It’s ok! We’re here to help. We speak a little dog and can help translate for both of you. It’s probably just a miscommunication! And we are here to help get you both speaking the same language! Woof!
Connect with the PAWpundance training team and other members of the dog community to discuss better ways to communicate with your furry house guest.
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The Targeting Stick
What is a targeting stick in dog training? We use a targeting stick or hand to ask a pup to touch their nose or occasionally a paw to it. The stick is usually a stick that telescopes and has a ball, preferably foam, at the end.
Why do we do targeting? It helps with focus if we are working with behavior modification. It also helps the pups with impulse control and control of their movements. This means the pup can learn harder movements for example standing on hind legs and walking upright. This can lend to agility and other harder movements. The stick, like the clicker is another tool to help the pup understand what we are asking. These can be very popular with movie stunt dogs (paint green) to move the dog through a scene. The are also helpful for behavior therapy because they can move a pup through a stressful situation by allowing the pup to just focus on the targeting stick or trainer's hand.
We load the targeting stick similar to loading the clicker. The key to this is to not force the tap. We want to encourage the pup to tap they're nose on the end of the stick or hand without force. I like bacon grease. When we can, control the environment and not the behavior of the pup. We work with smells and curiosity and the pup approaches the targeting stick that we have held out. When the pup is close enough to touch his nose to the stick click and reward!
Move the stick to another spot. Be sure to have neutral attention and wait for your pup to get curious again. When your pup gets close again and sniffs the ball, click and reward! Continue to move the stick to different places. Adjust the length of the stick from you. Change the height and the challenge with each session. Be sure to break it up and work on this over many short sessions.
Once your pup knows to follow the ball or to tap you hand, then you can begin to get creative! Try moving the targeting stick with quick fluid movements around your home. Then take it to the park. Maybe you can find an agility park in your neighborhood. Targeting sticks are as fun as your imagination!
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We want to see your furbabies!
We’re here to assist with any questions you may have about training, behavior, and more. At PAWpundance, we believe in blending knowledge with a bit of fun—expect plenty of paws, puns, and maybe even a dance or two! Together, let’s enjoy some laughs and build stronger relationships with our pups.
Our Philosophy:
We’ve invited another species to live in our homes, and our dogs are much more than accessories; they’re our guests. They don’t speak our language, and like in the movie E.T., we don’t want to be the intimidating figures trying to coerce a scared, confused being. Instead, we want to be like ...
Eye Contact, Eye Contact, Eye Contact!
Reward every glance. Start by reinforcing brief glances, then encourage your pup to hold your gaze a bit longer. Gradually phase out your part of the eye contact—your pup will learn to watch you and adapt to your movements naturally. This approach helps them learn to walk with you without relying on leash cues.
Remember, the leash is purely for safety—not for communication.
Take a look at this video with Meghan and Buckee. Buckee is watching Meghan closely, and she rewards him by making eye contact, smiling, and offering treats. Meghan also looks forward occasionally, teaching Buckee to walk with her in sync.
Notice that Buckee is a reactive pup, so the leash is essential for safety, especially if he responds to something unexpectedly. However, it’s only used for physical control when necessary. When Buckee refocuses, Meghan reestablishes instructional control, and they continue their walk together. She does a fantastic job of engaging with him! In ...
Loose-Leash Walking Tip:
Where you reward makes a big difference! Try using the hand on the same side as your dog when giving treats or praise.
When you reach across your body to reward with the opposite hand, it draws your dog’s nose in front of you, encouraging them to move ahead and potentially start pulling.
In the video of Meghan and Domino, Meghan holds the leash with her left hand while Domino walks on her right. She rewards him by petting and giving treats with her right hand. This keeps Domino walking by her side on a loose leash, rather than in front, pulling her along.
Next time you’re out walking with your pup, try rewarding with the hand on the same side as your dog.
https://twitter.com/wholedogjournal/status/1295508215740932098?s=21
How to teach you pup to be a good dining companion! What a great skill!
https://twitter.com/wholedogjournal/status/1292609106637987840?s=21
This is about counter-surfers, but I love the description of trying to shame dogs. This author, Pat Miller helped me understand this concept in her book the Power of Positive Dog Training.
If you’re still on Twitter, the Whole Dog Journal is a great group to follow. Lots of fantastic info!
