Teach Your Dog Nose Targeting (aka The "Touch" Trick)
9/16/2025
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Nose targeting—teaching your dog to boop an object with their snout—is a simple but magical trick. It’s cute, easy to teach, and unlocks advanced skills like agility, service dog tasks, brain games, and impressive chaos. Plus, who doesn’t love a dog confidently bopping things with their nose? This works for dogs of all ages and breeds, but puppies or high-energy breeds might pick it up faster. No prior training required! Ready to turn your dog into a nose-booping pro? Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
High-value treats (think pea-sized bits of apple, or cheese)
A clicker (optional, for marking success)
Safe target objects (your hand, Post-it notes, a spoon)
10 minutes a day (split into 2–3 short sessions)
Why Nose Targeting Rocks
Provides mental stimulation for your pup
Strengthens your bond through teamwork
Builds focus and impulse control, especially for reactive dogs
Unlocks high-level tricks (high fives, spins, obstacles, push buttons)
Perfect for fall fun, like booping pumpkins during walks or photoshoots
Snaps cute, photo-worthy moments
Impresses friends and family with your dog’s skills (and racks up likes on social media!)
Step 1: Introduce the Target 🎯
Goal: Dog learns that touching the object with their nose = reward. (Master in 1–2 sessions)
Hold a neutral target (flat open palm or a Post-it note stuck to your hand—avoid smelly objects to ensure it’s the touch, not the scent) 1–2 inches from their nose to encourage a natural sniff.
The second they sniff or bump it, mark (“Yes!” or click) and reward with a treat.
Repeat until your dog eagerly boops the target. Aim for 5–10 successful boops per session.
Step 2: Add a Cue Word 🗣️
Goal: Dog associates the action with a command. (Master in 2–3 sessions)
Once your dog reliably touches the target, introduce a cue: “Touch!” or “Boop!” (Choose one that fits your vibe—try “Snoot!” for extra flair, but avoid words that sound like other commands, e.g., don’t use “Nose” if you say “No”).
Say the cue just as you present the target, so they connect the word to the action.
Mark and reward when their nose makes contact.
Tip: Keep the cue short, upbeat, and consistent.
Step 3: Build Distance & Distraction 📏🔊
Goal: Dog performs the trick beyond arm’s reach and around mild distractions. (Master in 3–5 sessions)
Gradually increase the distance before presenting the target (start with a few inches, then a foot).
Be patient—only move farther once your pup nails it several times in a row (aim for 8/10 successes).
If distractions overwhelm, use a leash or quiet space first, then build to busier spots like parks.
After mastering distance, place the target on different surfaces (floor, table, stool).
Add distractions gradually (start with mild ones like a toy nearby, then tougher ones like squirrels at the park).
Celebrate every correct choice like your dog just won an Olympic medal! 🥇
Step 4: Generalize the Trick 🌍
Goal: Dog understands “Touch” works on different objects and in different settings. (Master in 5–7 sessions)
Practice with new, dog-safe objects (no sharp edges or toxic materials): try a tennis ball on a walk or a book on a coffee table.
Change up the environment—indoors, outdoors, on walks.
Keep rewarding so your dog knows the rules apply everywhere. Check objects for small parts your dog could chew off.
Step 5: Level Up 🎯
Goal: Dog practices precision and creativity, taking the trick to new extremes! (Master in 7–10 sessions)
Sequence Training:
Place 2–3 objects in a line (pumpkins, leaf cutouts, gourds).
Ask your dog to touch each one in turn using the cue.
Reward each correct touch and use a playful cue like “Next!” to move along. If sequencing is tough, start with two objects and reward heavily for the first correct touch.
Combine with Other Tricks:
Touch an object, then lure a sit or spin.
Touch a stool before jumping onto it.
Press a button or knock a small object over for “advanced” fun. Record this step—watching your dog nail a sequence is Instagram gold!
Step 6: Stack the Trick 🔗
Nose targeting shines when chained into useful (and hilarious) tricks. Your dog’s basically a furry engineer now—time to show off!
Ring a bell to go outside
Close a drawer or cupboard
Press a button or light switch (with a safe button cover)
Turn off lights (with an adaptive switch) for bedtime routines
Knock over a toy or block tower
Pose for adorable boop-the-prop photos
Training Tips & Extras 🐾
Keep sessions short (3–5 minutes) to avoid burnout.
End on success, even if it’s a tiny one.
Use high-value rewards for harder steps.
Adapt for shy or older dogs: Use softer markers (like a quiet “Good”) and extra patience.
If your dog looks confused, go back one step and rebuild.
If your dog mouths instead of noses: Hold the target higher or use a firmer object; redirect with “No” and retry.
For visually impaired owners, use a bell as a target for audible feedback.
Pro tip: Film sessions to track progress—it’s motivating and shareable!
If your dog loses interest, bribe harder—they’re furry toddlers, after all!
Your Challenge 🍂
The Great Pumpkin Nose-Boop Challenge 🎃👃
Grab some fall props—plastic pumpkins, leaf cutouts, or tiny gourds—and put your dog’s new skill to the test.
Teach your dog to nose-touch fall-style!
Snap a pic or video of your dog booping fall props, share with #RadowgFallPassport, and tag @RadowgFood on Facebook or Instagram to show off those pumpkin-nosed pups!
Bonus points for getting your dog to out-boop your neighbour’s pup in a snoot-off (keep it friendly folks!) 🐶😜
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