Week 4

[Day 23] "Stand" with hand target - How to effectively direct your dog's attention

October 29, 2024

Time to read 4 min

Basic obedience: Day 23 of 56

This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.

Today we'll show you how to combine the "stand" signal with a hand target. The hand target, where your dog touches your hand with its muzzle when signalled, is an effective way of directing your dog's attention and teaching it to stand calmly at the same time. This technique is not only helpful during examinations or grooming, but can also be used in situations such as public transport or other busy places to keep your dog under control and focused on you.

Let's get started and teach your dog how to pay better attention to you using the hand target - no matter where you are.

Goal: The dog lines up on the signal and touches a hand target with its nose

Equipment: treats, Collar, Leash, clicker or marker signal

Location: Low-stimulus environment, later different locations

Duration: 5-10 repetitions, then rest

Trainingsplan Downlod

"Stand" and hand target - calmness and attention through targeted training

The hand target, also known as hand touch, is a simple and extremely useful technique in dog training. It allows you to draw your dog's attention to you by touching your hand with his muzzle. Combined with the "stand" signal, this exercise has many benefits for everyday life, as it helps your dog to stay calm and focussed in stressful or distracting situations.

What is a hand target?

The hand target is about teaching your dog to touch your hand with his muzzle when you give him the signal to do so. This exercise is particularly practical because it can be used in various ways in everyday life. Whether you're grooming your dog, at the vet or on public transport, the hand target can help your dog to stay calm in anxious moments and focus his attention on you.

Why is the "stand" with hand target so helpful?

A dog that remains calmly in "stand" while focussing on a hand target shows a high level of concentration and impulse control. In situations where your dog would normally be nervous or unsure - such as during an examination or in a crowded underground train - the hand target helps him to rely on you and remain calm.

You can also use the hand target to easily direct your dog without having to constantly correct him. With a simple signal that he understands well, it is possible to calm and control your dog, even when things get hectic around him.

Dog lies in front of a person who lures him with his hand.

Possible applications in everyday life

The hand target is particularly practical because it can be used in many different ways. Here are some examples from everyday life in which you can use the "Stand" with hand target:

Vet visits: If your dog has to stand still for an examination, the hand target helps to keep him in a calm position.
Public transport: On busy public transport, you can use the hand target to keep your dog away from distractions and focus his attention on you.
Personal hygiene: The hand target ensures calm and control when brushing or putting on the dishes.
Dog training: In training itself, you can use the hand target as an effective attention aid to teach your dog new commands or to reinforce existing ones.

Trainingsplan Downlod

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Summary

The "stand" with hand target is a simple but very effective method to help your dog stay calm and focussed in difficult or distracting situations. Whether at the vet, on public transport or during grooming, this technique helps you to direct your dog's attention and give him clear instructions at the same time.

By regularly incorporating the hand target into your training, you will quickly realise how positively it affects your dog's calmness and composure. So give it a try - your dog will love communicating even better with you using the hand target!

[Day 22] "Stand" for beginners - A useful signal for your dog's everyday life

The authors: Paulina & Lui

Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves fully to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.

From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.