Chapter 5: Game 2 - Targeting - Premier MannersMinder Instruction Manual

Recommended Daily Practice:
Two 15-minute sessions.
Practice each step in sets of 5-10 repetitions with
breaks in-between. When Fido gets 9 out of 10,
right you can go to the next step. You can
conveniently practice this exercise in short sets
during TV commercials.
In this game, you will use the hand-held target.
Its length is adjustable. Make sure the length
is adjusted so you can easily present the end of
the target below your dog's nose level while you are
standing.
If at any point your dog does not respond to your
visual presentation of the target or your verbal cue,
avoid moving it closer or your dog will train you to
move the target closer. Instead, remove the target
and then re-present it.
Step 1: Presenting the Target
Put a small dab of wet dog food, peanut
butter or something tasty on the target. Then with
Fido facing the MannersMinder, present the target
at nose level several inches away but close enough
for him to reach with an outstretched neck. When
he reaches out to sniff the target, TONE & TREAT
and simultaneously remove the target. If he knows
the TONE & TREAT well, he should immediately run
to get his treat. If he's not that motivated for the
food or doesn't know the association well, he will
take his time. If Fido doesn't try to touch the target,
remove it and present it a little closer. When he can
touch the target immediately upon visual presenta-
tion nine out of ten times in a row, remove the food
on the target and go to Step 2.
Step 2: Taking 1-3 Steps
Present the target far enough from Fido so that he has to take 1-3 steps to reach it. TONE
& TREAT when he touches it. Remember to start with the target out of view and once he
touches it, remove it while simultaneously activating the TONE & TREAT. When he touches
the target immediately upon presentation 9 out of 10 times in a row, go to the next step.
Chapter 5: Game 2 – Targeting
Step 1: Presenting the Target
Put a small dab of wet dog food,
peanut butter or something tasty on
the target.
Checklist
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Step 2: Taking 1-3 Steps
Present the target far enough from
Fido so that he has to take 1-3 steps
to reach it.
Checklist
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