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The Swiss Army Knife of Dog Tricks
The hand touch is a versatile trick that a dog can easily learn. In this trick, the dog touches the human’s hand with its nose.
Like the Swiss Army knife, the hand touch is a multipurpose tool among dog tricks, useful in various situations and training scenarios. Whether on walks, at the park, during training, or just at home—the necessary equipment (your hand) is always available! Here are some examples of how this trick can be beneficial:
The hand touch is a simple trick that can be learned by dogs of any age and breed.
How to Build the Hand Touch
Below are four videos detailing the various training steps. I’m sharing this publicly because I find the hand touch incredibly useful and practical, helping in many situations. For those interested in a bit more background knowledge, I also mention the learning theory terms “classical and operant conditioning” 😉.
Note: The videos are unfortunately in German and currently do not have subtitles.
Step 1: Classical Conditioning (CC)
Step 2: Operant Conditioning (OC)
Step 3: Introduce the Verbal Command (for me “Touch,” but it can also be “Tap” or anything else)
Step 4: Follow the Hand (if desired)
Please establish the trick in a calm environment before using it in “serious situations.” Otherwise, there is a risk of forming a false association and frustration, as the dog may not yet understand it. Read the following article: Misconceptions about Positive Dog Training.
Also, please ensure that the dog approaches the hand, not the other way around. If the hand moves toward the dog, it may startle them, which is unnecessary.
How do I personally use the hand touch? On one hand, I use it with Lina to assess her stress levels and concentration. I ask her, “Can you do a touch?” If she can’t, I know she’s stressed, and I try to create distance (which is usually her underlying need). Additionally, I use the hand touch as an alternative behavior during encounters. This helps redirect Lina’s focus away from the trigger. She performs the trick with great joy, which also shifts her emotions positively.
Let me know if you’d like to try more tricks; I’m happy to assist with advice and support!
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Further Information
Would you like to learn more about fair training methods, or are you looking for support for you and your dog? Feel free to send me a message to discuss individual training, or learn more about how I work.
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