Hand Target

Next up is a skill called a hand target, or “touch.” This is a handy skill because we can use our target to help lure our puppies into other positions for different behaviors. It can also be helpful for moving your puppy around the house, by bringing them back to you as a fun recall that feels less like a recall exercise.

To teach this, start by showing your puppy your empty palm, and mark for any interest in the hand. The hand target does not need to be perfect now. You can shape it into what you want later on!