A system and method for controlling the regeneration of an exhaust gas particulate filter. When regeneration is initiated, an outlet temperature of an exhaust gas oxidation catalyst and an outlet temperature of the exhaust gas particulate filter are detected. As part of a closed loop non-linear temperature targeting regime, the maximum of the outlet temperature of the exhaust gas oxidation catalyst and the outlet temperature of the exhaust gas particulate filter is set as a reference temperature. A regeneration temperature target is initialized and indexed based on a profile time and the reference temperature. As part of a closed loop fuel control regime at least one hydrocarbon dosing value is determined based on an exhaust mass flow, the reference temperature, and the regeneration temperature target.