TEACH
  TO TOUCH


In
this next trick, you will teach your dog to touch the end of a "Touchstick."
This is just a wooden dowel or stick that's around 36 inches long and ⅜ inches
thick. I recommend putting duct tape around the ends to protect your dog from
any sharp edges. Wind the tape around and around the ends so that it pads the
ends of the stick. With the touch stick, you will be able to teach many of the
other tricks on this site, so learning this right away is essential for your
dog.



 Step
1: Hold your touch stick away from you and wait.
Step 2: Dogs are naturally curious, so when your dog touches it with his nose or mouth, click and
treat. Keep doing this until he starts touching the stick without hesitation. If
he isn't curious about the touch stick, gently tap his nose and click at the
same time.
Step
3: Next time he touches the stick, click and treat, giving the
command, "touch" at the same time.
Step
4: When he can touch the stick on command, give him a jackpot,
and make sure to praise him for his good work.