How to use a target stick  ("TS")

The target stick is a versatile training tool.  With it, you can teach your dog to move wherever you want it to, to jump into cars, and even to dance to music!

What is a target stick?

It is a long lightweight stick.  They come ready-made, usually  of aluminum, or you can make one out of a dowel from the hardware store. Most ready-made target sticks are foldable and/or extendable.

What is the principle of a target stick?

Once you train your dog to touch the end of a TS, you can then train it to follow the TS. Once it can follow the TS, you can use it to train your dog to do almost anything within its natural abilities.

What do I need to know before starting?

You need to know clicker training and you should keep your training sessions short, around 3-4 minutes, several times a day. More about clicker training.

How do I get started?

Dip the end of the TS in peanut butter or other similar food that your dog likes and encourage it to sniff the TS. Avoid using verbal commands and be patient. When your dog touches the TS, click and treat. Repeat several times a day. Soon, you dog will make the association that touching the TS means getting a treat.

Once your dog understands this, start moving the TS around close to the dog's head.  Move it up and down, right and left, close to your dog's nose.  If your dog's head moves to follow the TS, click and treat.

Next, move the stick 3 to 6 inches away from the dog's head.  If your dog takes a step toward the TS, click and treat.

Finally, hold the TS slightly above your dog's head so it has to reach upwards to touch it.

You are now ready to chain behaviors together.  Start simple and chain only two behaviors together before you click and treat.

Omit the click and treat if your dog mouths or touches the TS anywhere but on the end.

What else can I do with a target stick?

Teach your dog to follow the TS, you can teach your dog to navigate obstacles or walk in heel position at your side.  You can use the TS to lure your dog to specific objects and introduce names for those objects. Name anything -- from each of the dog's toys to the TV remote control. You can even transfer the behaviors to other "targets" like sticky notes or pieces of fabric.

Here is a link to a good article about "target" training and using a TS:

Target Training: Teach your pet this useful trick!