Hand Targeting
Hand targeting helps refocus your dog's energy and reposition your dog so your body is between your dog and a trigger. For right hand target, place food lure in your right hand and reinforce with your left.
Touch to Heel
Aim for at least 3–4 training sessions with hand target alone before integrating it into heel work. In each set, move your dog left, then right, or right to left and take 1–2 steps forward. Vary your routine, it should feel like a dance.
If Your Dog Stares at Your Hand
Try a reset by pulling your hand away for 10 seconds, then quickly presenting it again. Standing up and taking a step away can also encourage your dog to move and engage more readily.
Training Plan
4 sets with 60-second breaks.
10–12 treats per set with one-minute breaks. Move your dog left to right, right to left, or take 1–2 steps forward. Vary each set. If your dog appears confused, return to a simpler variation.
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