How to choose the right target for your dog?

Training with a target can be used in many ways - from tricks, heel position, obedience over to balance training. Which target to choose and how to use it?

Targets are one of our favorite training aid which we use very often. We produced several types of targets in our Løype workshop. So we have prepared an overview which one is used for what and how to choose the right one.

What is target and what is used for? Target is a designated object which we use during training with the dog. Thanks to it the dog knows where to go, or where to be during an exercise so it helps the dog to understand it better rather than a shown place on the ground. The target looks like mini table or a box where the dog will place front (or even back) legs.

• It is ideal for paw movement training, so the dog becomes aware of its front paws as well as the back ones. This overall helps with the dog's skillfulness. 
• Target is helpful during heel position training, because the dog knows where to stand without worrying about it too much.
• It can used for balance training, sending the dog away from the human etc.
• How to train on the target? You can read here.

1) Target Hamtal Up - firm and ideal for beginners

Hamtal Up is great for beginners because the dog is aware of its paws. It is firm, extra stable, has anti-slippery layer on the top as well as on the bottom. It is available in 4 sizes. Just a great foundation for any dog trick.

• Great for teaching your dog the heel position next to your leg.
• Nicely fixing the dog - e.g. when doing turns.
• The dog can put on front legs, when mastering it, as well as back legs.
• Caution, when choosing target for back legs - always pick a size up target compare to the one for front legs.
• Great aid when teaching the dog moving away from the human, as well as to the other directions (helpful for obedience)
• It is helpful for teaching to move backwards, advanced work with back legs or for balance training (a.k.a. dogfitness)
• Two same sized targets can be joined together into big one
• You can use two targets behind each other to practice show stand, or for lay-down/stand positions (for small dog only one big target can be used).

If you are looking for a target with really durable top cover you can choose tartan rubber Hamtal target.

2) Low round Target Pivot - for advanced teams with countless uses

For work on a low target, the dog should be already familiar with elevated target (like Hamtal Up). We like this foam target because it is low, soft and light so the dog does not even have a problem to sit on it.

• Great for sending away from the human (during sport cynology and obedience), because the dog sees it at the last minute, which is good.
• The dog takes a right position on it without any issues (usually stand and than to lay down)
• It can as well as used for pivots, work with back legs, heel position and dogfitness
• We can use it when teaching lay down in a distance - like in treibball

The elevated version of Pivot is Target Double which si double sided. And if you are looking for miniature target, for e.g. nosetouch, work with paws, we have Mini Pivot, which fits even in your pocket.

3) Target Strivee - high school for dog

Genius anti-slippery board which will help you master heel and different positions. We suppose that the dog already knows an elevated target (Hamtal Up) and basically knows what to do.

• Ideal for fixing the front legs - heel next to you, positions (sit, lay down, stand) in the distance, sit up in front of you and next to your leg
• Take two targets and master show position

If you would like to work with Strivee but the dog finds it quite difficult because of its height, you can check out our elevated version Target Step Up.

4)Nosewand target - your prolonged hand

It is not a wand to kill the flies, no way! It is a training aid through which you can teach your dog nosetouch - trick that can be used in many tricks and trainings.

• Appropriate helper when teaching walk in heel position, walking backwards or slalom between legs
• The dog is entertained by the wand because the treats come through the wand - the hole in the middle. It encourages to train more and more!
• You have a choice from 4 colors - yellow, blue, purple and pink

So, did you choose? No? It is ok. You can contact us directly on info@loype.cz or on Instagram Loype_dog_brand. We will be happy to help you choose right target in English.