Spot Target Dog: A Fun and Rewarding Trick

Spot Target Dog is a fun and rewarding trick that's perfect for dogs of all ages and breeds. This trick is all about teaching your dog to touch a specific object, such as a ball or a stick, with their nose.

To start, you'll need a few simple items: a target stick or object, treats, and patience. The target stick should be sturdy and easy for your dog to see.

The key to teaching this trick is to use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage your dog to touch the target stick with their nose.

Worth a look: Target Stick for Dog Training

Bullseye made her debut in 1999 as part of Target's "Sign of the Times" advertising campaign.

The campaign featured a bull terrier set to a version of Petula Clark's "A Sign of the Times" and was a huge hit.

Guests were eager to see more of Bullseye, so the Target marketing team plastered the dog all over print, digital, and direct marketing later that year.

Bullseye even got her own Target Gift Card design, one of the first-ever to feature the mascot.

In 2003, Bullseye's role expanded to include value ambassador in the "See. Spot. Save." campaign.

This campaign solidified Bullseye's place in American pop culture and earned her invitations to make appearances and strut the red carpet.

Bullseye's popularity led to the creation of a 15-inch stuffed animal, which later shrunk to a more suitable 7-inch toy.

By 2001, Target was selling an array of Bullseye styles and outfits, all available exclusively at Target stores.

Bullseye's most distinctive characteristic is the Target logo carefully placed over one eye.

The dog's make-up is vegetable-based, approved by the Humane Society, and washes off easily, according to Target representatives.

On a similar theme: Training Dog to Pee in One Spot

Teaching your dog to nose target is a fun and rewarding process that can be achieved with patience and consistency. You can start by holding your flat hand, palm out, an inch or two away from your dog.

A clicker or marker word like "Yes" or "Good" can be extremely helpful to communicate to your dog exactly what they're doing right. Click at the exact moment their nose makes contact with your hand, then praise your dog and offer them a treat directly in front of your open palm.

Repeat the process until your dog is enthusiastically bumping your palm with their nose. This should take place in different locations, keeping distractions to a minimum.

You can add a verbal cue like "Touch" once your dog has a reliable nose target from a few inches away. Say the cue right before you present your hand, then click, praise, and reward when your dog touches your palm.

Here's a step-by-step guide to teaching your dog to nose target:

As your dog becomes more confident, you can add distance and distractions to the exercise. Start by moving your hand a few inches farther away, and then build up to several feet. You can also try moving your hand higher or lower, closer to your body or farther away, etc.

To make spot target training a success, start by using exciting treats and plenty of praise to build enthusiasm in your dog. This will help them associate the behavior with a positive outcome.

Use a flat hand, palm out, to present to your dog, and hold it an inch or two away from them. This will allow them to sniff and get comfortable with the target. You can also rub a smelly treat on your palm to guarantee they lean in for a sniff.

To add objects to the training, start by covering your palm with the object, such as a yogurt lid or Post-It note, and ask your dog to touch. As they become comfortable with the object, you can slowly move it off your palm and towards the ground.

Remember to be patient and consistent in your training, and to gradually increase the difficulty level as your dog becomes more confident and accurate in their targeting.

Target's Marketing Blitz is a great example of how training and preparation can make all the difference in a marketing campaign. Bullseye, the 7-year-old bull terrier, was trained for months to pose with Darth Vader at the L.A. Live venue.

To get Bullseye ready for the "Star Wars"-themed shopping event, her trainer, David McMillan, worked with her to get used to noises and groups of people. McMillan has been training Bullseye since 2001, and has trained four Bullseyes in total.

It's impressive that Target has been able to revive their marketing magic after years of fading cachet. Bullseye's return as a signature part of the company's efforts is a testament to the power of effective marketing.

Bullseye made her debut back in 1999 as part of an advertising campaign called “Sign of the Times.” She was an instant hit, and the Target marketing team responded by plastering her all over print, digital, and direct marketing.

The first Bullseye "plush" hit the shelves in 1999, and quickly became a popular toy. By 2001, Target began selling an array of styles and outfits, which became exclusively available at Target in 2004.

Target is transforming its first impressions area at the front of its stores into Bullseye's Playground, featuring blown-up Bullseye dolls and seasonal merchandise. This is a great way to create a fun and engaging experience for customers.

Adding objects to nose targeting is a great way to challenge your dog and make training more fun. You can use a variety of objects like a yogurt lid, Post-It note, or piece of clear plastic.

To start, hold the object over the palm of your hand, covering it. Then, ask your dog to touch, and click, praise, and reward when they do. If they hesitate, scent the surface by rubbing it with a smelly treat and try again.

As your dog becomes more comfortable targeting the object, you can start to move it off your palm, slowly at first, until you're holding it in your fingertips. Then, move it toward the ground, and eventually, you can stop holding it altogether.

Here's a step-by-step guide to adding objects to nose targeting:

Remember to add distance and distractions gradually, just like you would with nose targeting your hand.

Training your dog to nose target is a fun and rewarding process that can be achieved with patience and consistency. To start, use exciting treats and lavish praise to build enthusiasm.

You can begin by rubbing a smelly treat on your palm to lure your dog in, and then gradually phase out the treat as they become more comfortable with the behavior. If your dog is hesitant, start by rewarding them for simply bringing their nose towards your hand or looking in that direction.

Here are some key steps to keep in mind as you train your dog:

As your dog becomes more reliable, you can start to add distance and distractions to the training. This will help your dog learn to focus on you and the task at hand, even in the presence of other stimuli. With time and practice, your dog will be happily nose targeting in no time.