Chin target with dogs – A Useful Exercise in Animal-Assisted Interventions
Chin target is a simple, useful, and effective exercise that can be of great help when working with your dog in Animal-Assisted Services. This exercise can be applied in various situations, both in daily life and when working with clients:
When the dog is greeting clients with a "hello."
When the dog is retrieving items.
When teaching the dog to rest its head in a lap.
During handling (such as tooth brushing).
At the veterinarian.
What is a Chin Target?
Chin target with dogs involves the dog placing its chin in your hand or on another surface, such as a client’s lap. This creates a safe and calm connection between the dog and its surroundings.
How to Train a Chin Target
1. Start with Luring:
Hold a treat in your hand close to the dog’s nose.
Place the palm of your other hand facing up and lure the dog to rest its chin in your palm.
Mark and reward as soon as you feel the weight of the dog’s chin in your hand.
2. Use a Reward Marker:
Mark the correct behavior using a clicker, another sound, or a short word.
Reward the dog immediately when it places its chin in your hand.
3. Reinforce the Behavior:
Continue rewarding the dog as long as it keeps its chin in your hand.
Give a release cue and toss a treat away to signal the end of the exercise.
If the dog lifts its head before the release cue, stop rewarding and start again.
4. Increase the Difficulty:
Gradually increase the duration before marking the behavior.
Move the hand holding the treat farther away from the dog.
Over time, you can move your palm up and down while the dog keeps its chin in place.
Reward the dog for doing it correctly.
5. Add a Verbal Cue (Optional):
If you want to use a verbal cue, say it just before presenting your hand.
Alternatively, you can use a flat, open hand as a signal.
6. Introduce Distractions:
Start training in a quiet environment.
Gradually add distractions, like people moving around the dog.
Once the dog masters this at home, practice in new environments, such as at a friend’s house or outdoors.
When adding new distractions, take a step back in the training process to set the dog up for success.
Tips for Training
Short Sessions: Keep sessions brief, with 2–3 repetitions, followed by a short break before repeating.
Precise Timing: Use the reward marker exactly when the dog performs the correct behavior.
High-Value Treats: Ensure the reward is something the dog truly enjoys.
Be Patient: Don’t expect perfection right away.
Have Fun: Make sure the training is enjoyable for both you and your dog!
Examples of Use in Animal-Assisted Interventions
Once the dog has learned the exercise, it can be applied in the following ways:
Greeting clients by placing its chin in their hand.
Promoting calmness and connection by resting its chin on a client’s lap.
Performing retrieval exercises by delivering objects while supporting its chin in your hand.
Conclusion
Chin targeting is not only a useful exercise but also a fantastic way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. With patience and precise training, this can become one of your dog’s favorite tasks.
Good luck with your training!
Hugs,
Line Sandstedt
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