CC – Rear Paw Targeting

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Paw targeting is a critical foundation game as it will be used in future exercises as a way to anchor our dogs. You can lure your dog if necessary and remember to keep movement controlled and slower versus fast and chaotic.

For rear paw targeting, beginning with the walk over object is easier and then work towards having your dog backup onto the object. Be sure to mark (“yes”, “good”) when their rear paws are on the object, reward with their head in a natural position (not up high and not low) and then release. We are not looking for duration or body position at this time – we are simply wanting our dogs to learn and be comfortable putting their rear paws on an object.

Note: if you are not sure what your dog’s “natural” head carriage is, just watch them when they are wandering around and see where they hold their head.

Start with 5 reps with a break then repeat for a total of 3 sets and work up to 3 sets of 10 being executed happily and easily.