Target to Target

This is a simple pattern games that helps teach your dog how to move with you, from point A to point B.  This game helps to reinforce your dog for moving at your side, controlling their pace to match your pace, and to approach an object without surging ahead. 

Prerequisite Skills	Gear
Leash and Harness Desensitization Marker Word Sit, Down, Stand, Heel, and a Release Cue are beneficial	Leash and/or harness Treat Pouch with Treats Or 2 of the same Toy

Set Up:  This activity requires 2 distinct targets.  Target should initially be something boring that your dog is unlikely to be interested in.  As your dog’s skills increase you can increase the value/interest level of the targets.  Example: starting with 2 small rocks, then cones, then platforms/place targets, then empty bowls, 2 trees, etc.

This game is played by:

• Position yourself and the dog next to 1 of the targets

• Set (or pick) target 2 out in front of you

  • Start at a distance that requires a handful of steps but not so far that it’s a challenge for your dog to stay focused

• Ask for an obedience cue (or teach an obedience cue) like Sit

• Once they perform the cue ask them to move with you

  • Use Heel if you want to practice Heel

  • Use something generic like “Let’s Go” or “Okay” if you want them to just move with you

• Start walking to the next target

  • If your dog surges ahead or away from you stop, go back to target 1, and repeat

    • Note 1: If working in a Heel utilize that criteria for movement.

  • Note 2: If using loose leash walking criteria the dog can meander a little bit but the dog should be paying attention to you.  If they aren’t reset.

  • Note 3: If this is really hard for your dog you can start this process with a lure to get from target 1 to target 2.  Fade the lure before moving on to harder steps.

  • If your dog stays next to you until the 2^nd target mark and reward

    

• Repeat until your dog can perform the task successfully multiple times in a row

• Pro Tip: If the target is safe to interact with you can randomly release the dog to interact with the target in between reps.

• Generalize the Behavior

  • Start by increasing the distance between the 2 targets

  • Practice moving or changing the speed you walk between the targets

  • Change the targets.  Incorporate targets that naturally occur in the environment (trees, posts, mail boxes, etc.)

  • Add distractions to the environment (toys, treats, people, dogs, etc.)

    • Use your Setting Criteria skill sets to appropriately select the level and locations of the distractions