Paw Target Line-Up

Paw Target Line-Up keeps your dog engaged as you move forward together. A line of paw targets creates a clear path and a repeatable pattern, encouraging coordination, body awareness, and handler focus without adding cues, duration, or stopping rules.

What You’ll Need

• An open, quiet space

• Small, tasty treats

• 3–5 paw targets

  • Flat and non-slip

  • Large enough that it’s obvious to your dog when their paw lands on it

  • Examples: yoga dots, coasters, silicone jar openers, cardboard with a backing

How to Play It

• Line the paw targets up in a straight line, spaced a few feet apart.

• With your dog nearby, walk forward toward the first target.

• Stop beside the target, keeping your eyes on your dog’s feet.

• As the dog steps onto the target, mark and deliver a treat to mouth.

• Pause, then walk toward the next target.

• Repeat: walk → stop → target → reward → walk

At the end of the line, toss a reset treat and work your way back to the start.

3 in 3 Breakdown

Skills

Orientation through movement
Your dog practises staying tuned in to your movement and stopping points instead of forging ahead.

Following handler changes
Stopping, stepping onto the target, and moving on reinforces paying attention to subtle changes in your pace and position — a skill that carries over to walks and real-life training.

Clean pattern completion
The game loop builds follow-through, helping your dog finish one piece of the pattern and smoothly transition into the next.

Enrichment

Pattern learning (mental stimulation)
Your dog tracks the pattern, remembers what comes next, and stays engaged in the loop. It’s simple, but it still requires focus and thinking.

Working together (social enrichment)
This is true one-on-one time. You’re moving as a team, building cooperation and communication without it feeling like formal training.

Confidence building
The clear setup makes for fast, easy wins. Your dog knows what’s coming and helps them stay motivated.

Movement

Body awareness & coordination
Stepping onto targets encourages thoughtful paw placement and better body awareness while in motion.

Weight shifts and balance
Each pause-and-step creates small, functional weight shifts that support balance and control.

Smooth transitions
Moving forward, stopping, targeting, and continuing builds coordinated transitions instead of static repetition.