Things You'll Need:
- small, yummy treats (I like string cheese)
- white tupperware lid or mousepad
- a clicker
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Step 1
Place the target (the tupperware lid or mousepad) on the ground. When your dog goes over to sniff at it, click with the clicker and treat by placing a treat on the target. Do not give a command...yet! Each time your dog sniffs at the target, click and treat.
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Step 2
Once your dog is consistently going to the target, start giving this action a command. Common commands are "target" or "touch."
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Step 3
Once your dog "gets" it, start putting some distance between the dog and the target. Place your dog 4-5 feet from the target and race your dog to the target...give the "target" command and place treats on the target. This will teach your dog to go to the target with speed and momentum.
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Step 4
Once you have some momentum, add some more distance. This time, place the treats on the target beforehand. Show your dog the treats, then take them about 10 feet away. Get your dog excited ("ready...ready...) and release with a "target" command. Your dog should run gleefully towards the target and snarf up the treat!
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Step 5
Eventually you'll want to remove the physical target so you can easily transfer this technique to agility. Start by placing the treats on a clear, plexiglass target, and then randomize when treats are placed on the plexiglass. Eventually, you'll be able to remove the target all together and use only the command.
