Target Training Fundamentals
Target training, also known as touch training, is a behavior that is defined by an animal orienting a part of their body toward an object. This could be a hand, a ball on a stick, or even a chopstick.
For birds, this usually means they point their beak toward the object.
Most mammals use their nose.
Common behaviors targeting is used for:
Loading into a crate or trailer,
Teaching tricks,
Training husbandry behaviors (which means behaviors that help in the care of the animal.)
Even leash training.
How to get started:
Present the target close to the animal. When he gets closer or shows interest, then reward him. Start right near him at first. You may need to reward him for even looking at it calmly at first, if he won’t touch it.
Over time, slowly move the target around. He will have to vary his position to reach it.
After each rep, be sure you remove the target between reps.
Example:
Present the target,
He touches it,
Mark and remove the target,
Remove the target and then reward.
Remember to jackpot it! If he has a repetition that is better than the others, be sure to reward him with a treat that’s even better than before. Or more of a smaller treat. Instead of one, give him six of a smaller one.
Over time, improve the behaviors in other places and different situations.
Troubleshooting:
He won’t touch the target.
He may be afraid of it. Reward looking at first.
Then reward stretching toward it and so on.
He was doing really well inside the house, but now we’ve moved to the back yard, and it’s like he forgot.
Take a step back in the plan. You may need to mark for just looking at first, and work up from there. You’ll note he’ll get it faster the second time around.
I tried a ball on a stick, but no matter what I do, he’s still afraid.
Try a new object. Sometimes, for whatever reason, animals have a hard time with certain objects. Try something smaller.
Quick reminders:
A marker is a signal you provide that lets an animal know they did something right.
Go slowly. When increasing the criteria, use small steps. Only move the target about six inches at first.
