Next classes: Oct 2022 |
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Teaching PhilosophyThe ultimate goal for a scent detection dog is for them to believe that “scenting” is the best game, and be driven enough to want to search through any conditions for the target scent. To get there, it is important to have strong foundations. Dogs need independence, motivation, search skills and confidence. Handlers need to know how to reward properly, handle with effect, and how to read the dog and the environment to understand what is happening during the search. |
We begin with teaching the dog the game of search, once the dogs know the game, it is easy to teach the specifics |
Classes
Each team is individual, needing specific advice for different situations. Things that may work for one dog, may not work for another. The exercises in class are designed to teach precise skills, but they are built on the skills learned before. Each dog is watched for behaviours that signify how the training needs to be individually modified for them and ultimately, when they have learned the skill, and, when the dog is ready to move to the next step. Each dog and handler end up with a set of skills specific to themselves. In the end you have a dog that wants to search and will do so with minimal handler direction.
All teams are allowed to work at their own pace.
Classes concentrate on building drive and independence in the dog; handling skills necessary to allow the dogs to perform the task; and knowledge of environmental conditions that may affect the search. Classes start off with a brief talk, an explanation about the objective, and exercises for the night. Individual attention is given to each handler while they are working with their canine partner. Handlers will have time to work on their own, watch other dogs work, and ask questions.
During class much of the group discussion will be around scent movement, how the environment plays a role in the search conditions and what a handler should be watching for to perform an efficient search.
During class much of the group discussion will be around scent movement, how the environment plays a role in the search conditions and what a handler should be watching for to perform an efficient search.
Foundations Class
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All dogs start in this class. It is the most important part of the process, teaching the motivation and confidence needed to search. Without a firm foundation in searching many dogs flounder when the tasks become more complex. This is the class that the dogs learn to love the sport and owners begin to understand the importance of handling and scent movement. This is a container-based class and pairs food.
Sign up, or get more information about this class. Level 2:This class builds on the one before. Dogs starting this class understand the search game and are motivated enough that they will lead the search right from the start line. Teams are introduced to proper handling and search techniques for interiors and exteriors. They will be working off leash for some exercises and crates are encouraged. We will work on removing the motivational pairing and continuing to work on distractions and commitment to scent. Crates are encouraged.
Sign up, or get more information about this class. |
Scent Class Assistant Hillary and her dog Abby
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Alert Class
This is a short 4-week class designed for dogs with a firm foundation that will reliably indicate on Wintergreen. Participants will work on training a formal Alert. An alert is a clear behaviour that the dog is taught to perform when it has decided on the location of the target scent. Formal alerts put the dog firmly in the decision-making position. This will give you confidence in your dog, speed up your area searches and help relieve trial stress for both you and the dog. Crates are Encouraged.
Sign up, or get more information about this class.
Sign up, or get more information about this class.
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Level 3This is a class for teams that have a strong foundation and are working on titling a dog. Classes are geared toward CKC competition, but can be used for other competition organizations. Your dog should have started a formal Alert, and have a strong independent search for Wintergreen established. Container, interior, exterior and vehicle searches (weather permitting) will be conducted with more challenging hides. Dogs will often be off-leash and will be working on searching the entire room. Reactive dogs may have difficulty in this setting. Crates are required.
Sign up, or get more information about this class. Problem SolvingFor scent teams that have some experience but are stalled in their training process. All teams will be working on their own individual skills needed to get past the issues. Video recording will be used and strongly suggested for homework assignments. Expect brutal honesty. 😉 Crates are required.
Trial PrepPractise, Practise, Practise! Realistic search scenarios will be set up in preparation for upcoming trials. Crates are required.
Sign up, or get more information about this class. |
Upping the Game
You have attended a trial and need to get ready for the next Class Level. More complex searches will be set up with higher value distractors, higher hides and more scent pools in the space. Teams will work often on their own allowing more practise time. Dogs may be off-leash and will be working on searching the entire room; crated dogs may be approached by searching dogs. Reactive dogs may have difficulty in this setting.
Sign up, or get more information about this class.
Sign up, or get more information about this class.
Scent Mat time
This is a time reserved for teams to work on skills that have learned in class. The dogs attending know the game and at least 1 scent. There is no food pairing. The teams need less supervision and will work simultaneously at skill stations set up throughout the space. All dogs in the building must be friendly and able to concentrate on the search through distraction.
Sign up, or get more information about this class.
Sign up, or get more information about this class.
Locations
Frankford Lions Centre, 50 Centre St, Frankford ON, K0K 2C0
Batawa Lions Natural Playground: Corner of Plant st and Fraser Dr. in Batawa
Batawa Lions Natural Playground: Corner of Plant st and Fraser Dr. in Batawa
Many of the images seen on my website are photographed by Adrienne Almey of Trenton ON. If you would like more information about Adrienne, please contact me.
