Review of Important Concepts

Cannot BELIEVE the progress these dogs have made!!  Great work -- fun stuff!!

As we continue to advance the dogs, remember that the more skill our dogs have, the greater chance there is for us to get distracted by the challenges and lose sight of keeping it fair for the dog.  The take home messages of this week are to have a very clear goal in mind foreach hide you place, and ALWAYS have a Plan B in case things don't go as planned.

  • Remember not to move the hide.  Use things in the environment to help the search.

  • As more possibilities present themselves to you, stay focused on the dog's persistence
    in searching.

  • Make sure your dog is still enjoying the game.  There's no harm in going back to "the shell
    game" if it keeps your dog grinning.

  • Do NOT attempt any blind hides (you not knowing where the hide is.)

  • Keep watching for those subtle cues that tell you the dog has caught the scent as well as
    when they've found source.

  • Be consistent about using your search command.

  • When rewarding ALWAYS remove the box/source from the dog BEFORE the dog has an opportunity to remove himself from the box/source.

Week Four Homework

  • Continue box work and environmental objects, with several hides outside the boxes.

  • When hiding in boxes, work toward having all four flaps closed. 

  • When hiding outside of boxes, be sure to place the source next to something that will pool the odor in some way.

  • Add searched without any boxes.

  • Continue elevation. (No higher than the dog's nose.)

  • Try to work in at least 5 different locations

  • No grassy outdoor areas, but do try working outside on cement or pavement -- NOT around vehicles.

  • If you have an assistant, try some multiple hides. 

How Often to Train

Here's an interesting study on frequency and duration of training sessions with dogs.  Whether you're training nose work or something completely different, it's good to know.