Target Training For Dogs: How, Why, And When To Fade Targets

We use targets in our dog training, which has prompted popular questions on the best way to fade a target and when to start fading. So that’s the topic of this episode, along with what targets are and why they work so well. Before you attempt to remove a target, there are three questions to ask and a clear process for fading so that your dog has a strong finished behavior.
In the episode you'll hear:
• The difference between a food lure and a target.
• Why targets work so well and how it starts with what your dog loves.
• Why your dog's experience will influence when you can fade a target.
• That the way you use a target will impact the fading of that target.
• Why you want your dog to have DASH (Desire, Accuracy, Speed Habitat).
• The reason to know what will replace the target, including verbal cues.
• About having clarity for what you want your dog to do for the finished behavior.
• Tips for when to add a cue if you are using a target.
• All the steps to fading various targets, including changing the size and color.
• Mistakes to avoid when you are removing a target.
• Why to always believe your dog when you are training anything.
Check out our KZbin Playlist on targeting for dogs:
• Target Training for Do...
Resources:
1. Podcast Episode 171: Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Why Classical Conditioning Must Come First - • Dog Training With Laye...
2. KZbin Video: Target Stick Training for Dogs Part 1 - • Susan Garrett's Target...
3. KZbin Video: Target Stick Training for Dogs Part 2 - • Susan Garrett's Target...
4. Podcast Episode 12: When Helping Your Dog is an Illusion - • When Helping Your Dog ...
5. Podcast Episode 144: Teach Your Dog To Listen No Matter What... Even If You Think They Are Stubborn - • Teach Your Dog To List...
6. KZbin Video: Help for Loose Leash Walking: Create Value for Your Dog Walking with You Using a Target Stick - • Help for Loose Leash W...
7. Apple iOS App "Dog Vision HD " by Laan labs - apps.apple.com/us/app/dog-vis...
8. Android App Dog vision - play.google.com/store/apps/de...
Timestamps:
00:00 All About Targeting for Dogs
01:13 Difference Between Targets and Lures
03:35 Why Targets Work So Well in Dog Training
04:12 Transferring Value from Targets to Your Goal Behavior
06:57 When to Fade a Target
08:09 3 Questions to Ask Before Fading a Target
9:54 What Replaces a Faded Target?
11:38 When to Add Cues in Target Training
13:13 How to Fade Different Types of Targets
17:59 The Biggest Mistake to Avoid in Target Fading
18:26 Why to Believe Your Dog
P.S. Subscribe to our KZbin Channel so you get notifications of new videos!
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Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team.
Susan Garrett’s interest in animal behaviour started at the University of Guelph where she earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then she has developed into a preeminent dog trainer and canine sports instructor and competitor. Susan is one of the most successful agility competitors of the last three decades. She has won multiple Gold Medals at National or World Championship events with every dog she has ever owned over the past 30 years.
A natural teacher and an entertaining speaker, Susan is world renowned as a leading educator of dog trainers. Her understanding of how to apply science-based learning principles to both competitive and family pet dog training has been pivotal in changing how dogs are trained.
Susan is now helping many thousands of dog owners in 132 countries have the best relationship possible with their dogs. The real joy for her comes from bringing confidence to dogs and their owner through playful interactions and relationship building games that are grounded firmly in the science of how animals learn.
- - - - - - -
Our Website: dogsthat.com
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There’s always something new happening at Dogs That, so if you’d like to be the first to know, visit our website, register to receive updates, and we'll keep you in the loop.
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[@DogsThat]

Check out our videos on Target Stick Training for Dogs: Part 1 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6vIgaJth7iEq5Y Part 2 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqLWdniNeL2tm5I And our playlist on targeting for dogs, including games you can play: kzbin.info/aero/PLphRRSxcMHy3ylCyQ2bJQSCwo_ERiVHj3

[@theresahubble]

The target training video part two showed you putting a treat right on the spoon though, so I'm confused about why you're saying not to do that, when you showed how to do that. Could you please explain, or add/point me to a video that doesn't start out with a treat on the target?

[@SallyBushwaller]

Really loved this podcast! So beneficial!

[@karenwolff1926]

This is a podcast everyone should hear. Thank you, Susan!

[@janeranke1737]

The Lesson Plan and the Targeting lessons were so informative. Thanks! A question I’ve had that I’d like to review is how to get my dog(s) to line up next to me on a walk

[@LindsayHaven]

I always think of This! as Stevie. I love seeing her every time and think of your joy when she was a rambunctious puppy. Comments for the algo. 😊

[@JuGGerJuGGs]

This lady definitely knows what she's talking about

[@PamelaDalmatian]

The amazing Susan Garrett, knocking another informative video out of the park! So glad I found you. We get pupper number two next week and I am SO excited!

[@katemolly100]

I’d subscribe again and again if I could! I like 🍪s! So much value in every video!!!

[@milissaellan6805]

Perfect timing!! My puppy and I are going to our first conformation show in a few weeks-- we've been working on his free stacking behavior with step stool targets... lol and we definitely won't have them in the ring! Fading them gradually by first reducing height makes sense. Thanks for the game plan!! 🐩❤

[@user-hp1gx2uo5m]

Thank you Susan and Shaped by Dog Team for all your videos! I have a question. Should we not throw or put cookies in the Hot Zone? When the dog is calmly chewing on a bone for example. Is the hot zone not considered a target? How can we make it different for the dog?

[@annedunn3368]

Great info on using targets and difference between luring. Thank you!! Will check out the target stick training.

[@shelties4us]

"Don't put food on the target.". Bam! *That's* what I've been doing wrong. Thanks!!!

[@DE-ss5ks]

Well explained, Susan, as always. Such a great complement to Recallers.

[@suzanneevans1771]

Another brilliant video jam-packed with step-by-step instructions AND the reasoning behind it all. Thanks also for the link to the Dog Vision app 🐶

[@sheilasim9200]

I really enjoyed this! I've had my 5 year old frenchie for 18 months and started working on hand targets only to discover that he'd been taught to "high five" so as soon as I put my hand out he touches with a paw. So I tried introducing a lid in my hand or on the ground ... same thing. He's obviously a very "hands on" learner 😄. I'll try the fly swatter. And I now know why targeting his mat has not worked at all so I'll make changes there too. Thanks Susan and crew for these 3 super videos!!

[@mariebutler6619]

Brilliant, I understand, I get it! It all makes perfect sense! Thanks so much for sharing these golden nuggets of information with us all. I love learning from you Susan. When I win the lottery, I'm going to camp on your drive and watch everything you do with your dogs and absorb the knowledge.....you won't know I'm there, honest! You'll only be aware of my presence, by the random, vegan dark chocolate gifts, on your doorstep!! That and the motorhome on your drive🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@RaptorsGirl]

😂😂😂

[@nanettelai1525]

🤔 Susan and the Dogs That/Shaped By Dog Teams have been conditioned as secondary reinforcers for many dogs

[@DogsThat]

😄🧡

[@sarahbudde8684]

I love your videos! I’m on a target tangent today. I’m thinking you say to never bait a target. But over I. The target training part two, you bait the spoon with two cookies. I think that’s how I started last year. Also we reinforce targets such as on the hot zone. I tend to throw it on the bed… should I be hand delivering it instead?

[@123steveandlisa]

Excellent teaching, as usual. Thank you so much Susan and ALL the team ❤️ Brilliant production! Thank you 🙂 x

[@capecodhunts]

This episode was very helpful. I've been struggling with this for a long time. Thank you!

[@kerrygray2726]

Wow...this episode is like a breathe of fresh air...can REALLY progress and have fun with my training..Thank you sooo much actually....i can't thank you enough ..I live in the middle of the Bush...with FEW resources. .... granny owned by a cattle dog South Africa

[@ammi_10]

Yes! You don't want the treat to be the focus but a reward for something the dog has intentionally done. I actually don't even use treats as my rewards very often. If I have a good connection with my dog then my attention is their reinforcement! I've been doing it that way since 1973 😉

[@katebrown618]

I love this video! Thank you everyone involved in creating it! So helpful and clear! The information is perfect! On another topic, would it be possible to see a video on teaching your dog to side step maybe in the tricks video. Susan showed a brief little snippit of how she uses two by 4 boards but I don't think there is a video of how she actually uses them unless I missed it somehow? I love love love all the information you provide for us!

[@adiestramientocaninorodrig1230]

how is the better strategy of reinforcement for increase the motivation? have you a video were splain that please?

[@janeranke1737]

The Lesson Plan and Targeting videos were super informative. Thanks! A question, I’d like to review is how to get my dogs to line up next to me, whether on a walk or getting ready to go out they always want to be in front. I can say Wait and they will let me go out first but how do I get their little butts right next to me when we are practicing walking and sitting.

[@DogsThat]

Hi Jane, although it doesn't seem like your dog pulls on the lead, most of the training on our Loose Leash walking playlist will help you, here's the link for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZK4coaZnMZ5d8k

[@laurieglencross128]

Great info here that all dog trainers need to know and understand!

[@joanmcfarlane6136]

great explanation of luring and targeting I have ever come across so easy to understand

[@DogsThat]

Glad it was helpful, thank you Joan!

[@kiwibcs]

Loved this podcast. thank you

[@bluecaleb7344]

Awesome pod cast...do you have any on line classes that do a one on one with us older folks that are a bit slow to "get it right" ?

[@DogsThat]

Hi @Bluecaleb if you send a note to us at [e-mail] our team can help with our online programs.

[@user-pc6gd5um5g]

Do you use different target sticks for different body parts (nose, paw, butt). If not, how do you explain to the dog this is not a nose touch, I want you to use your paw.

[@watchmoivies123]

Well that was so funny I had to laugh actually had to laugh twice the first one was the chocolate chip cookie for the reward and the second one was when you were talking about the clicker and you said “I’m in “ That had to been when you were training tater salad.

[@gekerutten]

Hi Susan, Thank you for your podcast and you tube movies . I learn a lot from these movies and podcasts.. I wonder if you also have videos about the body language of dogs. I regularly see that people do not understand the dogs well. I would also like to know more about this subject myself. I hope you, as an expert, can teach us more about this.

[@RaptorsGirl]

Yes there are a few videos (some not podcasts on this YT channel), this is the most comprehensive one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmK9lKSmba6qpKs

[@DogsThat]

Hi @Geke Rutten, we have a video on dog body language and communication, here's the link for you - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmK9lKSmba6qpKs

[@IAMGiftbearer]

Is there a way to teach a dog not to chew up their bed? I had one dog that never would stop doing that and I finally had to give up buying them. She had plenty of chew toys even some stuffed ones, but if I went out of the room and wasn't watching her she'd sneak and start ripping out the stuffing of the bed.

[@hddlee]

How would you use a target to teach a duration behavior like heeling?

[@RaptorsGirl]

The target stick is really used to teach a head position. Then I use paw targets to teach how to find that head position. I have transfer the value of those targets to a position in relation to me prior to doing much actual heeling.

[@hddlee]

@@RaptorsGirl So, if you use a target stick to teach head position for heeling, do you add a verbal cue to get the head position once the target is faded?

[@RaptorsGirl]

@@hddlee No, and yes, the target stick is quickly faded and being in heel position is the cue for head position. So that whatever your verbal cue to heel is includes all of the criteria of the position-including the head position.

[@hddlee]

@@RaptorsGirl Thanks, I think I get the idea. Do you still touch your seam before delivering the reward, the way you do with loose leash walking?

[@noahfox179]

Okay but how do you get your dog to target with body parts that are not their nose?

[@bengallegos4961]

I have the same question!!

[@jenwalker9419]

Which of the dog vision apps would you suggest?

[@DogsThat]

Hi Jen, we have suggestions for both Android and IOS in the Resources list, inside the video's information box

[@titanbuck7]

There's a lot of detailed information that is going over my head because I'm not a audio learner I'm a visual learner so dual learner so even though I have experience doing some of this I don't know exactly what you mean because I can't see it

[@RaptorsGirl]

What are you struggling to see. I thought we gave a demonstration of every technique I spoke about.