This badge signifies the completion of the course Target Training Practical Application Deep Dive.

This is a very detailed course with many video examples! Targeting is what most trainers consider a foundation behavior. It is a behavior that is often taught prior to training other behaviors. However, it can be deceptively challenging at times to train. There are nuances to training this behavior that can help animal caregivers avoid creating undesired responses and achieve desired results faster. Our video examples helped illustrate many important nuances to consider. We explored factors such as selecting a target that will work well for the species to be trained and the conditions for training. We also looked at specific criteria for the targeting behavior and what is easily achievable for different species. Careful implementation of shaping plans can help prevent fear responses, and also evoke engagement with stimuli identified as targets. We also covered common problems and mistakes. Once the targeting behavior is established it can serve many purposes that are supportive to a force free approach to animal training. This course contains a plethora of useful practical application information for achieving target training goals.

This course takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.