pup challenge

We experience the highs and lows of a new puppy

As the clock struck midnight on the New Year, instead of knocking back champers, we were wrapped up in bed with a Lemsip! We had succumbed to the virus that seemed to be sweeping the nation and it made life with a lively puppy just that bit tougher.

Toby was, of course, adorable but on top of that he was hard work. We have had many puppies in the past but as they grow, you quickly forget the bad bits!

Lack of sleep, they like to wake early, taking them outside (in bad weather) every half an hour, trying to stop them chewing, especially electric cables that you never noticed before and keeping those needle sharp teeth out of your flesh! Not to mention the feeding four times a day! It’s a full-time job and not for the faint hearted.

We are very lucky in that we work from home so we could be with him 24/7. Heaven knows how people cope when they have to go out to work.

A dog crate was an essential piece of kit, especially for those much needed moments of respite and invaluable overnight. Clicker training helped to calm him down and focus his mind for short periods, often leaving him needing a nap and us with some breathing space. We tried out plenty of toys and he loved most of them, but not for long enough. His attention soon returned to chewing rugs, furniture or shoes, that someone had foolishly left lying around.

Two other problems we encountered were sheep poo, and Jack our Border Collie. The field we walk them in has recently been vacated by our pregnant ewes and there was plenty to interest him. We couldn’t get his nose off the ground and quickly taught him a “leave” command, which works about 30% of the time. Jack was a bigger challenge – whereas both Archie and Daisy have welcomed new pups before, this is Jack’s first one. He didn’t react very well and although the 2 shepherds would tolerate Toby, Jack was very snappy.

We tried to work this through by taking them out to one of our large sheds and training them together. Jack realised that being with Toby meant positive things rather than negative.

To a certain extent this has calmed the problem and Jack’s snapping seems to be much more ‘warning’ than intent. Toby does heed those messages when he isn’t hyper-excited, and more often than not, Jack prefers to move away rather than getting involved. We still have work to do, but we are happy with the progress so far.

Despite all of the above, Toby has been an absolute joy. He is so bold, intelligent, quick to learn and entertaining and he’s certainly taught us a thing or two. Last week he started his clicker class and we were very proud of him. He behaved beautifully. But we won’t be resting on our laurels, there is homework to be completed and we are well aware that once he gets comfortable in the new training environment, he may not be quite so polite and well mannered.

Pictured below are the items we found most useful for Toby:

Toby loves the Everlasting Treat Ball

The treat-filled Tuggy is a hit!

Toby with the Puller

Perfect for controlled walking

Jack seems distracted…

Jack seems distracted in a clicker training session

During an impromptu clicker training session with Jack in the field, teaching him to go around a pole in the ground, we noticed that he seemed to be a little bit distracted and kept wandering off unexpectedly.

Whilst it is true that he does have quite a short attention span, we were near a livestock pen at the time and at first we assumed that he was more interested in the livestock than us. In fact, the real reason was completely different.

This is what happens:

Please excuse the poor sound quality.

Jack likes working for treats but he really responds to praise and attention too, so we try to use a combination of both to keep him interested.

We noticed that he would only wander off after we verbally praised him and gave him a rub. At some point in the past, we have inadvertantly taught him that the praise and belly rub marks the end of the session. Rather than being distracted, he is simply heading home because he thinks it’s all over.

We may need to fade that behaviour if we intend work with him for more than 30 seconds at a time…

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Training your dog with a Target Stick

Teach your dog to target using a target stick or target wand. A fun training activity, but also a useful way to lead your dog without force.

Targeting or Touch Targeting is very simple – it is teaching your dog to touch something on command, such as your hand, a cup or maybe a ball, with either his nose (or paw).

How is it useful?

Fin is lured into a Down with the target stick

Targeting can be useful in a number of ways. For instance, sending your dog to his bed to ‘settle’, or training him to ring a bell to go outside are both forms of targeting where the bed and the bell are the targets.

Why use a target stick?

Almost anything can be used as a target, but the beauty of using a target stick is that you can move it around easily. They usually have a target ball on the end which can attract your dog’s attention, they are easily portable, and they can be used to encourage your dog to follow. Some even have an integrated clicker.

Once he is comfortable touching the target ball, this behaviour can easily be transferred to other objects. Floor standing target sticks are also ideal for distance work where your dog may need to work away from you (handy for dog agility/dog sports, but other situations too).

As soon as your dog is working with a target stick, it can be effective for leading his movement without force. With your dog happy following the target, you can use it for many things – like encouraging a ‘down’ (right), leading him through the weave poles in agility, doing a twirl around you, or pushing objects on cue

Getting Started

Make sure you have your clicker, a quantity of small but high value treats in a treat pouch, your target stick, somewhere quiet with no distractions, and a dog that is hungry!

Your dog should already be familiar with the clicker (although the steps can be adapted to non-clicker training methods if you prefer).

Step 1

Start by doing a few simple tricks that your dog already knows to get him to focus on you. Sits or downs perhaps, remembering to click and treat each time.

Once you have his attention, present the stick to your dog. Be ready – out of curiosity he is bound to sniff the stick, and as soon as he does, or shows any interest, (anywhere on the stick, not just the end with the ball) click and treat. Repeat the action and again click and treat each time he shows interest.

Try not to let your dog bite the target or stick

If your dog attempts to bite or grab the stick, try to discourage him without putting him off of the exercise.

Vary the stick’s position slightly in relation to your dog, and keep going until it is clear that he understands that if he sniffs or touches the stick (wherever it is) with his nose, he will receive the click and treat.

If your dog is really not interested, be patient and give him a chance to work out what you want him to do. In some cases it helps to smear something smelly and tasty onto the target ball to help get your dog started.

Train in short bursts so that he doesn’t lose interest, taking regular breaks to do other things. Only once your dog is touching the target stick 100% of the time, move on to the next step.

Step 2

So far you have said nothing when he touches, so now it’s time to add a verbal command, or ‘cue’. Present the stick and just as his nose is making contact, say the word you want to use, like ‘touch’. Don’t forget to click and treat. Do some repetitions and gradually introduce the word earlier and earlier until it is clear that the cue is making him act.

When your dog is 100% reliable, stop clicking for touches that are not done on command.

Step 3

Vary the position of the target stick

At this point you can start to move the target stick’s position a little more, still using the ‘touch’ cue. Click and treat each time. Most target sticks are telescopic so you can extend and get your dog to work further away from you. You could also put the stick on the floor or on a piece of furniture.

Again make sure the behaviour is 100% solid before moving on.

Step 4

When your dog is reliably touching on command, you can start to shape the behaviour.

Your dog may only be touching the target ball already, but if not, it shouldn’t take too much encouragement to focus him on that rather than the whole stick. Just click and treat for nose touches on the ball itself, and nowhere else. He’ll soon get the message.

Then, try moving the stick a little as your dog approaches, so that he follows it. As your dog understands what is needed, vary the distance and speed of movement. Remember to click and treat the touch each time.

Before long, your dog should be touching the ball at the end of the stick on command wherever it is.

What next?

A floor standing target can encourage your dog to work away from you

If you have a free standing target stick you can begin to ask your dog to work away from you. Start with the target close at first and use your ‘touch’ cue. Click immediately and he should return to you for the treat (setting up the next go very nicely!).

Move the target to different positions relative to you and gradually increase the distance to it, repeating the command, and clicking and treating for each success. If you have a hand held target stick, you could achieve the same thing by putting it on the ground where your dog can see it.

Dogs enjoy speed and excitement so it is good fun to turn this into a fast paced game. Put the target down a few feet from you, give the touch cue, and when your dog touches the target, click and throw the treat out past it so that your dog has to run to get it. On his way back to you, give the touch cue again, click and throw the treat again after a successful touch.

Remember…

If at any time your dog starts to get confused or frustrated, either go back and repeat the previous step, or switch to something simple that he can do easily. This will make the training fun for him and keep him interested.

Take your time. Some dogs take longer than others, and it is important not to push forward too quickly.

Always put the target stick away at the end of a training session so that your dog is not touching it when you are not looking and therefore not receiving a click and treat.

Have fun!