Description
Target training is an exquisite process used to build accurate, detailed, complex or simple behaviours to any animal, but it also needs thoughtfulness and skill to engage safely.
Targets really ARE cool
Learning how to teach and use targets as straight forward, unambiguous cues for the dog is at the centre of thoughtful training. We can teach an unlimited amount of targets as each target-object is its own unique cue. You can even screw up teaching a target and start afresh with a new object, you have to love forgiveable training!
There is such a rich range of uses for bringing awareness to the dog of their own body, through isolation or immobility or enhanced movement.
This course will teach the foundation of target acquisition (it is not as military as that sounds!) through shaping and luring. We will teach:
- the chin target
- shaping stationing
- lure the visual follow, with or without “cup on a stick”
- shaping paw isolation
These behaviours will be build into strong durable actions as the foundation for many other activities: husbandry, grooming, handling, positioning, run to me, run to station, walk, trot and stop, indication targets, the list is endless.
Shopping may be involved, or a good rummage in the understair’s cupboard will be necessary.
All types of learners, from mice to horses welcome, but there will be lots of videos of dogs. No more space than a kitchen will do.
It would be useful for both you and your learner to be familiar with clean food delivery and the use of a marker. Your learner can be of any age and developing lifeskills, preparing for performance, for rehabilitation, for husbandry or simply for the pleasure of interaction and shared quality time. Clean, thoughtful training naturally develops learner confidence, a perpetual joy in learning and strong sense of achievement for both participants.
Online Format
This is an 8 lesson course in a taught, classroom-forum format. Each lesson will examine specific topics in detail, allowing for extensive questioning, discussion, review and feedback of videos.
Resources
You will need to be able to video your own training and edit and upload to share with the forums if you require feedback.
Classroom dates:
2019: Wednesdays: Jan 30, Feb 13, 27, Mar 13, 27, Apr 10. The course closes May 24. The same Classroom will be open at 1000 and 1800 (GMT/UTC) on these dates, and then access is available throughout the course. You do not have to attend the Classrooms at these times ot participate. Details of the course forum and log-in page will be sent out on Jan 23 for pre-course familiarisation. By enrolling on this course you agree to the Terms and Conditions. Course FAQs
Refunds
There are no options for refunds once the course has started, but under certain circumstances you may be able to be transferred to another course.
Member’s Discount
There is an additional discount for Members of Learning About Dogs: Seekers (10%), Setters (20%). Please contact us for the Member’s discount code.