Hand touches

Hand touches are a great game to warm up before training or an agility run, and to ask for your dog to become an active participant.

Have your dog touch her nose to the palm of your hand. In the beginning, most dogs will investigate your hand naturally if you just hold it out a few inches away from her muzzle. As soon as she moves to sniff your palm, mark “yes” and treat. Don’t move your hand any further away than a few inches until you see the “light bulb come on” — that is, you see recognition in the dog’s eyes that she understands what she’s being rewarded for. At this point, you can start moving your hand further away, up high, down low.

We’re looking for active engagement. The dog should enjoy the game and be actively pushing her nose into your hand. She should understand that it is her action that is causing the reward.

We’ve “turned on” your dog… now we need to turn her off. Consistently use a command such as “we’re done” or “that’s all” to let her know the game’s over. Put her on a leash and ask her to sit or lie quietly at your side. Break eye-contact. Look away from your dog with “soft eyes” that allow you to take in everything.

When you’re ready to work again, make direct eye contact and ask “are your ready? Let’s go!”