Classical and Operant Conditioning in Practice- Teaching Nose Target

Posted on August 27, 2022.

We are going to teach a nose target using both a classically conditioned tool (marker word/clicker) and operant conditioning. 

The last two Info-Portal posts went into some depth about Classical and Operant Conditioning. Check them out if you haven't already!

Here is a way to teach a nose target behavior:

1. Present a flat hand towards your dog and wait for them to investigate.

2. Mark and reward as soon as their nose makes contact with your hand.

3. Continue to mark and reward each time the nose makes contact with the hand. (about 4-6X)

4. After a few successful repetitions, hold your hand further away, so that your dog has to take a step in order to make contact.

5. Practice in all directions and with both hands so your dog understands all the variations.

Quick tips:

-If your dog struggles initially, you can always rub a treat on your hand to get them interested and help them succeed.

-If they don't, do not touch their nose to your hand. Bring your hand up and wait 2-3 seconds before bringing it down flat again.

Note: The click/marker word is the classical conditioning while actually learning the cue (flat hand coming down) and behavior is operant conditioning. 

Now you have used what you learned!

And if you missed the last Info-Portals, go check them out to get a better understanding of Operant and Classical Conditioning!

Written by: Dr. Emily Hall, DVM, CCRT, CPAT-KA