TEAM Pup/SD Foundations Targets

Week 2 Recap: Target Training Techniques for Service Dogs

Building Focus, Precision & Independence

Service dog training is all about breaking complex tasks into manageable skills—and one of the foundational skills is targeting. In Week 2 of Crazy2Calm’s Service Dog Foundations Class, we dove deep into target training methods that help build communication, confidence, and control between handler and dog.

This week’s focus was on refining targeting behaviors such as hand/nose, paw, and chin rests, all of which play a key role in both public access work and task training.

Whether you're just getting started or fine-tuning your dog’s skills, this session had something for everyone. Let’s walk through what we covered and how you can keep moving forward with support.

🔁 Quick Recap: What We Covered

We began with a video review of participant-submitted training clips and launched into practical training discussions, demonstrations, and feedback. Here’s what we focused on:

• Teaching and refining hand targets

• Using paw and nose targets with objects of different sizes

• Practicing chin rests for therapeutic and alerting tasks

• Integrating targeting into obedience positions and mobility assistance

• Adapting target work to your dog’s individual needs and your environment

We ended with homework assignments for reviewing AKC standards and practicing obedience positions like sit, down, stay, and heel.

🎥 Getting Started with Video Submissions

For those participating in our workshop format, sharing videos is a key part of learning. Coach Penny confirmed that the system for uploading and reviewing videos is working well. She also provided feedback during the meeting, using screen shares to walk through clips like Tammy’s session with her dog.

💡 Tip: You don’t need a fancy setup. Clear video of your dog’s body language and your positioning is what matters most!

🖐 Teaching Hand Targets

Hand targets are more than a cute trick,they’re a powerful tool for directing your dog’s focus and guiding their movement. Penny walked through how she teaches this skill, especially for tasks like:

• Positioning a dog for heel or front

• Gaining focus in distracting environments

• Building engagement in early training

Participants shared different tools they use, like doorbells, buttons, and even cowbells on paracord (thanks, Kristi!).

🐾 Paw and Nose Targets in Action

Targeting with the paw or nose can be used for everything from pressing a handicap button to ringing a bell or activating a sensor. The group discussed how to:

• Build confidence around larger or elevated objects

• Use repetition to maintain the skill, especially with adolescent dogs

• Layer in hand targets to help shape paw/nose targeting behaviors

The key takeaway? Tailor your approach based on your dog’s comfort, motivation, and physical ability.

💤 Chin Rest Training for Service Dogs

One of the most versatile and underappreciated targeting behaviors is the chin rest. Penny and Nicki explored how this skill can be used for:

• Deep Pressure Therapy

• Medical alerting

• Staying in position for grooming or vet care

• Staying calm around mobility devices or tight public spaces

Penny shared her experience using chin rests with her own service dog for migraine alerts and noted how useful this created a challenge for alerting when Penny was walking.

Training Note: Use verbal cues and reset techniques to keep chin rests clean and consistent.

🧱 Target Techniques: Building from Basics

We revisited training videos featuring stepping stones, cones, and pause positions to help dogs understand where to go and what to do with their body. Penny emphasized using multiple types of targets to help dogs generalize behaviors across settings.

Kristi and Penny discussed how “paws up” cues can help dogs stay in a specific position before being released or redirected, an essential skill for public access training.

🔄 Service Dog Positioning Tasks

Next week's homework is all about obedience and positions so we watched the Blocking/Orbit video which dug into some more advanced service dog tasks like:

• Circling around the handler

• Blocking from behind

• Positioning next to mobility devices

We explored how to use longlines and retractable leashes safely to reinforce cues at distance, and the group discussed the importance of adapting techniques based on disability-related needs and public settings.

🛠 Homework: Practice obedience commands (sit, down, stay, come, heel) with an emphasis on precision and positioning.

💬 Need Help or Have Questions?

Whether you're feeling stuck, need help submitting a video, or just want to talk through your dog’s behavior, support is available.

You can reach out via:

• Patreon community forum (private)

• Facebook group (public option)

• Email for 1-on-1 support

• Submit a training video for feedback

Remember: Every dog is different. Training is not one-size-fits-all, and that's okay! The goal is progress, not perfection.

✅ Wrapping Up: Keep Practicing, Keep Learning

Week 2 was all about building precision and responsiveness through target training. From hand touches to chin rests, these skills lay the groundwork for future service tasks and help strengthen your communication with your dog.

Keep practicing the core behaviors, submit your videos for feedback if you’d like, and reach out whenever you need help. We’re here to support your journey—wherever you and your dog are starting from.

🐶 Ready for Week 3?

Next week, we’ll be diving deeper into obedience positions and transitions. Keep working on your targets and check out the assigned videos on Patreon to prep for the next session.