This video shows the progress of using a hand touch (or a target) to shape contact training for agility.
In agility competitions contact equipment requires the dog to place at least one foot (or even part of a foot) the contact zone or else they will incur a fault. This regulation is primarily for the dog’s safety as leaping off heights isn’t safe. Teaching good control is also important.
When I teach the agility obstacles I want my dog to understand how to do that item correctly, safely and with confidence. The following video was taken over months of training to ensure G Force knew what to do when getting to the bottom of ramp, whether I was there or not!
Teaching a ‘two on and two off’ position (referred to as 2o2o) makes it clear to the dog where they should place their feet. The feel of grass and contact material is quite different and that helps to make it obvious to them when they get it right
In this video I transitioned from a basic Hand Touch to a clear acrylic Target in my hand (you can also use an ice cream lid!). The next transition was placing the clear target on the floor with him walking over a box to go touch it. This helped him stop with front feet on the floor and back feet up on the box.
Sometimes he would jump off the side of the box so I used what I could to prevent that from happening so he could get it right. Getting it wrong too many times just leads to frustration.
Treats should be paid on the target so the dog doesn’t learn to hit the target and then turn to you. Practice in different environments and have fun!