Hand targeting?

**Criosphynx** · 10-21-2009, 11:43 PM

Anyone else use targeting to train their dogs or move them around? I remember us talking about it briefly but can't remember what was said LOL...man we go off topic alot here.

Basically I teach my dogs to touch my hand...then to follow my hand...I virtually never have physically touch them to move them. Its the first thing I teach after their names.

I also use it to teach other tricks so I don't have to use a food lure.

YouTube - VTECsqznN2O's Channel

I don't realize how much I use it until I have a strange dog around or I dogsit. They look at me like Iam insane.

**Cali** · 10-22-2009, 12:12 AM

I use it a lot as well but honestly haven't thought to use it in order to teach other tricks (aside from heeling). I teach other targeting as well and that I usefor other things.
I catch myself using hand signals with dogs of friends sometimes, the dogs look at me like I'm crazy too lol

**Criosphynx** · 10-22-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali

I use it a lot as well but honestly haven't thought to use it in order to teach other tricks (aside from heeling). I teach other targeting as well and that I usefor other things.
I catch myself using hand signals with dogs of friends sometimes, the dogs look at me like I'm crazy too lol

The "cat people" who train use a target stick to train pretty much all the other tricks...thats where I got the idea.

I made what I thought was a universal "come closer" hand signal and my BILs bulldog cocked her head at me and stayed put.

**fawkese1** · 10-22-2009, 04:54 PM

lol...ever have anyone say "you used the wrong hand signal for that" in reference to your own dog?

i am trying to use hand/stick targeting more...very very useful....

**Criosphynx** · 10-22-2009, 05:07 PM

Naw, but I did have a girl become very confused when Scooter didn't understand the "universal" signal she was using for sit.

**fawkese1** · 10-22-2009, 05:29 PM

this just sparked a little thought...i try to train hand signals for all commands, but you know i have a hard time with it sometimes i run out of stuff to use, i've started trying to catch my body language when i am shaping and use something that i'm already doing...like for take a bow, clover knows two verbal cues "take a bow" or "bow" but the physical cue is my bowing to him...i had the hardets time trying to think of something to use for "stand" lol...i guess i need to study my universal dog/human sign language....

**Criosphynx** · 10-22-2009, 06:54 PM

haha...I run out of hand signals too...I just try to figure out what body language the dog is picking up on is...exaggerate it..then use that.

**fawkese1** · 10-23-2009, 12:30 AM

how come you didn't put that video of chili following your hand on here? that was cool...i'm not getting quite that level of...focus?(not sure of the right word) with clover, i think i missed some shaping step.....

**Criosphynx** · 10-23-2009, 12:32 AM

doesnt the link go to it?

keep in mind Chili has been doing this daily for six months. Just reward the hell out of it...you'll get there.

if you notice my right hand is the target...but the food is in my left...but I feed him with my RIGHT hand. Very important.

EDIT...your right...wrong link

here it is for everyone

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3nG2jQLblA

**fawkese1** · 10-23-2009, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Criosphynx

doesnt the link go to it?

keep in mind Chili has been doing this daily for six months. Just reward the hell out of it...you'll get there.

if you notice my right hand is the target...but the food is in my left...but I feed him with my RIGHT hand. Very important.

EDIT...your right...wrong link

here it is for everyone

YouTube - Chili demonstrating targeting.

yes, so that it isn't a lure! i can't really think of what i've been doing just now....hmm i think i'll work on some target practice tomorrow!...lol get it?....target practice!

okay, maybe a little lame...