What are Targets?

[George Bailey]

Targets define location and are also an action by the dog. In any instance where you might use a lure, you may use a target instead.

With SATS Bridge and Target training, we teach three primary types of targets:

the two finger target, which is the primary target, connecting handler to dog, and is always connected to the handler;

the extension target, which allows distance and independence from the handler, and is also helpful in the case of uncomfortable animals;

the remote or stationary target, which defines a location away from the handler

Other targets may be defined as we increase vocabulary and awareness of the environment for the dogs.

Julie K

[Dansgrizz]

What do you mean by a target may be an action by the dog?

[Leon]

So can you explain how we start on targets?...i have taught czar the bridge, so what is my first step to teach him a target?

[George Bailey]

In the photo in my album, George targets the little bridge (which is a remote target, a defined location). He is targeting with two body parts, his chin and his front feet.

In this photo, he is targeting his chin and tail to the floor (a stationary target), and his chest to a rubber floor tile (another, more definitive remote target):
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m165/jmkinsey/CHINDOWNTAILSTILLLO-1.jpg
This is hard work for George, he is a very hyper dog.

Julie K

[Dansgrizz]

Thanks so much for your explanation julie. I've got alot of work to do.

[Leon]

Ok, now tell us the steps you followed to get George to do that. I want it as simple as possible. Write down every word you said, and describe every body movement you had to do. I know it will be different for every person how they do it, but i want a general idea. Its hard to just read the article and go train your dogs, i need to visualize it in my mind, and i cant seem to do that with just the article. Thanks.

[Dansgrizz]

I think there is step by step stuff on the SATS yahoo groups page. if you search through the files on there its SUPER helpful with the steph by step stuff. starting with a paper plate then moving to a different target and so on....

[Leon]

Whats the file name?..if you have it can you link me?

[Dansgrizz]

try http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/trainest/files/