Target Training For Dogs: How, Why, And When To Fade Targets

We use targets in our dog training, which has prompted popular questions on the best way to fade a target and when to start fading. So that’s the topic of this episode, along with what targets are and why they work so well. Before you attempt to remove a target, there are three questions to ask and a clear process for fading so that your dog has a strong finished behavior.

In the episode you'll hear:
• The difference between a food lure and a target.
• Why targets work so well and how it starts with what your dog loves.
• Why your dog's experience will influence when you can fade a target.
• That the way you use a target will impact the fading of that target.
• Why you want your dog to have DASH (Desire, Accuracy, Speed Habitat).
• The reason to know what will replace the target, including verbal cues.
• About having clarity for what you want your dog to do for the finished behavior.
• Tips for when to add a cue if you are using a target.
• All the steps to fading various targets, including changing the size and color.
• Mistakes to avoid when you are removing a target.
• Why to always believe your dog when you are training anything.

Check out our YouTube Playlist on targeting for dogs:
   • Target Training for Dogs with Susan G...  

Resources:
1. Podcast Episode 171: Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Why Classical Conditioning Must Come First -    • Dog Training With Layered Shaping: Wh...  
2. YouTube Video: Target Stick Training for Dogs Part 1 -    • Susan Garrett's Target Stick Training...  
3. YouTube Video: Target Stick Training for Dogs Part 2 -    • Susan Garrett's Target Stick Training...  
4. Podcast Episode 12: When Helping Your Dog is an Illusion -    • When Helping Your Dog is an Illusion #12  
5. Podcast Episode 144: Teach Your Dog To Listen No Matter What... Even If You Think They Are Stubborn -    • Teach Your Dog To Listen No Matter Wh...  
6. YouTube Video: Help for Loose Leash Walking: Create Value for Your Dog Walking with You Using a Target Stick -    • Help for Loose Leash Walking: Create ...  
7. Apple iOS App "Dog Vision HD " by Laan labs - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dog-vis...
8. Android App Dog vision - https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...

Timestamps:
00:00 All About Targeting for Dogs
01:13 Difference Between Targets and Lures
03:35 Why Targets Work So Well in Dog Training
04:12 Transferring Value from Targets to Your Goal Behavior
06:57 When to Fade a Target
08:09 3 Questions to Ask Before Fading a Target
9:54 What Replaces a Faded Target?
11:38 When to Add Cues in Target Training
13:13 How to Fade Different Types of Targets
17:59 The Biggest Mistake to Avoid in Target Fading
18:26 Why to Believe Your Dog

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Dogs That is brought to you by Susan Garrett and the Say Yes Dog Training Team.

Susan Garrett’s interest in animal behaviour started at the University of Guelph where she earned a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Science. Since then she has developed into a preeminent dog trainer and canine sports instructor and competitor. Susan is one of the most successful agility competitors of the last three decades. She has won multiple Gold Medals at National or World Championship events with every dog she has ever owned over the past 30 years.

A natural teacher and an entertaining speaker, Susan is world renowned as a leading educator of dog trainers. Her understanding of how to apply science-based learning principles to both competitive and family pet dog training has been pivotal in changing how dogs are trained.

Susan is now helping many thousands of dog owners in 132 countries have the best relationship possible with their dogs. The real joy for her comes from bringing confidence to dogs and their owner through playful interactions and relationship building games that are grounded firmly in the science of how animals learn.
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