19/08/2025
⭐️ Training Game ⭐️
Teaching the “Touch” or Nose Target: Applications of Nose Targeting in Dog Training
Summary
The “Touch” behaviour, commonly taught as nose targeting, is a foundation behaviour in positive reinforcement based dog training. This Blog explains the benefits of targeting, provides a stepwise teaching protocol, identifies common training errors, and outlines practical applications. Drawing on the work of Garrett (2005), Pryor (2002), and McConnell (2002), this blog explains that targeting is an essential skill for enhancing communication, focus, and confidence in domestic dogs.
Introduction
Target training has been widely recognised as a cornerstone of reinforcement-based animal training across species (Pryor, 2002). In dogs, the “Touch” cue involves teaching the animal to make deliberate contact with a handler’s hand or other designated target using its nose. Trainers such as Susan Garrett (2005) emphasise the importance of foundation skills like targeting, as they provide clarity and structure that enable dogs to succeed in increasingly complex tasks.
The purpose of this blog is to outline a systematic method for teaching the “Touch” cue, highlight common training challenges, and review its practical applications in both companion and working dog contexts.
Benefits of Teaching “Touch”
Target training offers several practical and behavioral benefits:
• Focus and engagement. The behaviour provides a means of redirecting a dog’s attention to the handler, particularly in distracting environments (Garrett, 2005).
• Redirection tool. “Touch” can be used as a positive alternative to interrupt undesirable behaviours without resorting to aversive methods (Pryor, 2002).
• Confidence building. For dogs that are shy or hesitant, targeting encourages voluntary interaction, which can reduce anxiety and increase resilience (McConnell, 2002).
• Foundation for complex behaviours. Nose targeting serves as a prerequisite for advanced tasks, including agility targeting, service dog work, and trick training (Garrett, 2005).
Training Protocol
Step 1: Preparation
Training should begin in a quiet environment with minimal distractions. High-value reinforcers (reward/treat) are recommended, and the trainer should select a consistent marker signal (clicker or verbal marker).
Step 2: Introduction of Target
The trainer presents an open hand, palm oriented sideways, within close proximity to the dog’s nose. Any voluntary nose contact is immediately marked and reinforced. Timing of reinforcement is critical, as noted by Garrett (2005), to ensure the behaviour is clearly defined.
Step 3: Reinforcement of Behaviour
Repetitions should be conducted with slight variations in hand placement. This ensures the dog generalises the concept of contacting the hand, rather than associating the cue with a fixed location.
Step 4: Addition of Verbal Cue
Once the dog consistently performs the behaviour, the verbal cue “Touch” is introduced. After several repetitions, the cue is paired with the presentation of the hand, gradually strengthening the association.
Step 5: Increasing Criteria
Distance, duration, and environmental distractions are increased incrementally. As McConnell (2002) emphasises, criteria should be raised gradually to prevent frustration or disengagement.
Common Training Challenges
• Avoidance of the hand. Dogs may avoid the target if it is presented too close or in a threatening manner. Lowering the hand and reinforcing small approximations can resolve this issue (Pryor, 2002).
• Sniffing without contact. This indicates insufficient clarity in criteria. Trainers should reinforce successive approximations toward contact before requiring full nose touches.
• Mouthing or licking. Overexcitement may result in inappropriate responses. Only nose touches should be reinforced, while mouthing is ignored.
• Distraction. In overstimulating environments, dogs may disengage. Training should return to a low-distraction context before gradually reintroducing challenges (McConnell, 2002).
• Stalled progress. If the dog fails to advance at greater distances, criteria may have been raised too quickly. Returning to a successful level and progressing in smaller increments is recommended.
• The Handler should be mindful not to move their hand towards the dog's nose, the dog should always move towards the hand.
Practical Applications
Once established, the “Touch” cue can be applied in numerous ways:
• Regaining attention during walks or in distracting situations.
• Guiding dogs into position, such as onto a mat, into heel, or into a crate.
• Building confidence with novel objects by incorporating targeting.
• Shaping complex behaviours, such as ringing a bell or closing a door.
• Enhancing enrichment through targeting games that combine physical and mental stimulation.
These applications demonstrate the behaviour's versatility, particularly in both everyday management and advanced skill development.
Final Note
The “Touch” cue is a deceptively simple yet powerful behaviour in dog training. Its benefits extend beyond engagement and redirection, serving as a foundation for more advanced behaviours and as a confidence-building exercise for dogs of varying temperaments. As Garrett (2005) notes, foundational skills such as targeting are integral in creating reliable, well-rounded training outcomes. The systematic application of reinforcement-based methods, as advocated by Pryor (2002) and McConnell (2002), ensures that this behaviour can be taught effectively with empathy and compassion.
References
1. Garrett, S. (2005). Shaping success: The education of an unlikely champion. Say Yes! Dog Training Inc.
2. McConnell, P. B. (2002). The other end of the leash: Why we do what we do around dogs. Ballantine Books.
3. Pryor, K. (2002). Don’t shoot the dog!: The new art of teaching and training. Bantam.
