👃 Nose Targeting for Dogs: Vet-Backed Training Fun in 2025 🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Looking for a fun, simple, and science-backed way to train your dog? Nose targeting—teaching your dog to touch their nose to your hand or an object—is a powerful tool to build confidence, improve recall, and reinforce focus. In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to teach targeting, plus fun ways to apply it in real-life situations. 🧠🐕

🎯 What Is Targeting?

Targeting is when a dog touches a specific body part (typically the nose) to a specific target, such as your palm, a stick, or another object. It’s useful for:

• 🏃‍♂️ Recall training
• 🐕 Redirecting from distractions or reactivity
• 👋 Greeting new people politely
• 🚗 Vet visits and scale training
• 🎭 Muzzle comfort or object desensitization
• 🚪 Moving off furniture or into/out of cars

🔰 Phase 1: Basic Targeting

Goal: Teach your dog to touch your hand (or a stick) with their nose.

1. Hold out your hand palm forward, fingers down, just below your dog's chin level.
2. When they sniff or touch your hand, say “yes!” or click, and toss a treat a few feet away.
3. Let them come back to reset and repeat. Change the toss direction for variety.
4. Once they’re consistently touching your hand, add a verbal cue: say “touch” just before they do it.

🎉 Once your dog responds to “touch” consistently, you can stop using the clicker or marker word.

🚶‍♂️ Phase 2: Add Movement

Now add some fun! After tossing the treat, take a step away. When your dog returns, they’ll find you in a new spot. This adds excitement and builds focus. 🧭

• 💡 Try tossing the treat, moving behind furniture, then asking for a touch as they find you.

👐 Phase 3: Jazz Hands

Goal: Teach your dog to alternate hands without confusion.

1. Ask for a touch. When they succeed, put that hand behind your back.
2. Offer your other hand in the same position. Reward the new touch with a treat.
3. Repeat a few times, then try moving between touches before treating.

🏃‍♀️ This exercise teaches flexibility and builds focus as you move around your environment.

🔁 Phase 4: Reverse Touches

Now let’s take it to the next level—teach your dog to touch your hand from behind you.

1. Start with a regular touch.
2. Turn away and hold your hand out, palm facing back toward your dog.
3. Wiggle your fingers or lower your hand to help them spot it.
4. When they touch, mark with “yes” and toss a treat.
5. Sequence forward touch → reverse touch → forward touch for added fun.

Reverse touches keep your dog focused behind you on walks or around distractions. 🐕‍🦺

💡 Tips for Success

• 👃 Never touch your dog’s nose—always let them initiate the contact.
• 🖐️ Only present one hand at a time to avoid confusion.
• ⏳ Keep sessions short (3–5 minutes max, 1–2 times daily).
• 📉 Start indoors with low distractions, then move outside gradually.

🎲 Games to Make It Fun

🎯 Hide and Seek

Hide behind furniture, call your dog, then ask for a touch when they find you. Alternate with multiple people in the house for more excitement!

🎮 Follow the Leader

Ask for touches while you move around furniture, through doors, or down a hallway. Alternate hands and directions to build engagement. 🧭

🛠️ Real-Life Uses for Nose Targeting

• 🐶 Redirect attention on walks away from other dogs
• 👋 Encourage calm greetings from visitors
• 🚗 Help guide into the car or crate
• 🛏️ Move off furniture gently and clearly
• 🩺 Vet scales or touching scary objects (like vacuums)

📝 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Nose targeting isn’t just a cute trick—it’s a foundation skill that opens up countless opportunities for connection, confidence, and real-world control. From walks to vet visits, it helps your dog build trust and stay focused. Best of all, it’s a fun game you’ll both enjoy. 🐕💡

Want personalized help teaching targeting or other confidence-building games? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app 📱 to speak with a vet or behavior expert anytime. 🎯🐶