Hand targetting is just another tool in your box, you wouldn't have to use it to teach every or in fact any command as such.
Hand targetting can become a command in itself, for us it's 'touch' and Basil will taget my hand or a target stick.
I have used the touch command to then teach closing doors, spinning, pressing elevator buttons, light switches and also to get a dog onto the contact points in agility.
I use it in day to day life to guide my dog at times - like the stile I mentioned out walking. I also use it to get my dog in position for being hosed down after walks, it's a bit more precise than a recall as it means I can get him to plonk his nose exactly where I ask. I've used it to help in heelwork too.
I didn't use tragetting to teach a sit, down, lay on side, rollover as such though. I used a lure for those and tbh I don't use a treat lure as I like to quickly move away from that. I use a closed fist to guide and because i've been handling treats it probably had a faint whiff, enough for a pup to be lured by it. I like to keep my treats out of sight tbh
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I thought of this thread watching 'send in the dogs' police dogs on TV last night. I noticed that one of the handlers had used a click of his fingers instead of a verbal reward marker or clicker gadget. He clicked to reward the drugs find and then tossed in the tennis ball reward. Looked very effective and would be a good option for anyone who didn't want to carry a clicker but wanted a catchy sound
I emailed Charlotte Wagner at Caninepaws to enquire about classes but never got a response. I'm looking for classes that teach a range of skills now anyway though.
I'm still keen on doing obedience training, but think my main focus after the initial training is going to be gun dog training now. Think this would be the ideal activity for us to get stuck into.
I'm looking for recommended classes in Essex that ideally cover puppy, obedience, and gundog training using similar training methods as mentioned in this thread. I've found a few but would much rather go on recommendations. Any advise?
Sometimes its easier to telephone people, will answer your email this evening thanks for sending will have a chat and a dig.
Di
Thanks Di,
I am planning to call round soon for some info, and with a view to attending to watch in the background before deciding, but would be nice to get some advise or recommendations from people who maybe attend similar classes in the area.
So Far I'm looking at Warrenby Gundogs, Gameflight Gundogs, Writtle Dog Training Centre, Roman River Gundogs & Frank Walker's Training School.
Where abouts are you in Essex? Am looking at a couple of individual trainers that might be useful. Warrenby Gundogs are way down in east Sussex, not Essex BTW.
Di
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The boys!
Read: Wylanbriar Dog Blog on the website: Updated! 1st February 12´!
I've had Harvey 3 weeks now and as he was exactly 10 weeks old yesterday I decided to take a video clip of our training as I think he's doing well so far and want to record his progress.
I've been letting him drag the lead around for a while every day for the last week or so, making him sit and settle before attaching and taking it off. He's now not really playing with it and has lost interest so I started the lead work yesterday. I'm planning to train by taking hold of the lead and applying pressure in a direction then treat as soon as he goes with it. Then walk with him by my side treating him as we go. If he pulls I'll stop and keep the pressure on, once he gives in to it i'll treat again. We'll start off indoors, then move to the garden and places with more distractions.
If anyone's got any advise or other useful methods on lead work I'd appreciate hearing it?
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I'm looking for classes that teach a range of skills now anyway though.
Think this would be the ideal activity for us to get stuck into. 
