How to Teach Your Dog “Touch”: A Simple Hand-Target Game
4 min read
Category Training & Behaviour
Some dog tricks need a whole obstacle course. This one starts with an empty hand. “Touch” means a gentle nose tap against your palm: a small shared game you can practise in the kitchen before the kettle boils.
Table of Contents
Prepare Your Two Hands
Keep one hand empty as the target and hold small food rewards in the other. Choose a quiet room and let your dog approach freely. For a Yorkie, sit down or lower your hand so they do not have to jump.
Keep your palm still and comfortably within reach. The invitation is to investigate, not to tolerate a hand being pushed into their face.
Build the Nose Tap
- Offer your empty palm a short distance from your dog's nose.
- When their nose touches it, say a brief marker such as “yes,” then give a reward from the other hand.
- Take the target away between attempts so each presentation is a fresh invitation.
- Once the tap is familiar, say “touch” just before presenting your hand.
Try only a handful of repetitions, then take a break. If your dog is unsure, reward a glance or movement towards the hand first. Let them leave whenever they want.
Change One Thing at a Time
Move your hand a little to the side while keeping it at the same height. On another turn, try standing instead of sitting. Save distracting places for later.
Write down the easiest version that worked today. That gives you a useful starting point tomorrow, especially if different family members practise with your dog.
Turn It into an Everyday Game
Ask for a touch beside you, then reward. Later, try it after taking one step together. It can become a friendly way to invite your dog to change position without pushing or pulling them.
Keep it away from roads and other hazards while learning. A hand target does not replace a lead or a reliable recall. For walking practice, see loose-leash training.
When the Game Gets Messy
If your dog paws at your hand, quietly reset rather than scolding. Make the next presentation easy to reach with their nose. If they mouth your fingers, pause and return to a calmer, simpler attempt later.
If they turn away or seem uncomfortable, stop. You can spend time together without completing a training exercise.