Does your dog get enough exercise?

All dogs need regular daily walks, the amount of exercise they require will depend on the breed, age and temperament of your dog. If your dog is not getting enough exercise it may decide to amuse itself to get rid of excess energy. This could include destructive behaviour including digging up the garden. The solution is of course to exercise your dog more, if its not possible to take your dog on longer walks is there anyway you can wear it out more in the time you are out? This could include taking a ball with you or exercising the dogs mind with training exercises such as tricks.

Is your dog digging because it is bored?

Perhaps your dog is digging because it is bored, try giving your dog toys to play with. Frozen kongs or other treat filled toys that that take your dog time to get out can help keep your dog entertained.

Does your dog know you want it to stop digging?

Have you firmly told your dog no when it STARTS digging and diverted its attention to something else such as a toy. The key to this is to firmly tell you dog “No” while its is digging, if you try to scold your dog after the event it just won’t understand what you mean. If your dog loves being outside you could try bringing it back inside everytime it starts digging and leaving it inside for a few minutes. Each time it digs put it back inside again until it realises if its stops digging it gets to stays outside.

Click here for the most comprehensive guide to dog training

Stop dog digging for bones its has buried

Is your dog digging for bones or other food it has previously buried. The easiest solution here is to only allow your dog to eat inside or making sure you watch your dog while it is outside to prevent the bone being buried in the first place.

Persistant diggers – How to stop dog digging up your garden

Persistant diggers may need a little more persuasion to stop digging up you favourite flowers in your flower bed. One option is to place chicken wire over areas you want to protect. Your dog won’t like the feel of the chicken wire beneath its paws and it should stop your dog digging in that area. Another alternative is to springle to area your dog likes to dig in with pepper which most dogs don’t like the smell of. You could set aside a small part of your garden that is OK for the dog to dig in. Whenever your dog starts to dig where it shouldn’t usher it over to the place it is allowed to dig. If it starts to dig in the acceptable area praise it and give it a treat. This will need to be repeated until your dog understands that this is where it is allowed to dig.

If you don’t have an area that you can set aside for your dog to dig you could buy a container – something like a childs hard plastic paddling pool/sandbox and fill it with soil. Just as before when your dog starts to dig in your garden guide it to the paddling pool filled with soil and wait for it to dig. If it digs in the mud filled paddling pool praise it and give it a treat.

Click here for the most comprehensive guide to dog training

Puppy Potty Training Method 1 – Teaching your puppy to pee or poo outside

There are certain times when a puppy is most likely to pee or poo such as soon after eating or drinking after playing or exercise. After these times it is important that you take your puppy outside and wait for it to pee or poo. If they do give them lots of praise, if they don’t take them inside and take them out again at least every hour or if they look like they might need to go (sniffing the floor and moving round). If they do have an accident inside, scold them and take them outside to where they last peed or pood outside. Make sure you clear the pee or poo indoor accident up thoroughly and use a specialist product to remove the odour or your puppy may be tempted to use this area again.If your puppy still continues to go in this area of your house try feeding it there. Dogs and puppies don’t like to wet and soil the area where they eat.

Continue your puppy potty training by regularly taking your puppy outside throughout the day. Try to catch your dog in the process of peeing or pooing and start adding a command to it such as “go pee” or “hurry up” so that your puppy starts to understand what it is being taken outside for. At first don’t clear up any poo your puppy does outside but keep taking your puppy to this same area so it understands that is what it is for. Remember that your puppy will have the occasional accident – a puppy cannot hold its pee for as long as an older dog.

Click here for the most comprehensive guide to dog training

Crate training can also help accelerate the puppy potty training process as most dogs and puppies do not like to wet or soil their living/sleeping area.

Puppy Potty Training Method 2 – Teaching your puppy to pee or poo on newspaper

If access to outdoors is difficult you can teach your puppy to pee and poo on newspapers. Start by covering the entire floor of a small non carpeted room. Wen your puppy has eaten or drank place it the room covered in newspapers. If your puppy pees on the newspapers praise it. Clean up the newspapers apart from one sheet and put fresh ones down with the one old one on top. The next time you put your puppy in the room it should return to that old newspaper and pee or poo on it give it lots of praise. Once your puppy is consistently peeing or pooing on the same spot reduce the number of newspapers on the floor and continue the puppy potty training. Gradually reduce the newspapers down to just one sheet. If your puppy does have an accident tell it off then straight away take it to the room with the sheet of newspaper. Start adding a command such as “go pee” or “hurry up” when you catch your dog peeing or pooing on the newspaper along with lots of praise.

Puppy Potty Training Tips

Try to keep your puppy’s feeding times consistent, this will give you a much better idea when your puppy will need to relieve itself so you know when to either let take it out or put it in the room with newspapers (depending which method you are using). When you take your puppy outside to pee or poo make sure you are with it. It will feel more secure while you are outside with it and be more likely to go.

Click here for the most comprehensive guide to dog training

Best Overall Dog Training Guide: Secrets to Dog Training

Rating:
Website: Kingdom of Pets – Secrets to Dog Training

Secrets to Dog Training by Daniel Stevens is an incredibly good all round guide to puppy and dog training and obedience. It also includes essential information on choosing a dog or puppy, feeding, caring and grooming your dog. If you have dog behaviour problems these are covered too (25 behaviour problems covered in total) including: dog aggression, pulling on the lead, house training and  jumping on people. The case studies inside also show how different owners dogs training problems were solved with the dog training techniques in the book.

As well as the ebook a 30 minute video is included as a bonus as are several guides for training and caring for your dog or puppy. If you would prefer to listen to the book an audio version is included too, this is great for putting on your ipod to listen on the move. There should be something in Secrets to Dog Training to help every dog and puppy owner.

Click here for the secrets to dog training website

Secrets to Dog training is the guide I would recommend as the best overall dog training guide, but some other training guides worth checking out are:

Dove Cresswell’s Puppy and Dog Training Online

Best Dog Training Videos - Dove Cresswell’s Puppy and Dog Training Online Rating: Website: Dove Cresswell Puppy Training and Dog Training Online Dove Cresswell’s is a well known dog trainer for feature films so definitely knows her stuff. If your prefer visual learning then this video training would be best for you. The videos quickly get across Dove’s training methods in a way that is easy to understand and execute. Included in the videos is: Puppy housebreaking/Puppy potty training Crate training Dog obedience training Walking politely on the leash The recall Good dog Manners Special dog tricks You can also check out a free video on Dove Cresswell’s website

Canis Clicker Training Guide

Best Clicker Training Guide - Canis Clicker Training, 4 Secrets to Becoming a Supertrainer Rating: Website: Canis Clicker Training Website If you are interested in learning all about what you can do with dog clicker training then this is a guide you should check out. If you want a really positive method to train your dog you should definitely give clicker training a go. Canis Clicker training explains how a clicker trained dog is a dog which is keen to earn rewards rather than traditional training methods which make the dog avoid punishment. Training includes Targeting a stick – which can be used to teach a variety of things loose leash walking Eye contact Polite greetings Crate training Retrieving Switching the lights off You can check out the Canis Clicker Training website here

Overview of Canis Clicker Training  – The 4 Secrets to Becoming a Supertrainer

I must admit on seeing the comic style cover of the Canis Clicker Training Book I thought it was going to be a little lightweight, however I was very pleased to find I was very wrong. The authors of Canis Clicker Training. The 4 Secrets to becoming a Supertrainer are two Norwegian dog trainers Morten Egtvedt and Cecilie Koeste who first wrote the book in Norwegian in 2001. Up till now it has sold 45000 copies before being recently transated into English. The dog trainers were inspired by Karen Pryor a dolphin trainer who publicised the use of the clicker training as a positive training method.

The book explains that dogs are motivated by “what’s in it for them” – with negative methods of training (leash popping, shouting, physical punishment) the dog does what it is told in fear of punishement. With positive methods the dog will try its best to do the thing that it thinks will get it the treat/toy etc – and so ultimately should be more eager to be trained and try new things. The clicker is used as a postive dog training method to reward the behaviour we want from the dog.

Canis Clicker Training Methods  – Step by step

The book takes you step by step through what you can do with clicker training. I thought how they explained “Shaping” using the clicker was a fascinating idea  – you basically wait for the dog to do something and build on it. For example if you wanted to teach the dog to spin you would wait for it to turn its head then click and treat. When the dog has done this successful two or three times you wouldn’t click until it turns round a little more, then you would click and treat. You are basically letting the dog work out what you want from it. Another method of “capturing” behaviour is basically clicking when the dog is already doing something you want. Targeting a stick or your hand and how this can be used to train many behaviours are also explained thoroughly.

Click here for the Canis Clicker Training Book Website

Canis Clicker Training Practice Techniques for the Owner

As well as things to practice with your dog the 4 Secrets to being a Supertrainer book also gives you ideas on how to improve your clicker accuracy (without your dog present).

Clicker Training Fun for Dog and Owner

As well as being informative the book also is written with humour  – something I think you need when training your dog. The clicker training exercises sound like they will be fun for both dog and owner. Some of the things you will learn are:

• Targeting a stick – which can be used to teach a variety of things
• loose leash walking
• Eye contact
• Polite greetings
• Crate training
• Retrieving
• Switching the lights off
• Shutting drawers
• Riding in a wheelbarrow
• Go to a mat when there is someone at the door
• Doing the laundry (I hope this one works )
• The spin
• Getting the newspaper out of the mailbox
• Choosing the right object
• Getting a Soda out of the fridge

Bonuses with Canis Clicker Training

Bonus video 1: Teaching the Retrieve
Bonus video 2: Get the Mail From the Mailbox
Bonus video 3: Teaching heel position with a puppy
Bonus video 4: Getting a soda from the refrigerator
Bonus video 5: Teach your dog to wrap itself in a blanket

Summary

The Canis Clicker Training  – 4 Secrets to becoming a supertrainer is an excellent book for anyone wanting to explore the possibilities that dog clicker training offers. It could help improve your dogs behaviour and enthusiasm and also let you impress your friends with some unusual dog tricks. I would highly recommend it.

Click here for the Canis Clicker Training Book Website

Overview of Dove Cresswell -  Puppy Training and Dog Training Online

Dove Cresswell is only 25 yet has already gained a reputation for training dogs (and other animals) for film and television. She has worked on feature films Saved! and Sam’s Lake; Television shows: Romeo, Behind the Camera: Charlie’s Angels, and Cougar Crossings. With a resume like that you have to take notice of what Dove Cresswell can teach you about dog and puppy training. Taking the format of an online video presentation Dove Cresswell talks you through her dog and puppy training techniques to teach you the following:

• Puppy housebreaking/Puppy potty training
• Crate training
• Dog obedience training
• Walking politely on the leash
• The recall
• Good dog Manners
• Special dog tricks

Hearing Dove Cresswell talking through the dog and puppy training techniques allows you to hear the tone of voice she uses, something very important for training your dog. The videos vary between 4 minutes to about 15 minutes in length and you can watch a video for free before you decide if it’s right for you.

Click here for training with Dove Cresswell

Bonuses

One of the bonuses of Dove Cresswell’s Puppy Training and Dog Training Online is that you can contact her via the web if you are unsure about something or having problems with your dog. I can only  imagine how much it would normally cost to get personal advice from a top dog trainer.

• Teach your dog to fetch
• Train your dog to play soccer
• Teach your dog to play hide and seek
• Information on dog sports
• Choosing the right toys for your dog
• Earning your dogs respect
• Choosing the right dog food and treats

Summary

I think Dove Cresswell Puppy Training and Dog Training Online is ideal for anyone who likes to learn visually rather than ploughing through a book. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a general dog and puppy training course.It is easy to follow and concise. The fun things to do with your dog (such as playing soccer) are a nice addition too. If however you are experiencing specific behavioural problems the more comprehensive secrets to dog training may be better for you.

Click here for training with Dove Cresswell

Overview of Secrets to Dog Training

The Secrets to Dog Training by dog trainer Daniel Stevens is an very comprehensive guide to training puppies and dogs. As well as information on how to teach general obedience commands such as sit, stay and how to achieve good recall there is also a section covering common dog behaviour problems (25 behavioral problems are covered in total). This includes training techniques on how subjects such as:

• How to stop a dog digging
• How to stop a dog jumping on people
• Dealing with excessive dog barking
• Techniques to help with dog aggression
• How you as the owner can achieve alpha status/become the pack leader.
• How to housetrain a dog or puppy

Also included is a 30 minute dog and puppy training video on house training, leash pulling and general dog and puppy problems.

Dog case studies

What I like about this book is it didn’t assume every dog and puppy is the same and gave several options for dealing with a dog’s behaviour problem. This along with case studies of some of the actual training techniques being applied to specific dogs gives you a real insight how these techniques might work for you and your dog and how to resolve potential issues you might encounter.

Click here to visit the Secrets to Dog Training Guide

Help with planning your dog training

If you are not sure how long to spend on your dog training and in which order you should teach your dog new commands the Secrets to Dog Training also includes a day by day guide you can use

Learn general care for your dog or puppy including feeding and grooming

As well as comprehensive information on dog training Secrets to Dog Training also gives good all round information on choosing a dog or puppy, how to make your house dog/puppy safe, feeding and grooming so really the title of the book is selling it self short somewhat as this book also has lots on good information on caring for your dog or puppy.

Listen on your ipod to Secrets to Dog Training

As part of the bonuses you get with the Secrets to dog training is an audio version of the book, which is great for putting on your ipod or MP3 player so you can listen to it anywhere, maybe on your way to work.

Other bonuses include

• a quick guide to aggression,
• dog and puppy housetraining methods and tricks
• dog grooming guide
• tips on secuity training your dog
• secrets to becoming the Alpha/pack leader

Currently you can also get access to the member only dog forum

Summary

I think the Secrets to Dog Training would be ideal for anyone

• thinking about buying a dog or puppy
• who owns a dog or puppy and wants a good overall training guide
• anyone experiencing behavioural problems with their dog or puppy

If you are not sure if Secrets to Dog Training will be right for you, you can try out the FREE six day mini training course.

Click here to visit the Secrets to Dog Training Guide

There are several reasons for crate training dogs that are both beneficial for the dog and the owner. A crate should be seen as a great place by the dog, it’s a place of his own where he can retreat for peace and quiet in a noisy household. It’s also a place where he can sleep and feel safe. For the owner the benefits of crate training dogs are that you know where your dog is – in his crate he is safe, and not destroying anything (i.e. if your dogs chewing is a problem). A crate can also help with house training puppies and dogs as most dogs do not like to soil their sleeping area. Crate training an older dog could be useful if you also have (or plan to get) a younger more energetic dog, as it gives the older dog a chance to have some quiet time on its own.

What type of crate do I need for my dog?

There are various types of dog crates that you can choose, from a wicker dog crate to a wire or plastic dog crate. A lot will be down to personal preference and budget. If you choose a wire dog crate you might also want to consider a crate cover to make the crate feel more enclosed and den like for the dog. Make sure that whichever dog crate you choose that the crate should be large enough for your dog or puppy to be able to stand up and move round easily. If your dog is going to be put into the crate for any length of time you will also need to have water available for the dog, there are water bowls available with hooks made specifically for use in a crate. You can also consider putting a blanket in the dogs crate, though if you are using the crate as an aid to housebreaking your dog you may want to leave the crates floor bare at first to avoid accidents. Portable dog crates are also available for use in the car.

What to remember when crate training dogs

Above all things that should be remembered is that you want your dog to perceive the crate as a good place to be, it should never be used as a formof punishment.

Click here for the most comprehensive guide to dog training

Crate training dogs step 1

Start your dog’s crate training by having the crate door open and keep leaving treats in the crate for your dog to find. Most dogs are naturally curious and will wander into the crate to have a look. Of course finding the treats inside will be an added bonus. At this stage do not shut the door just let your dog wander in and out as they please. The more they find treats in their crate the more the dog is likely to keep wanting to go into the crate. You could also start feeding your dog in the crate, place the dogs bowl a little way in the crate but don’t shut the door. All this will build up to the dog thinking that the crate is a good place to be.

Crate training dogs step 2

You can then start putting a treat in the crate with your dog watching and when he goes in start associating a voice command with it, I personally use “In your basket” but you can choose anything you like. Then give the dog a treat still leaving the door open. Once the dog is comfortable with this the next time he goes in the crate briefly shut the door, treat him and praise then open the door again so he can come out. The dog needs to feel like this is fun place to be and not a way of trapping him. After repeating this several times gradually build up the time the dog is in the crate with the door shut, start with a couple of minutes, praise the dog while in the crate and give them a treat.

Crate training dogs step 3

The time the dog is in the crate can them be extended to five or ten minutes, ideally while the dog can still see you are around. You do not want the dog to think that when he goes in his crate it means he is going to be left on his own. When the dog is comfortable in the crate you can extend the time until you are able to leave them quite happily in there for a few hours.

Not sure if dog crate training is right for you and your dog?

At first I hated the idea of crate training my dog, as I was looking at it from a human point of view and from the idea of being locked up. However, my dog seems to love being in his crate, he seems to feel safe and secure in there and will put himself in there of his own accord after his morning walk.

Click here for the most comprehensive guide to dog training

A clicker is a small inexpensive hand held device, which when you press it with your thumb, makes a clicking noise. Dog clicker training pairs up the sound of the click to mean that the dog has done well and to expect praise, a treat or some sort of reward. The clicker is a form of positive reinforcement, it is seen as something good by the dog and involves no hurting or physical punishment.

Clicker training was originally used for training dolphins. Dolphins came to realise that when they heard the click it meant that they had done the thing the trainer was looking for and it could expect a reward. Of course this was incredibly useful because the dolphin was a distance away it would be difficult to mark the exact moment they had performed what the trainer wanted. The same principle can be applied to dog clicker training.

Why is the clicker better than using your voice?

When you use the clicker to mark a good/required behaviour it is immediate and sounds exactly the same every time. When you use your voice it is much more difficult to time it just right and your voice may not sound exactly the same each time. For example if you say “good boy” it takes longer than a click and your tone may be different each time which becomes more confusing for your dog.

How to start your dog clicker training

You really need a quiet place with no distractions to start introducing your dog to clicker training. Have some treats ready and once you have your dogs attention click, then give your dog a treat. Repeat the process until your dog is expecting the treat after you click which means that the dog has now associates the clicker as something good. You can then start with asking for a sit and if the dog sits straightaway click and then follow this with a treat.

Click here for a complete guide to clicker training

Different ways of using the clicker

The clicker can be used for many things for teaching general dog obedience, dog tricks and is especially useful for dealing with dog aggression.

Clicker training for obedience

When you are trying to teach your dog basic commands such as sit or lie down, dog clicker training can be an ideal thing to try. For example, to teach the down (lie down) using the clicker to put your dog into a sit position and crouch or kneel in front of him or her. Hold a treat in front of your dogs nose and move it downwards and slightly forwards (i.e. towards his paws). Your dog should follow the treat and move naturally into the lying down position. As soon as he lies down click the clicker and give him the treat and praise him. This may take a bit of practice but when your dog understand what you want from him and performs the “down” easily start saying the word “down” so that eventually he understand what you want without needing the clicker or treat every time.

Dog clicker training tricks

You can use clicker training to teach your dog tricks this can be done by free shaping (catching the dog performing a behavior) or using a lure (treat or toy).

Dog clicker training to help with dog aggression

The clicker can be a useful tool for helping with dog aggression. For example, you can teach your dog to “look at me”. This can help divert your dogs attention to look at you instead of whatever he may be focusing on. The clicker can also be used to help deal with dog leash aggression by marking the good behavior rather than punishing the bad.

Click here for a complete guide to clicker training

Dominance

By jumping up on you or other people a dog could be trying to assert its dominance. It could believe it is the alpha dog. If this is the case you will need to work on teaching the dog that you are the pack leader.

Excitement

A dog may jump up in an excited greeting to you or visitors.

Attention

A dog may jump up in order to get your attention. If you shout at it or even push it away it may see this as part of a game and jump up even more. Try some of the techniques below to stop your dog jumping on people.

How to stop your dog jumping on people

There are several options to deal with this. If for example your dog becomes excited and starts jumping up when you return home, try completely ignoring the dog for the first 5 or 10 minutes when you get home. If the dog jumps up stand still, don’t react at all and try to ignore it or turn and try walking away, At first the jumping might get worse as the dog continues to try and get your attention, but eventually it will stop and the jumping up should lessen each time you try it. Make yourself a cup of coffee or anything just to stop yourself from paying attention to the dog. Once the dog is calm, then is the time to say hello and offer praise, but in a casual manner so as not to get the dog too excited.

Click here for the most comprehensive guide to dog training

If your dog is jumping on visitors you can try asking them to ignore the dog when they first arrive. Most people will find this incredibly difficult and you will need to brief them beforehand as to exactly what you want them to do – ie, they shouldn’t look at, talk or touch the dog until it is calm. Tell them if the dog does jump up then they should stand still or turn and walk away saying nothing and ignoring the dog.

Teach your dog the “Off” command to stop your dog jumping on people

As described above, when your dog jumps up ignore it, try standing still or if the dog is persistent turn and walk the other way. When your dog stops jumping and gets down say the word “off” and praise and treat. Eventually the dog will work out that jumping does not get it what it wants and will stop.

Create a diversion to stop your dog jumping on people

You can also try diversionary techniques to stop your dog jumping up – try asking the dog to sit when it is jumping up, reward and praise when it sits. You can also try catching the dog just before it is about to jump by throwing a treat or favourite toy on the floor, ask the dog to find it thereby diverting its attention to the treat/toy. Eventually the dog will be waiting for the treat or toy rather than jumping up.

Click here for the most comprehensive guide to dog training

What causes dog leash aggression?

When we put a dog on a leash we are taking away its options. In normal situations when a dog comes into contact with something or someone that it dislikes or fears it has two options – fight or flight. When is dog is on a leash it no longer has the option of flight i.e. to run away so it may decide it has to fight. For example if a dog sees a strange dog or person walking towards it it may become anxious and perceive the person or dog as a threat.  As it can’t run away, dog leash aggression may ocur resulting in growling, barking, lunging and general aggressive behaviour on the leash

Dogs are incredibly receptive to our moods and emotions, it is thought that they can detect an increase in our heart rates, and some people compare the leash to a telephone line where we as the owner are transferring out anxiety to the dog. It can be a vicious circle – you become anxious when another person and dog are walking towards you, then your dog lunges on the leash. The next time you see another person with a dog you become anxious that the dog may lunge again, and tense up on the lead. The dog misinterprets this as a warning that there is a problem and so lunges again at the new dog. Before even beginning to work on training to stop dog leash aggression, it is necessary to try to change the negative human attitude to a more positive one (which I realise is more difficult than it sounds). A couple of things you can try is to control your breathing, when people are anxious they often unknowingly hold their breath, so try breathing in deeply, then letting you breath out slowly. Try deliberately smiling as well, as it is believed that the actual act of smiling actually releases endorphins which makes you feel better and more relaxed.

Using a headcollar on your dog to help prevent dog leash aggression

Using a headcollar can help stop a dog lunging as it gives you the ability to turn the dogs head away from the thing it is reacting too, it also helps the owner as it is much easier to hold a dog on a leash wearing a headcollar, the dog is unable to put all its weight into pulling you which means you can relax more knowing you don’t have to brace yourself in order to keep the dog under control.

Click here for the most comprehensive guide to dog training

How to stop dog leash aggression

When you are walking your dog, and you see another dog and owner walking towards you, don’t get too near to them, curve/or zig zag around them giving the dog plenty of space, if the dog doesn’t react praise and treat. At first this should be a very big curve leaving several metres (as much as the dog is comfortable without reacting or lunging) and gradually over time make the curve smaller. If the dog lunges or reacts you have gone too close and must start further away again. If you can enlist the help of a dog owner with a friendly dog to work on this, it would be very helpful. A clicker can also be incredibly useful for helping to stop your dog lunging. If you have clicker trained your dog, use the clicker to mark the dogs good behaviour when he walks past the person or dog without reacting, then give the dog a treat. Patience is the key to stop dog lunging on leash.

If you find that you are walking towards another person and dog and you don’t have space to curve around them turn round and walk in the opposite direction. You can also add in a verbal command such as “this way, ” said in a lighthearted jolly manner.

Other options which may help prevent dog leash aggression

Teach your dog to “look at me”
Teach your dog to “look at me” or hand targeting, either of these can be used so that your dogs attention is on you rather than the person/dog it reacts to.

To teach the “look at me” take a treat in your hand and put it near the dogs nose, your dog should start to look at the treat, then draw your hand with the treat up to your face near your eyes and say good boy (or click a clicker if your dog is clicker trained) an give your dog the treat. Repeat this several times. Then start adding a verbal command such as “look at me” once your dog is looking at your face. Once the dog has got used to this put the treat in your other hand and draw you empty hand up to your face saying “look at me” if the dog looks at you give it the treat.

Teaching a dog to hand target/touch
To teach the dog to hand target your hand (touch your hand with its nose) start by rubbing a treat on your hand – something smelly like cheese or hotdogs would work well. The dog should then touch your hand with its nose when it tries to sniff it. Praise the dog when its nose touches your hand and give it a treat. Keep practicing this until the dog understands what you want, then when the dog touches your hand with its nose, introduce a verbal command such as “touch”. Once a dog gets good at this you can move your hand to different positions – high, low to the side and the dog should still touch it when you say “touch”. Hand targeting can be used to help distract a dog when there is something near that it fears or doesn’t like.

Click here for the most comprehensive guide to dog training