Light switches

About this task

Dog turns light switches on and off using nose or paw.

How it helps: Assists handlers with limited arm or hand function who cannot reach or operate standard light switches.

Required foundation skills

Nose touch. Paw target.

Training steps

1. Teach nose touch to a target stick or hand
2. Transfer nose touch to a sticky note on the wall
3. Move sticky note to cover a light switch
4. Add the cue "lights"
5. Practice on multiple switches
6. Transfer to paw target if nose does not have enough pressure
7. Practice until reliable on first cue

Proofing criteria

Once your dog reliably performs this task at home, proof it in these environments and situations:

1. Turns light on and off at home
2. Works multiple switches reliably
3. Works switches at varying heights
4. Works switches in unfamiliar locations
5. Reliable on first cue