Obedience Basics
Hand Targeting ("Touch")
beginner · A few days of short sessions
Hand targeting, often called 'touch,' means your dog moves toward your hand and presses their nose to your open palm when asked. It takes just a few days of short practice sessions to build. Touch is useful for guiding your dog's movement, getting their attention, and building confidence. It also lays a great foundation for many other skills. Most dogs pick it up quickly because it turns into a fun game.
What you'll need
- Small soft treats (pea-sized or smaller)
- A treat pouch or small bowl to hold treats
- A quiet, low-distraction room to start
Step by step
1. Load up your treats
Put several small treats in your treat pouch or pocket. Keep them easy to reach. You want to reward within one or two seconds of the behavior, so quick access matters.
2. Present your hand
Hold one hand out flat, palm facing your dog, about three to six inches from their nose. Keep your other hand at your side. Do not say anything yet. Just wait and watch.
3. Wait for nose contact
Most dogs will sniff or nudge your palm out of curiosity. The moment their nose touches your hand, even lightly, mark it with a clear 'yes' or a click if you use a clicker.
4. Deliver the treat
Right after marking, give your dog a treat from your other hand. Do not treat from the target hand. This keeps the hand clean as a signal and avoids confusion.
5. Reset and repeat
After your dog eats the treat, bring your hand back to your side for a moment. Then present your palm again. Repeat five to eight times per session. Keep sessions under three minutes.
6. Build a clear nose press
Once your dog is reliably moving toward your palm, wait for a slightly firmer nose press before marking. You are shaping a deliberate touch, not just a sniff. Go at your dog's pace.
7. Add the cue word
When your dog moves toward your palm consistently, say 'touch' in a calm, clear voice just before you present your hand. Say it once. Then hold out your palm as usual.
8. Practice the cue
Say 'touch,' present your palm, mark the nose contact, and treat. Repeat across several short sessions over one to two days until the word reliably predicts the behavior.
9. Vary your hand position
Once your dog understands the cue, present your hand at slightly different heights and angles. Keep changes small at first. This helps your dog generalize the skill beyond one fixed position.
10. Add a little distance
Hold your palm a bit farther away so your dog takes one or two steps to reach it. Increase distance gradually. If your dog stops responding, move your hand closer again and rebuild.
11. Practice in new places
Try touch in different rooms, then outdoors in a calm area. New environments are distracting, so go back to easy, close targets at first. Reward generously when distractions are present.
12. Use touch in daily life
Ask for touch to guide your dog away from something, to redirect their attention, or just as a quick check-in on walks. Keep it positive and use it often so the skill stays sharp.
Troubleshooting
My dog just stares at my hand and does nothing.
Rub a treat briefly on your palm to add scent interest, then present it again. Once your dog sniffs or nudges, mark and reward. Fade the scent lure after a few repetitions.
My dog mouths or bites my hand instead of touching with their nose.
Quietly pull your hand back and wait a moment, then try again. Mark only nose contact, not mouthing. Consistent marking of the right behavior helps your dog figure out what earns the treat.
My dog loses interest after two or three repetitions.
Shorten your sessions to just two or three reps at a time. End while your dog is still engaged. Try higher-value treats, or practice before a meal when your dog is a little hungry.
My dog touches my hand but ignores the verbal cue 'touch.'
Make sure you say the cue before presenting your hand, not at the same time. The word needs to predict the hand signal. Practice the sequence: say 'touch,' pause one second, then show your palm.
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