A training technique in which an animal is taught to touch a particular body part to a particular object (the target).

Nose-to-hand targeting in dogs (the dog learns to touch their nose to the handler’s open palm), nose-to-stick targeting in horses (the horse learns to touch their nose to the end of a target stick), beak-to-target in birds (the bird learns to touch their beak to a target), paw-to-target in cats (the cat learns to touch their paw to a particular target object). The principle is the same across species: the animal is taught to bring a specific body part into contact with a specific object on cue.

Targeting is one of the most useful foundation behaviours in modern training because it can be used to teach a wide variety of other behaviours by directing the animal’s movement and position with the target. A targeting behaviour, once established, becomes a tool the trainer can use to:

– Move the animal into specific positions (the horse target-trained to a stick can be moved into a stance, into a turn, or onto a scale; the dog target-trained to a hand can be lured into heel position or into a recall) – Train cooperative husbandry behaviours (the parrot target-trained to a stick can be moved into a carrier, onto a perch, or into a position for medical examination) – Build the foundation for more complex behaviours that involve specific body positioning (advanced dog sports, equine groundwork, zoo husbandry training) – Communicate with the animal in a way that minimises pressure (the target gives the animal a clear goal rather than requiring them to figure out what the handler wants)

Targeting is typically trained using positive reinforcement, often with a bridging signal to mark the moment of target contact. The behaviour is generally easy to establish in animals across species because the underlying mechanic (move toward a specific object, touch it, receive reinforcement) is simple and clear.

The technique is widely used in zoo husbandry training, in service dog training, in horse work (particularly in welfare-positive training systems), and in companion animal training generally. Its versatility and welfare-positive nature have made it a foundational tool in modern applied training across species.