Hand Signal for Dogs

Follow these steps if you want to use your hand as the target:

1. Offer your hand palm-up with a small tasty snack under your thumb in the middle of your palm. Click and treat your dog for smelling your hand.
2. Keep the snack in your hand for six repetitions and then repeat the action but without the food in your palm. Click your dog when he touches his nose to your hand.
3. Have the dog follow your hand while you move around the room but don't move in a steady pattern.
4. Bring in an assistant and have your dog target not only your hand but also your helper's hand for clicks and treats.
5. Label the behavior of your dog touching his nose to your hand by saying, "Touch." Read up more about labeling on this site to be able to use it correctly.
6. Practice the trick in new places and with new people until your dog is able to repeat the action without many problems. Don't be afraid to go back to using food as a lure a few times if your dog forgets what it is he is supposed to be doing.

Lid target