Teaching Touch

Step 1: The Basics

• Hold out your hand, palm open, close to your dog’s nose.

Note: some trainers use an open palm for the visual cue for this trick. Some trainers decide that an open palm looks too much like a visual cue for “stay”, so will modify this to two fingers or a closed fist. Use whatever works best for your team! 

• Most dogs will naturally sniff your hand. As soon as their nose makes contact, mark the behavior with a clicker or verbal marker like “yes!” and immediately give a treat.

Tip: If your dog isn’t interested in sniffing your hand, put a small treat in between two fingers. Once your dog gets the hang of it, you’ll want to remove that treat and try with just your hand. 

Step 2: Add repetition.

• Repeat the process several times: present your hand, mark the nose touch, and reward.
• Keep your movements consistent so your dog associates your hand position with the cue.

Step 3: Add the verbal cue.

• Once your dog reliably touches your hand, say “touch” just before you present your hand.
• Mark and reward as usual when your dog touches your hand.

Step 4: Increase difficulty.

• Gradually move your hand farther away, making your dog reach or take a step to touch it.
• Change the position of your hand—lower it to the ground, raise it slightly, or move it to the side.

Next Steps

Next Step 1: Touching a Target Stick
Teaching your dog to touch a target stick opens up a world of possibilities. A target stick can guide your dog to specific locations, help with positioning in obedience, or even serve as a tool for teaching advanced tricks like spin or figure eights.

1. Hold the target stick (or a long object like a wooden spoon) near your dog’s nose.
2. When they sniff or nudge it, mark and reward just as you did with your hand.
3. Gradually increase the distance, encouraging your dog to move toward and touch the stick.
4. Introduce the verbal cue “touch” if you haven’t already.

Pro Tip: If your dog is hesitant, try smearing a tiny bit of peanut butter or a similar treat on the end of the stick to get them interested.

Next Step 2: Touching a Post-It Note
Using a Post-It Note as a target is another great way to expand the skill. This variation can be the starting point for teaching tricks like turning on a light switch or shutting a door.

1. Start by holding the Post-It Note in your hand, just as you did with your palm.
2. When your dog touches the note, mark and reward.
3. Gradually move the Post-It Note to different surfaces, like a wall or the floor, and encourage your dog to touch it there.
4. Add the verbal cue “touch” as they reliably target the note.

Pro Tip: Use tape if you want the note to stay in place during training.