I target train a few of my snakes, I consider it a form of enrichment. It also helps them associate a specific circumstance with feeding time so they are not constantly approaching with a food response any time I open their enclosure. Target training is quite simple but requires patience, time, and repetition.
This will be a brief overview of the process, if you want more in-depth explanation I recommend this youtube playlist guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWazu_4EQ-4&list=PLNbZzsRecQ2Z_kODRrOD-yBEdgAWkjO8e
First, you will have to use classical conditioning to associate the target you choose with food.
Classical conditioning relies on pairing a neutral stimulus (something that doesn't cause the animal to respond in any particular way) with an unconditioned stimulus (something that naturally causes the desired response). In our case, the target is the neutral stimulus and the reptile's food is the unconditioned response.
This can be done by simply giving the animal its food with the target behind/next to it but close enough that they build an association.
This will have to be done for some time to build up the association.
Next, you will use the association you've built up with classical conditioning to move into operant conditioning. Now, the snake will move toward the target out of food association. You will not supply the food at the same time as the target anymore, we are looking for a behavior to reward now. The animal will get its food reward if it moves toward the target.
If the animal is not moving towards the target at all, you need to continue with classical conditioning for longer.
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