Mustard & Pepper Summer 2024

paths to enjoy. We discussed the basics of titles and I have not even mentioned the “elite” titles. Everyone will find their own path and no two teams will do it exactly the same way. For example, many dogs struggle with Buried. However, Loki excels at it, whereas containers, especially boxes, tend to be his nemesis for the occasional “false alert.” But that’s the fun of it, solving the puzzles together. Don’t be afraid to go back to basics in order to go forward. As the levels increase, both you and your dog will have to adjust. Developing that strong indicator, along with patience and endurance to work through multiple hides and configurations will prove to be quite beneficial. We are still on that path ourselves. Learning to positively reset / redirect your dog to keep them focused on the search is important. Some dogs will struggle more with that than others. If you can have someone video your practice runs or even your trials, you will learn so much. Especially as you work out your “indication.” Of course, always follow the guidelines of the individual trial. Each trial chair can set their own rules with respect to observation or video. I also purchased a harness that we only use when doing Scentwork, so once I put it on Loki, he knows he has a job to do and tasty treats await. Dogs can key off that tactile differentiation. In fact, I switch from the martingale to the harness as I approach the start gate before releasing Loki to “search.” Even during practice runs. The ComfortFlex Sport Harness is used by many and it works great with Loki. Epilogue Every run is different. Which leads me to this. If you have done Obedience or Rally – you might have to set aside that paradigm or at least switch it off for a bit. In Rally we lead the dog. In Nose Work, the dog leads you! Think that the dog is the boat and you are a water skier. That analogy helped me. We also say, “Aim your toes at the nose.” It’s a good tip for moving around the search area. Let them lead the search! And embrace the moment. One of our most rewarding searches was just a couple weeks after I initially wrote this article. February 4 th , we found ourselves running around three vehicles for 2.5 minutes

under a downpour that started just as we stepped into the search area. Loki worked hard. I was not even sure he was searching at first or just trying to dodge the large rain pellets. I laughed hard as I cheered him on. He found the hide on the side of a car we had already run past. But this time he gave me his indication, just in time. So glad we worked on cleaning that up! But even if he didn’t get the Q, you just cannot replace those memories. Every search is a new puzzle to solve for your team! Scentwork is a LOT of fun and a great way to spend quality time with your dog! Breathe. Have fun. Enjoy the journey. And happy sniffing. References 1. https://www.akc.org/.../akc.../virtual-scent-work-test-vswt/ 2. https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-scent-work/first-akc-scent-work trials-sept-2017/ 3. https://images.akc.org/pdf/events/Scent_Work_Press_Release_ March_2017_final.pdf 4. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/rocco-rider-become-first akc-scent-work-detectives/ 5. UKC Nosework Newsletter, September 2019 6. UKC Rulebook 2020 Edition – Chapter 1 Section 2 7. Regulations for AKC Scent Work – Amended November 2019 - Chapter 2 Section 3 8. Education division of NACSW, https://k9nosework.com/frequently asked-questions/#1600119787781-81f29691-0861 9. US Canine Scent Sports Rules Version 2.1 “Eligible Dogs” 10. Shopping list for Nosework supplies is found on the Pinned Facebook Post of “Loki Dandie” 11. https://www.akc.org/sports/akc-scent-work/virtual-scent-work-test vswt/ 12. https://www.nacsw.net/history-nacsw

Michael Vreeland, Certifiable Dandieologist dandie.mike@gmail.com Facebook: @Loki Dandie

Mustard & Pepper

28

Summer 2024