PART 2A(i) - Static target to distance nose touches

Finding the target

Now we have a dog who is motivated to NT a target on the floor in a static position. We now need to start building independence. The next stage is designed to start building this by encouraging the dog to start finding the target and NT to receive reward.

 Jaidi showing the long term objective of NT at the end of the contact

Thanks to Marilyn Murphy for giving me the outline and objectives for this part of the training :-)

We begin by gradually moving away from the target, roughly at the rate of 1 pace (distance) a day. This is accomplished by simply dropping the target and letting the dog move quickly to perform the NT.

Rewarding

When performing the NT in a static position rewarding is quite straightforward as the treat can be simply placed on the target. As one moves the target to distance, delivering the reward in a timely fashion at the point of reward (the target) becomes a challenge.

There are 3 methods one can choose (of course not mutually exclusive and can be combined).

1. Follow dog and place reward at a close distance
2. Throw the reward
3. Use remote reward equipment

The first is easy to administer, but has the disadvantage of not keeping distance between you and the dog. The second keeps distance but relies on a good aim and also means that distance is dictated by accuracy rather than a desired (distance) objective. The third is the most expensive and means training the dog to ‘use’ the equipment, but has the advantage of delivering a reward at distance and at the discretion of the trainer (i.e. when the criteria has been met).

I chose the later and used the ‘Remote treat reward system’. In the next session I will cover the training using this.