All About Scent Work Podcast: Recent Episodes
Scent Work University
Get ready to discuss all things Scent Work! Topics will be helpful for both companion dog owners and serious dog sport competitors. #allaboutscentworkpodcast
Our dogs regularly encounter and experience stressors, be it in their daily lives or when they are training or trialing in Scent Work. The number and type of stressor the dog must contend with at any one time will inform whether they can rise to the occasion or crumble under the pressure.
Visualize a watermelon and wrapping a single rubber band around it. A stressor has been applied, but the watermelon is no worse for wear. However, if we then wrap hundreds or even thousands of rubber bands around that very same watermelon, the pressure has exponentially increased. There is a high possibility that the watermelon will dramatically explode due to the pressure being applied.
In this episode, we dive deeper into this analogy and highlight the importance of identifying the unique rubber bands that exist for their individual dog. How can we accomplish this? By truly viewing our training and trialing scenarios from the dog's perspective.
After listening to this episode, make a list of your dog's rubber bands and create a training plan to address each. We want our dogs to experience a stressor and then recover, not succumb to it!
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Become a Scent Work U Member to gain access to the Train Resilient Dogs in Nose Work event with Michael McManus.
Releasing the Inner Dog Webinar with Bob Deeds
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the transcript
Scent Work University hosts a large library of online courses, webinars, seminars, virtual events and eBooks all focused on Scent Work. No matter where you are in your sniffing journey, just getting started, building more advanced skills or trialing at the highest levels, we have a training solution for you!
Become a Scent Work U Member to gain access to the Monthly Challenge with new monthly themes and fresh challenges every week, enjoy exclusive member-only events and discounts toward eligible enrollments.
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U Program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentworkjudges #noseworkjudges #rubberbands #scentwork #nosework #trainscentwork #trainnosework #alertscentworkpodcast #scentworktrials #noseworktrials #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Scent Work Judges and trial officials offer a unique and informed perspective that can provide golden nuggets of brilliance and insights to competitors. Enter Scot Singpiel of the Alert! Scent Work Podcast, who interviews these experts from a competitor’s perspective.
In this spotlight episode, we highlight what inspired Scot to create the Alert! Scent Work Podcast, his desire to learn as much as possible, a rundown of his future goals and his epiphany that Scent Work promotes growth on both ends of the leash, pushing handlers to become even more resilient than they thought ever possible.
Give the Alert! Scent Work Podcast a listen today!
Follow the Alert! Scent Work Podcast on Facebook.
Speaker:
Scot Singpiel
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the transcript
Scent Work University hosts a large library of online courses, webinars, seminars, virtual events and eBooks all focused on Scent Work. No matter where you are in your sniffing journey, just getting started, building more advanced skills or trialing at the highest levels, we have a training solution for you!
Become a Scent Work U Member to gain access to the Monthly Challenge with new monthly themes and fresh challenges every week, enjoy exclusive member-only events and discounts toward eligible enrollments.
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U Program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentworkjudges #noseworkjudges #scentworktrialofficials #noseworktrialofficials #scentwork #nosework #trainscentwork #trainnosework #alertscentworkpodcast #scentworktrials #noseworktrials #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Jason Heng is a longtime member of the Nose Work community, having traveled across the United States to compete with his dogs, who has trained and coached teams as a Certified Nose Work Instructor and has officiated trials both as a NACSW Certifying Official and Judge for many years.
In this episode, Jason shares his observations both as a trial official and coach, particularly as it pertains to container searches. He discusses how trials have evolved over the years and ways teams have adjusted in response. Jason also highlights what he will cover in his upcoming webinar, Do You Have a Team Mindset? Webinar. For instance, how it could be more advantageous for teams to lean into their strengths, to do what works for them and their dogs, as opposed to attempting to do "all the things", obsessing about what went wrong or what not to do.
Be certain to check out the Do You Have a Team Mindset? Webinar today!
Speaker:
- Jason Heng
- Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the transcript
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U Program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #containersearches #leanintostrengths #teammindset #jasonhend #scentwork #nosework #trainscentwork #trainnosework #dogbehavior #dogbodybehavior #dogcommunication #scentworktrials #noseworktrials #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this episode, we have the distinct privilege of speaking with Melissa McCue-McGrath about how she has used Scent Work training within her behavior modification programs, her participation in the Invasive Species Detection Study 2024 for the Spotted Lantern Fly and her upcoming book, Misadventures of the World's Okayest Dog Trainer.
This discussion highlights the power of Scent Work, how it can not only build a dog's confidence, but deepen the relationship between dog and handler and that as an activity it encompasses so much more than competition or trialing.
Speakers:
Melissa McCue-McGrath
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPTClick here to read the transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #spottenlanterfly #detectionwork #invasivespecies #dogsareamazing #scentwork #nosework #trainscentwork #trainnosework #dogbehavior #dogbodybehavior #dogcommunication #scentworktrials #noseworktrials #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Pressure exists in all our searches, both when we are training and trialing. The question is, what do we do with this pressure? How do we react to it? Should we avoid a pressure point or lean into it? The answer is not quite as clear as you may think. The approach one team takes may be completely inappropriate for another. Also, what a team does will likely change from search-to-search.
The choices made are entirely dependent on your individual dog, yourself, your team and the situation at hand.
In this episode, we discuss the challenge of giving blanket advice, how nuance matters and ways we can better assess what the pressure points are for our individual dogs, ourselves and our teams while determining which approach will work best.
MENTIONED RESOURCESScent Work U CommunityWe are thrilled to be launching a new community which will focus solely on Scent Work. Tired of being bombarded by a million other things on social media? Come join fellow Scent Work aficionados, team up with a "sniffing accountability-buddy", get inspiration for your searches, enjoy more learning opportunities, celebrate your wins and more! Join the community here.
Additionally, we will be launching a membership program in April which will add in another layer of learning and perks that we are super excited about. Stay tuned!
Student CoursesAre you looking for an intensive learning experience? Check out the new format for our Student enrollments which will promote even more interaction and learning between fellow Students and your instructor!
Enrolling as a Student means you will enjoy the following:
- Immediate and continual access to the pre-recorded course content (lecture, video examples, handouts).
- Free access to the Scent Work U community and the private course-specific Student Group.
- Ability to post weekly homework and videos for the instructor to review and provide feedback on.
- Weekly live Zoom classes where you and your fellow Students can meet with the instructor, discuss how your training is going, ways to customize or modify the exercises, have your questions answered and more. Cannot make a live Zoom class? No worries! These will be recorded and posted to the course player and community to view at any time.
Our next Student Session starts on April 6th and spots are limited, so enroll today!
Cannot fit the requirements of a Student enrollment into your schedule right now? No worries! Check out our self-taught options to have the ability to go through the course material when it works best for you and you may order a video review or Zoom consultation at any time.
TRANSCRIPTClick here to read the transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #pressureinscentwork #pressureinnosework #dogbehavior #scentwork #nosework #trainscentwork #trainnosework #dogbehavior #dogbodybehavior #dogcommunication #scentworktrials #noseworktrials #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Adam Skandarani about their new monthly membership program, Smelly Dog Club. Leveraging their behavioral background, Adam has designed this coaching program to help those teams who are experiencing nagging issues in their searches, whether when training or at trial.
Adam discusses how the root causes may not be as simple as they seem. Is your dog truly goofing off and being distracted in the search or is something else going on? Do you need to lean into training more distractors and proofing exercises, or could there be another culprit at work? Applicable for all dogs, whether they have behavioral challenges or not, this discussion will highlight the importance of looking clearly at what is happening to design an appropriate solution.
Speakers:
- Adam Skandarani
- Dianna L. Santos
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES* Let's Chat: Smelly Dog Club Livestream * Terrific Teamwork: Searches Built on Trust Webinar * Intro to Control Unleashed Webinar * Control Unleashed and Scent Work: Crazy Calm Start Lines Webinar * Work with Adam directly: Flash of Brillance Behavior Consulting
TRANSCRIPTClick here to read the transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #smellydogclub #crittering #dogrolling #distractedsniffing #distractredsearching #caninebehavior #dogbehavior #scentwork #nosework #trainscentwork #trainnosework #dogbehavior #dogbodybehavior #dogcommunication #scentworktrials #noseworktrials #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In Scent Work, there are two players at work: the dog and the handler. Who is taking a leading role and who is supporting? Who is making the decisions, when, why and how? What are these players communicating and are they listening to one another?
The roles within the search exist on a shared spectrum of extremes. On one polar extreme, the dog is doing everything and on the other, the handler is directing the entire time. All of us have our preferences for how we want our searches to look and feel or where we will fall on this spectrum. This is where finding the balance comes into play.
Reaching the ideal equilibrium for our specific team is a continual endeavor that will never end. Furthermore, our approach should be fluid and malleable, changing and adjusting depending on the given circumstances.
Our dog tackling a search they can competently and confidently knock out of the park may have a starkly different approach or game plan to when they are tasked with something brand new or if they demonstrate they are unsure, worried or even concerned.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of not only finding the balance but embracing the journey to discover it. This path will almost certainly have a fair amount of bumps, switchbacks and unexpected turns, but can be exciting and thrilling if we allow it.
Speaker: Dianna L. Santos
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES* Single Hides v. Multi-Hides Livestream with Michael McManus * Vehicle Search Mechanics: The Handler's Role Webinar with Michele Ellertson * Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Training Webinar with Tony Gravley * Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Trialing Webinar with Tony Gravley * The Handler's Role: Managing Behavioral Challenges Webinar with Nancy Reyes
TRANSCRIPTClick here to read the transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #findingthebalance #handlersrole #dogsrole #partnershipinscentwork #partnershipinnosework #scentwork #nosework #trainscentwork #trainnosework #dogbehavior #dogbodybehavior #dogcommunication #scentworktrials #noseworktrials #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
The one skill that torments many Scent Work teams is the handler's ability to correctly read their dog. There is so much on the line! Getting a "No" when training is bad enough but hearing the dreaded “No” at a trial, that is so much worse! It can feel as though the floor is collapsing out from under you.
Thus, it makes sense that people clamor for a definitive neon sign from their dog, “HIDE IS HERE, CALL IT!” However, this approach is limiting. We are missing a far more intricate picture our dogs are trying to paint for us when we are only obsessed about the hide location.
In this episode, we talk about why taking the time to truly learn what our dogs are communicating throughout the entirety of the search, as well as in day-to-day life, is not only worthwhile but fun to do!
Speaker
Dianna L. Santos
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Who’s Watching Who? Understand the Dog’s Changes of Behaviors (COBs) Webinar with Khara Schuetzner
Language of Nose Work: Reading Your Dog Webinar with Michael and Natalie McManus
Displacement Sniffing and Other Stress Behaviors Webinar with Sue Sternberg
P for Pronounced or Pee? Webinar with Sue Sternberg
Canine Body Behavior and Scent Work for Handlers Webinar
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #readingyourdog #trulyseeingthedog #speakdog #scentwork #nosework #trainscentwork #trainnosework #dogbehavior #dogbodybehavior #dogcommunication #scentworktrials #noseworktrials #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Particularly for those teams interested in competing in Scent Work trials, ensuring they and their dogs are ready is an important part of the process. Can they perform in a novel environment and under pressure? This is where mock trials and Sniff N' Go events come into play. Essential information gathering tools, participating in these events should be part of the process before a team steps to the line on trial day.
Join us for this discussion with Lori Timberlake of Do Over Dog Training to learn more about the mock trials and Sniff N’ Gos, why they can be so incredibly helpful, what to look for, how to best use them and why instructors and clubs should work to add more of them to the calendar.
Speakers
Lori Timberlake and Dianna L. Santos
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
How to Run CSW Test Prep Classes & Mock ORT/Trials Webinar
NACSW Trial Experience Webinar Series: Part 1 (ORT - NW3)
NACSW Trial Experience Webinar Series: Part 2 (Element Specialty Trials)
NACSW Trial Experience Webinar Series: Part 3 (Elite, Elite Premier and Summit)
C-WAGS Rally, Obedience & Games Class Set-Up & Instructor Tips Webinar
Getting Started with C-WAGS Scent Detection Webinar
Let's Chat: Training and Learning About Elsa Livestream
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #mocktrials #sniffngos #loritimberlake #scentworkinstructor #noseworkinstructor #instructortraining #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
We are thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with the co-founders of K9 Nose Work® and NACSW™, Amy Herot and Jill Marie O'Brien regarding the Instructor Certification Program.
In this episode, Amy and Jill discuss why the Instructor Certification Program was created, what prospective instructors can expected from the program, the benefits afforded dogs, handlers and instructors alike and their plans for the future.
Speakers:
Amy Herot, Jill Marie O'Brien and Dianna L. Santos
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Learn more about the Instructor Certification Program here.
See the FAQs about the Instructor Certification Program.
Register for the February 2026 Session here.
See the K9 Nose Work Newsletter here and subscribe here.
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #instructorcertificationprogram #k9nosework #nacsw #amyherot #jillmarieobriend #scentworkinstructor #noseworkinstructor #instructortraining #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
This episode features an exciting conversation with Anita Ambani of The Scholarly Scentz, LLC regarding her "Project Poodle", an ongoing endeavor designed to help her young dog Figment become more confident especially when it concern being around people. Throughout this discussion, Anita highlights how she leverages Figment's love for Nosework, to further build his comfort working inside novel interior spaces with people around.
We are so thankful to Anita for sharing her experiences, her emphasis on appreciating the dogs for who they are and the need to be creative to best support them. Our primary goal should always be for our dogs to be as confident as possible without pushing the envelope too far. Striking this delicate balance can be a challenge, but can improve our dog's daily lives and overall performance in training and at trial.
Speakers: Dianna L. Santos and Anita Ambani
WORK WITH ANITA
To learn more about Anita, check out her website The Scholarly Scentz, LLC or her Facebook page here.
We have been incredibly fortunate to host Anita for several webinars and virtual events. Click here to see the full listing of Anita's offerings through Scent Work University.
RESOURCES FOR SENSITIVE DOGS
- Be Brave: Using Scent Work to Build Confidence Webinar
- Canine Body Behavior and Scent Work for Handlers Webinar
- Click to Calm: Turning Fear and Frustration Into Focus Through Positive Reinforcement Webinar
- Confidence Building Course
- Displacement Sniffing and Other Stress Behaviors Webinar
- Games for Low-Drive Dogs Webinar
- Scent Work for Sensitive Dogs Webinar
- Stranger Danger Webinar
- Trial Prep for Sensitive Dogs Webinar
- What Do You Need Pup Webinar
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #projectpoodle #sensitivedogs #peoplearescary #buildingdogsconfidence #fieldtripsearches #novellocations #incrementaltraining #dogtraining #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When training our dogs, it is far too easy to assume all is well. We get one good rep and immediately assume, "the dog got it, now we can progress!" However, does the dog truly understand what we want them to do? Do WE really know what we want them to do?! Do we have a concept of WHY we are doing something, HOW it is being perceived by the dog and WHAT to do if they are indeed confused?
In this episode, we delve into how easy it is for there to be breakdown in understanding between what our expectations are and what the dog perceives they should do.
Speaker: Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #dogtraining #doesthedogunderstand #akcscentwork #nacsw #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Scent Work is a unique dog sport as handlers are encouraged and expected to reward their dogs upon finding a hide or finishing a search. However, does it matter HOW we reward the dog, especially when using treats? "I gave my dog is a cookie, isn't that enough?" NO!
In this episode, we speak with Emma Parsons, the author of The New Click to Calm; Solutions for All Dogs in a Challenging World and Teaching the Reactive Dog Class; Leading the Journey from Reactivity to Reliability about the power of effective treat delivery. Pulling from her vast experience working with sensitive and reactive dogs, as well as training and competing in agility and competition obedience, Emma delves into how being more mindful in our treat delivery can make an enormous difference for our dogs.
The principles covered in this podcast episode apply to all interactions we have with our dogs, in daily life, when training or even when playing the sniffing game.
Do you have a reactive or sensitive dog and looking for more resources to help them succeed in a daily life, at class or when trialing with them? Be certain to check out Emma's Click to Calm: Turning Fear and Frustration Into Focus Through Positive Reinforcement Webinar.
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Emma Parsons
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the full transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #emmaparsons #clicktocalm #treatdelivery #effectivetreatdelivery #powerofrewards #reactivedogs #sensitivedogs #akcscentwork #nacsw #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this Spotlight Series episode, we have the opportunity to speak with Dr. John Strassner, an Expert AKC Scent Work Judge and former AKC Field Representative. We delve into John's admirable enthusiasm for the sport of Scent Work, his desire to give back, grow and continually learn all while having a fantastic time with his own personal dogs. John's love for Scent Work is contagious and we are thankful for all that he has done, and continues to do, for the sniffing community and promoting the sniffing game overall.
Be certain to join us on for the livestream discussion with Dr. John Strassner that will be featured on the Scent Work University Facebook Page and YouTube channel.
Facebook Page
YouTube Channel
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Dr. John Strassner
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the full transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #johnstrassner #loveforscentwork #enthusiasticaboutscentwork #akcscentwork #nacsw #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
You are taking a Scent Work class, attending a working or webinar, reading a blog or listening to a podcast and you hear the phrase, "break it down". What does this even mean?! How can go about "breaking it down" when training or practicing Scent Work with your dog?
We delve into the meaning behind this phrase, discuss the various factors we can play with when training Scent Work and highlight why identifying the smallest pieces of any given exercise is not only important, but can be both exciting and inspiring as well.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
Elevated Hides Webinar with Tony Gravley
Inaccessible Hides Webinar with Tony Gravley
Let's Make Thresholds Work Webinar with Tony Gravley
Zone Training in Nosework Webinar with Michele Ellertson
Let's Chat: Demystify NW3 Livestream with Lori Timberlake
Let's Chat: AKC Scent Work with Dr. John Strassner
Upcoming live virtual events
Upcoming live webinars
Online Courses
eBooks
Do you have a topic request? Please contact Dianna directly at dianna@scentworku.com.
SPEAKER
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the full transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #breakingitdown #smallestpieces #incrementalprogression #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Have you ever felt as though you were being smothered by a blanket of doubt when it comes to Scent Work? Are you second guessing every little thing you do, paralyzed with fear of making a mistake? Perhaps you are making excuses not to trial, go to class or even practice or train. As an instructor, do you feel your confidence absolutely shattered, concerned you will be found out to not know anything at all?
If this sounds familiar, there is a good likelihood you are suffering from imposter syndrome and you are not alone!
In this episode we are privileged to speak with Teah Anders and Silke Wittig, Certified Mental Management Coaches, about this crucial topic, how imposter syndrome manifests within the Scent Work community, tips for handlers, competitors and instructors and so much more.
Looking to learn more? Check out these resources:
Silke Wittig is offering a live webinar through Scent Work University you definitely want to check out, Nerves Poisoning the Fun Webinar.
Additionally, Silke offers virtual consultations and coaching throug her business, HeRo Canine Consulting.
Teah Anders offers online and in-person Mental Management seminars and coaching through her site noseworkmind.com.
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the full transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #impostersyndrome #teahanders #silkewittig #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
There exists a world of opportunities in the days immediately before and after a given trial. What we choose to do with our dogs during these days can have an immense impact on our performance on trial day or how we rebound afterwards.
In this episode, we discuss some of the things to consider when deciding what to do before and after trial. This is an enormous topic, so this discussion is more geared toward getting everyone thinking. We have some exciting resources coming up that we think will really help in this regard including these two upcoming live webinars:
- What to Do: Days Before a Trial Webinar
- What to Do: Days After a Trial Webinar
Additionally, we strongly recommend everyone check out Holly Bushard's Strategic Trialing - Choosing Which Venue and When Webinar, it is superb.
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the full transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #daysbeforeatrial #daysafteratrial #strategictrialing #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Consequences are all bad things, right? Not necessarily. When training, consequences are merely results, not inherently good or bad. By embracing the concept of consequences, we can make more informed decisions of what we will train, when and how.
We discuss ways we can do just that in this podcast episode.
Additionally, Dianna mentions Judith Guthrie and Michele Ellertson, both of whom are excellent instructors and trainers. Be certain to check out their extensive library of offerings through Scent Work University, your dog will thank you:
Judith Guthrie's Library
Michele Ellertson's Library
Looking to catch up on our free livestreams? Find the playlist here.
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the full transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #consequences #judithguthrie #micheleellertson #schoolofthought #k9noseworktrainingmethod #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Each of us have certain "hats" we wear pertaining to Scent Work. Dog owner. Handler. Competitor. Instructor. Trial official. Trial host. Volunteer. Each "hat" brings with it unique experiences, viewpoints and biases. We can broaden our experiences, push passed blind spots and deficiencies by attempting to experience as many viewpoints as possible.
Own a super fast moving dog? Borrowing a classmate's more methodical dog for a class or two to see what that is like, what skills you are missing and further add tools for your toolbox can be an excellent learning opportunity.
Have you only competed at a trial but never volunteered? Seeing behind the curtain can give you a whole other appreciation for what it takes to put on a trial!
Perhaps you are an instructor who has been teaching in your area for a while. Schedule a road trip to work with some respected colleagues, being a CLIENT for a bit and then offer some pop-up classes and workshops. This way you can experience working with team outside of your region, flex your training chops and develop new skills.
In this episode, we discuss how broadening our experiences will help us grow as individuals, professionals, dog owners and handlers.
SPEAKER
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the full transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #wearallthehats #broadenexperience #trainingpreferences #schoolofthought #k9noseworktrainingmethod #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Training Scent Work offers us a multitude of choices. What training approach, school of thought or tools will we use? Each of us has our own preferences. However, this sometimes leads us to label the options we discarded, or chose to pass by, as "BAD".
In this wide-ranging episode, we dive into why this happens and how it can be an issue. Instead, the argument is made that we should learn as much as possible, recognize the effectiveness of all the various options, when best to use them and ask essential questions such as "why, "when", "what" and "how". Essentially, shift away from an emotional response to being more thoughtful and mindful, objectively and honestly evaluating the needs of our dog, ourselves and our team and then making the best possible informed decision, whatever that may be.
SPEAKER
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the full transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #thatbad #trainingpreferences #schoolofthougth #k9noseworktrainingmethod #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Choosing to trial with our dogs requires that we ask some questions. Would trialing be the best thing for us, our dogs and our team, right now, at this point in time? The answers will differ from team-to-team, but the act of the purposefully practicing honest advocacy is something everyone participating in Scent Work should do.
This approach allows us to better determine which paths or decisions will work best for ourselves as handlers and our team as a whole. This is a necessary process, regardless how we may describe our dog or ourselves.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of honest advocacy, how this includes being honest about who our dogs are, what they need and how this may differ greatly from the realities we will encounter at trial.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
- Be Brave: Using Scent Work to Build Confidence Webinar
- Canine Body Behavior and Scent Work for Handlers Webinar
- Control Unleashed and Scent Work: Crazy Calm Start Lines Webinar
- Conquering Competition Stress Webinar
- Influence of Dog's Reactivity on their Scent Work Training and Trialing Webinar
- Intro to Control Unleashed Webinar
- Primary, Paired and Odor Hides: Choosing the Hide for the Training Challenge Webinar
- Scent Work for Reactive Dogs Webinar
- Scent Work for Sensitive Dogs Webinar
- Stranger Danger Webinar
- Trial Prep for Reactive Dogs Webinar
- Trial Prep for Sensitive Dogs Webinar
- When Dog Odor Trumps Target Odors: Dogs are Scary Webinar
ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL TRIALING
Cyber Scent Work
Fenzi TEAM
SPEAKER
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPT
Click here to read the full transcript.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #honestadvocacy #sensitivedog #reactivedog #aggressivedog #trialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When tackling your searches, are you keeping your dog's perspective in mind? Meaning, how they are perceiving the space or environment? Doing so can be harder than it sounds, since we as people are oftentimes desensitized to the normal happenings of a human world. Yet these may be the very things which make a search exponentially more challenging for our dogs.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of viewing our searches from our dog's perspective and ways we can better practice this essential skill.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #dogsperspective #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Do you feel as though you are running at top speed on a hamster wheel and unable to get off? There are many of us in the sniffing community that may feel this way!
Handlers who are doing all of the things all of the time, running themselves, and their dogs, ragged. Trial hosts, who after spending months working tirelessly to prep for an event, find themselves receiving requests to host even more events before the current one is wrapped up. Trial officials crisscrossing the country, officiating every single weekend on top of speaking at workshops and seminars, spending one or two days at home if they are lucky. Instructors who feel the need to constantly find new ways to add more and more teaching opportunities to their schedule, all in a feeble attempt to meet the neverending need, while simultaneously being unable to spend a single moment with their own personal dogs.
In this episode, we discuss how easy it is to find yourself trapped on the hamster wheel, but that it is incredibly beneficial for both you and your dog to jump off and inject some much needed balance into your life. Sleep, latent learning and undertaking other hobbies should not be viewed as bad things. They should be normalized! Scent Work is not going anywhere, so jump off that hamster wheel before it is too late.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #hamsterwheel #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When it comes to trialing in Scent Work within the United States, there many competition organizations to choose from. This variety grants us an incredible opportunity: to be strategic. This is true for new and seasoned competitors alike. We can more fully realize the potential of mindfully leveraging our choices, deciding which organization we compete with, when and why and even carefully choosing which classes we sign up for.
In this episode, we highlight how being more strategic and more goal-oriented when it comes to trialing can help unlock future success fo our sniffing team. This topic was inspired by a suggestion Holly Bushard offered during the Improving Scent Work Trials for Everyone Virtual Symposium. There are so many kernels of brilliance sprinkled throughout this 3-hour roundtable event, be certain to order the replay if you haven't already.
Looking for a listing of Scent Work competition organizations both within the United States, internationally and those which offer virtual options? Check out a compiled list here.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #strategictrialing #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Why are we doing Scent Work in the first place? What drew us to this activity? We are all so incredibly busy, stretched ridiculously thin, constantly rushing from one thing to next. Why then are we still squeezing searching into our already jam-packed calendars? Is it really all about the titles or ribbons? Or is it something else? Could it be the addictive joy that our dogs exude as they rush around working a space? If so, wouldn't it be a good a idea to identify how to build and maintain that level of joy when training or trialing?
In this episode, we discuss the importance of taking a step back to determine what our focus is when participating in the activity of Scent Work. How asking the right questions, evaluating what is indeed happening and what our true objectives and goals are, then being flexible in the decisions we make, is key.
Additionally, we discuss a variety of offerings recently released through Scent Work University you should check out:
- Helping Your Dog Find That Last Hide: Friend or Foe? Webinar with Sue Sternberg
- Trial Readiness in Training: How to Build Happy Hunters for Trial Webinar with Jill Kovacevich
- Mastering Multiple Hides Webinar with Michael McManus
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #askingtherightquestions #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
There are many moving pieces when it comes to the activity of Scent Work. A common misconception is that Scent Work is easy: train dog to find thing, hide thing in area, dog finds thing, give dog cookie. Yet, to accomplish even this watered down version of Scent Work requires concentrated work and focus. Otherwise our searches will be messy, lackluster and ineffective.
In this episode, we discuss how Scent Work is rather complicated, yet the benefits of embracing this fact, ways it can help deepen our relationship with our dog, make us better handlers and trainers and much more.
Additionally, we discuss a variety of offerings recently released through Scent Work University you should check out:
- Components of Scent Work: Value of Odor Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
- Components of Scent Work: Hunting Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
- Components of Scent Work: Sourcing Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
- Components of Scent Work: Odor Obedience Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
- Components of Scent Work: Dog Communication Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
- Components of Scent Work: Handler Communication Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
- Are Smoke Machines Required Webinar with Judith Guthrie
- Improving Scent Work Trials for Everyone Virtual Symposium
- Influence of Reactivity on Scent Work in Training and Trialing Webinar with Sue Sternberg
- Intro to Mastering Vehicles Seminar with Tony Gravley
- Mastering Multiple Hides Webinar with Michael McManus
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentworkishard #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
You're tackling a search with your dog. They have found a few hides and there are one or more hides left. Suddenly, they stop and look back at you. They are not near anything, they are not alerting...no, they are asking a dreaded question! Now what?! Is this the end of the world? What does mean?! What do you do?!
In this episode, we discuss the meaning behind our dog's asking questions in Scent Work, what this can look like and how questions are not necessarily "bad", but rather information. Once we catch our breath and calm ourselves down, we can use this information. Perhaps to decide what next steps to take, or ways we can provide more clarity to our dog or maybe identify a weakness we didn't know existed before. Having this information is critical if we wish to continue to progress in our Scent Work training.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
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TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #dogaskedaquestion #arequestionsbad #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
It is far too easy to develop blind spots when training or trialing with our dogs, working with clients, designing searches as a trial official, finding or running trials as a host or evaluating rules or regulations as a competition organization staff member. Our perspective may be rather limited, causing us to not see the fullest and most accurate picture possible. This skewed perspective may then color the decisions we make, the training plan we put together, how we evaluate our team's progress and so on.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of obtaining outside perspectives. Even having a family member or friend set out a hide for us every now and again may be incredibly enlightening! Our hope is this episode will cause everyone to consider how their perspective may be slanted or incomplete, what their blind spots may be and how they can further illuminate their "map of possibilities".
Training on your own? Check out the Considerations: Training Scent Work on Your Own Webinar.
Looking for an outside perspective? Use our video review and Zoom consultation services to receive helpful feedback from our instructors.
Are you an instructor, trial official or trial host? Schedule a Zoom consultation with a trusted colleague to get their insights and perspectives.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
----more----
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #perspectives #blindspots #scentworkinstructor #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #trainscentwork #trainnosework #scentworkofficial #noseworkofficial #scentworktrialhost #noseworktrialhost #scentworkcompetitionorganization #noseworkcompetitionorganization #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Instructors are tasked to share their knowledge and expertise with their human clients in such a way that the client can then internalize, understand and interpret that information for their dog. This is no easy task! However, it becomes close to impossible if the way this information is packaged causes the client to not want to receive it.
In this episode, we discuss the art of giving and receiving information. Tone, facial expressions, body behavior are all important factors. Exhaustion, burnout and frustration can further complicate the situation on both sides of this divide. We must openly discuss the need to take a breath, modify and adjust our approaches the very same way we advocate when working directly with our dogs. Instructors and clients should see one another as teammates and partners, not adversaries.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
----more----
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #artofgivinginformation #artofreceivinginformation #scentworkinstructor #scentworktrainer #noseworkinstructor #noseworktrainer #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
It is all too common to find ourselves making statements such as, "At this stage, I should do THIS" or "After this STEP, I follow this STEP and then that STEP." What's the issue you may ask? Well, this line of thinking is rather concrete. Individual needs of the dog, handler or team, unique factors for that given search, environment or training session or trialing search are not taken into account.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of being more flexible both when we are training and trialing in Scent Work and how challenging being flexible can be!
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
----more----
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #flexibilityinscentwork #flexibilityinnosework #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this spotlight episode, we have the distinct privilege to speak to Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow of Every Dog Nosework about how they plunged into helping build the Nose Work community in their area. This includes developing their training skills, competition accolades, hosting trials, workshops, seminars and more.
An amazing example of doers who are giving back to the sniffing community and sharing their love for all things Nose Work with many dog and handler teams.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
Kayla Dever
Samantha Winslow
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TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #everydognosework #kayladever #samanthawinslow #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
It is interesting how when it comes to Scent Work, everything is seemingly viewed through the lens of the dog's ability to hunt and source their hides. If something doesn't go well, that means we must do more searches, right?
In this episode, we discuss how there are so many skills a dog, handler and team need to be successful in Scent Work, many of which have absolutely nothing to do with hunting or odor! Thus, there are times drilling more searches may be the last thing we want to do.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
There were several resources mentioned in this podcast episode, be certain to check them all out:
- Conquering Competition Stress Webinar by Michael McManus
- Car Crate Crazy Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
- Harnessing Joy Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
- The Floor is Lava Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
- Tackling NW3 Head-On: Conquering the Mind Game Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
- Fitness for the Life of Your Dog Webinar with Donna Morgan Murray
- Fitness Exercises for Your Puppy Webinar with Donna Morgan Murray
- Keeping Your Senior Dog Fit to Work and Play Webinar with Donna Morgan Murray
- Elevation Elation: Build and Use of Body Awareness Webinar with Vicky Lovejoy
- Shrinking Space = Success Webinar with Vicky Lovejoy
- Parkour to Benefit Nose Work Dogs Webinar with Lori Timberlake
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TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #istheisuescentworkrelated #skillsneededforscentwork #skillsneededfornosework #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this Spotlight Series episode, we have the distinct privilege of speaking with Lori Timberlake of Do Over Dog Training regarding her amazing Foster Dog Sniffer School program. This is an incredible program designed to help shelter and foster dogs within Lori's community by providing them an opportunity to enjoy all the benefits Nose Work has to offer.
Lori recently offered a webinar where she went into more detail about how this type of program works, Nose Work: Perfect Activity for Dogs in Rescue Webinar.
If you are an instructor looking to offer a similar program for your community, schedule a Zoom consultation with Lori here.
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Lori Timberlake
----more----
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #rescuedogs #fosterdogs #fostersnifferschool #loritimberlake #dooverdogtraining #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
The choices we make regarding our reactive, sensitive and aggressive dogs is an important conversation to have. It is paramount that safety be a significant factor. This is especially true when we are considering whether to trial with our dog or not. We delve into this important topic in this podcast episode.
If your dog is struggling with behavioral issues, please seek out professional, reputable help. This professional should be experienced in working with behavioral cases. Ideally, this professional will come and meet with you for an in-person initial consultation, to get a full grasp of what is going on. Afterwards, they may provide virtual follow-up sessions.
Here are some resources to find reputable professionals with behavioral expertise:
Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT)
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Other professional dog trainer directories:
Karen Pryor Academy
CATCH Dog Trainers Academy
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers
Other resources:
AggressiveDog.com
Behavior Vets
Grisha Stewart - BAT Training
Conference Unleashed - Leslie McDevitt (Control Unleashed) and other speakers
Relationship Centered Training Skills for Reactive Dogs with Suzanne Clothier
Emma Parsons - Click to Calm and Teaching the Reactive Dog Class
Fired Up, Frantic and Freaked Out by Laura VanArendonk Baugh
Virtual Trialing Options:
Cyber Scent Work
NACSW Skills Challenge
Fenzi Team Nosework
----more----
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #competinginscentwork #competinginnosework #reactivedogs #sensitivedogs #aggressivedogs #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When it comes to training or trialing in Scent Work, we oftentimes have a running dialogue in our mind that may be less than accurate. Some common examples include:
"My dog is distracted!"
"My dog lies!"
"My dog is so lazy!"
"My leash handling is awful!"
"I cannot read my dog!"
"My memory is terrible, I cannot remember where we have been or what hides I have called!"
These declarative statements become a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts, but they are oftentimes missing the mark or are simply not true. By coloring and skewing our perspective, we prevent ourselves from identifying the real cause of a given issue and devising an appropriate solution.
In this episode, we discuss how easy it can be to fall into these misleading types of dialogues and conversations with ourselves. Being mindful of this pitfall, we can catch ourselves and instead choose to observe what is really going on and come up potential solutions.
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Speaker: Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #competinginscentwork #competinginnosework #qualifyingscores #nonqualifyingscores #placementsinscentwork #placementsinnosework #hitscentwork #hitnosework #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Competing in Scent Work involves receiving qualifying or non-qualifying scores, earning titles or even placements...but what does all of this really mean?!
Does every Q earned mean our training is utterly perfect, unicorns and rainbows, whereas every NQ should be met with blowing up our training and starting over from scratch? If we do not earn a placement at a trial, do we have a ton of work ahead of us whereas earning a placement means all is well? If we do earn a title, does that mean that our dogs, ourselves as handlers and our team as a whole have all the requisite skills needed for this level and beyond?
In this podcast episode, we discuss the nuances involved with competition, how we may need to more closely evaluate our trial results and the potential pitfalls of incorrectly interpreting these results.
Speaker: Dianna L. Santos
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TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #competinginscentwork #competinginnosework #qualifyingscores #nonqualifyingscores #placementsinscentwork #placementsinnosework #hitscentwork #hitnosework #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
We are living through an exciting time where there is a plethora of learning opportunities within the Scent Work training community! This includes access to countless experienced instructors and trainers who offer unique viewpoints and training approaches, creative training exercises and much more.
The way we take in and utilize all this information matters.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of being a critical consumer, asking questions, being mindful, looking for what will be helpful for us, our dog and our team as well as identifying what may not be so helpful or what we may simply dislike or disagree with. Additionally, we discuss how crucial it is to be respectful toward everyone, even those we may disagree with. Otherwise, these learning opportunities will simply dry up and disappear.
Hopefully this is the start of an important conversation within the community, striving to promote more growth and learning in a respectful manner. If we focus on celebrating our dogs and the incredible sniffing game we are privileged to play with them, everything else will fall into place.
Speaker: Dianna L. Santos
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TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #growinginscentwork #learningaboutscentwork #learningaboutnosework #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
As we play Scent Work, we work to develop skills for the dog, handler and team in our classes and training sessions. Especially for teams who are interested in competing, testing those skills with blind hides, time limits and other potential stressors is key. Traditionally, mock trials and Sniff N' Gos were the type of events that met this need. However, we can all agree the more creative the event, the more likely we are to participate!
In this episode, we speak with Lori Timberlake of Do Over Dog Training about the types of creative events she has offered for her clients and the many benefits of these types of events. Handlers, instructors and event hosts alike will find inspiration from listening to this episode.
Are you looking to offer some creative search events in your program? Contact Lori here to potentially schedule a phone or Zoom consultation. She wants to help you offer creative sniffing opportunities for your clients!
Lori is an amazing Nose Work instructor, trial official, trial host and competitor. Scent Work University has been incredibly fortunate to host Lori for a variety of online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks. Check out a few of her offerings here:
TRAINING AND TRIALING IN NOSE WORK
All-Level Trial Prep Webinar
All-Level NACSW Trial Prep Course
Covering the Search Area Webinar
Elevated Hides for the Vertically Challenged Webinar
NACSW: Odor Recognition Prep (ORT) Course
NACSW: NW1 Trial Prep Course
NACSW: NW2 Trial Prep Course
NACSW: NW3 Trial Prep Course
Skill Building for Elevated Hides Course
Start Lines: From Beginning to End Webinar
BEING A TRIAL HOST
Hosting Scent Work Trials eBook
How to Run Mock ORT & Trials Webinar
BEING A NOSE WORK INSTRUCTOR
Setting Up Your Training Space for All Dogs Seminar Module
We are also incredibly fortunate to host Lori for a series of online courses through our sister site, Pet Dog U:
Confidence Building Course
Intro to Canine Parkour Course
Intermediate Canine Parkour I Course
Speakers:
- Dianna L. Santos
- Lori Timberlake
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
One of the many wonderful aspects of Scent Work is how it is a benefical activity for so many categories of dogs, including reactive dogs.
In this episode, we have the privilege to speak with Christina Young of Positive Dog, a certified dog behavior consultant with IAABC and PPG, about playing the Scent Work game with reactive dogs.
Learn more about Christina:
Positive Dog Website
Leash Reactivity: Make Walks Fun Again Webinar
Primary, Paired and Odor Hides: Choosing the Hide for the Training Challenge Webinar offered through Scent Work University
REACTIVE DOG RESOURCES THROUGH SCENT WORK UNIVERSITY* Canine Body Behavior and Scent Work for Handlers Webinar * Control Unleashed and Scent Work Webinar * Scent Work for Reactive Dogs Webinar * Trial Prep for Reactive Dogs Webinar * When Dog Odor Trumps Target Odors: Dogs are Scary Webinar
Speakers:
- Dianna L. Santos
- Christina Young
----more----
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #reactivedogs #sensitivedogs #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Whether it be due to old age, injuries, illness or simply not wanting to play the game anymore, we may find ourselves faced with the prospect of retiring our dogs from Nose Work.
In this episode, we speak with Lori Timberlake of Do Over Dog Training about her personal journey with her senior girl Daisy who, while still full of spice and vinegar, made it clear she much preferred romps in the woods over playing Nose Work.
We are so incredibly thankful to Lori for sharing her story, the emotions she has gone through, the options she weighed and more. Doing so may help others who are in a similar situation better navigate their journey to make the best decision for them and their dogs.
Lori is an amazing Nose Work instructor, trial official, trial host and competitor. Scent Work University has been incredibly fortunate to host Lori for a variety of online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks. Check out a few of her offerings here:
TRAINING AND TRIALING IN NOSE WORK
All-Level Trial Prep Webinar
All-Level NACSW Trial Prep Course
Covering the Search Area Webinar
Elevated Hides for the Vertically Challenged Webinar
NACSW: Odor Recognition Prep (ORT) Course
NACSW: NW1 Trial Prep Course
NACSW: NW2 Trial Prep Course
NACSW: NW3 Trial Prep Course
Skill Building for Elevated Hides Course
Start Lines: From Beginning to End Webinar
BEING A TRIAL HOST
Hosting Scent Work Trials eBook
How to Run Mock ORT & Trials Webinar
BEING A NOSE WORK INSTRUCTOR
Setting Up Your Training Space for All Dogs Seminar Module
Are you looking for another activity to do with your pup? Definitely check out Canine Parkour! Lori has an excellent program you and your dog will love through Pet Dog U.
Intro to Canine Parkour Course
Intermediate Canine Parkour I Course
Speakers:
Dianna L. Santos
Lori Timberlake
----more----
TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #retiringfromnosework #retiringfromscentwork #listentingtothedog #givethedogavote #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
We are all incredibly busy, fluttering around doing a million things at once. How often have you found yourself trying to squeeze in a Scent Work training session? "I've got a few minutes...let's do a quick search!"
In this episode, Dianna explains how one such "I can do this quick!" training session went completely off the rails, how breathing and staying mindful would have been a far better solution yet the learning she was able to walk away with.
Want to learn more about the new Let's Get Inspired: Creative Search Areas offering? You can here!
Other links:
What a Pair odor vessel accessory
Cirrus Wind Indicator
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
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TRANSCRIPTRead the full transcript here.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #trainingsession #hideplacement #mindfultraining #understandingodor #creativesearches #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Regardless of why we are playing Scent Work or what our goals are, we should take time to better understand odor, odor theory and hide placement.
In this episode, we discuss the benefits of better understanding these concepts and how doing so can ensure our dogs to have more successful repetitions in their Scent Work training sessions.
Looking to learn more about odor theory and hide placement? Check out these resources:
- Hide Placement and Odor Movement Seminar with Laurel Scarioni
- Sniff Busters Webinar with Laurel Scarioni
- Odor Concentrations Webinar with Judith Guthrie
- Convergence Webinar with Judith Guthrie
- The Mystery of Strings and Triangles Webinar with Judith Guthrie
- Hound and The Found: How Scent and Airflow Works
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
TRANSCRIPTYou may read the full transcript here.
----more----
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #odortheory #hideplacement #understandingodor #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Dealing with absolutes is riddled with issues. Yet it is far too common for statements containing "always" and "never" to be thrown around when discussing Scent Work. Black and white type thinking can be problematic to stay the very least.
In this episode, we delve into the importance of embracing the grey to take into account all the variables including the dog, handler, team, search area, environmental factors and more.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
----more----
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #groupclasses #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Handlers should absolutely advocate for their dogs. They know their dogs best and will be the ones who will decide the short-term and long-term goals for themselves, their dog and their team as a unit. Handlers working with an instructor should view this professional as an integral part of the team. These professionals can ensure all these goals are met, avoid common pitfalls or course correct if necessary. However, doing so can be complicated in a group class setting depending on the circumstances, particularly when we are talking about Scent Work.
In this episode, we discuss why this may be, the logistical realities of group classes and how supplementing attending class with private sessions or virtual training may offer better results. At the end of the day, communication is key and recognizing that instructors and professional trainers are devoted to helping their human and clients succeed.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
----more----
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #groupclasses #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
As we are training and trialing in Scent Work, we will start accumulating successes. However, we should evaluate these successes objectively and honestly, otherwise we can start experiencing some issues.
In this episode, we discuss why this type of honest assessment is crucially important to ensure the future progression of ourselves and our dogs as we continue to play the sniffing game.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
----more----
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #successinscentwork #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Being a Scent Work instructor is an honor and a privilege. You devote countless hours learning and honing your craft, perfecting it with your own dogs and then transferring that knowledge to your clients. Those clients then go on to play the wonderful sniffing game, having successes and a blast doing so.
However, to be an effective teacher requires one also be a student, someone open to learning new information, approaches and perspectives. The issue? There may come a point in time when this seemingly runs in conflict with your current approaches, program or curriculum!
In this episode, we discuss how painful it can be for Scent Work instructors to grow and adjust their training approaches, lessons and curriculum. The possible professional ramifications. The emotional toll. How it may cause you to second guess your worth as an instructor and trainer! While growth can indeed be painful, even eliciting powerful emotional responses, growing as a Scent Work instructor is a GOOD thing and DOES NOT mean one was bad, unknowledgeable or worthless before said growth.
One such newer resource that can help you further grow as an instructor is the book authored by Sue Sternberg and Dana Zinn: The Dog-Driven Search: Handling Our Nose Work Dogs to Promote Independence, Joy, and Enthusiasm
This is the first installment for our new Scent Work instructor-focused podcast series. We look forward to sharing interviews with fellow colleagues about their training journeys, their experience as an instructor and much more.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
----more----
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentworkinstructor #noseworkinstructor #dogtraininginstructor #growthisgood #growthcanbepainful #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When it comes to Scent Work, we work to to ensure our dog has solid odor recognition, that they find their hides valuable and are able to competently solve odor puzzles and source their hides both efficiently and effectively. However, to truly be successful, our dogs must also master a myriad of other skills which have nothing at all to do with searching.
In this episode, we delve into this topic, providing a few examples of the types of skills oftentimes brushed aside as unimportant when in truth they may be pivotal for the dog's or team's overall success.
A few of the resources you may want to look into to broaden your dog's skillset include:
- Car Crate Crazy Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
- Harnessing Joy Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
- The Floor is Lava Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
- Worth Waiting For: Leveraging Staging Areas to Maximize Performance Webinar with Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow
- Elevation Elation: Build and Use Body Awareness Webinar with Vicky Lovejoy
- Shrinking Space = Success Webinar with Vicky Lovejoy
- Fitness for the Life of Your Dog Webinar with Donna Morgan Murray
- Keeping Your Senior Dog Fit to Work and Play Webinar with Donna Morgan Murray
- Fitness Exercises for Your Puppy Webinar with Donna Morgan Murray
- Intro to Canine Parkour Course with Lori Timberlake
- Intermediate Canine Parkour I Course with Lori Timberlake
- Conquering Competiton Stress Webinar with Michael McManus
- Why Stress is Good Webinar with Michael McManus and Natalie McManus
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #skillsmatter #notjustabouthides #scentwork #nosework #scentworkpodcast #noseworkpodcast #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this episode, we discuss Cyber Scent Work and some of the changes, updates and new offerings including the launch of the Cyber Sniffing Games Program, the revamped Traditional Cyber Scent Work Program as well as introducing in-person assessments with the new Evaluator Program. YAY!
To learn more, be certain to check out:
Cyber Scent Work website
Cyber Sniffing Games Program
Traditional Cyber Scent Work Program
Evaluator Program
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contact Dianna directly at dianna@cyberscentwork.com.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #cyberscentwork #cybersniffinggames #traditionalcyberscentwork #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #scentworkwebinar #noseworkwebinar #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
For our 100th episode, we have the distinct privilege of speaking with the Co-Founders of NACSW, Amy Herot and Jill Marie O'Brien about all things odor, K9 Nose Work, training, trialing and more.
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Speakers:
- Dianna L. Santos
- Amy Herot
- Jill Marie O'Brien
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #nacsw #k9nosework #amyherot #jillmarieobrien #odor #competing #training #scentworkinstructors #noseworkinstructors #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #scentworkwebinar #noseworkwebinar #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Are you going a million miles a minute when it comes to Scent Work? Doing all the training, learning, trialing possible, essentially all the things all the time? Or, do you feel as though MUST do all the things all the time to be a "good" Scent Work handler, instructor, trainer or trial official?
In this episode, we discuss the potential issues of doing too much for too long, lacking balance in your life and how it is NOT necessary to meet some arbitrary metric when it comes to playing Scent Work.
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentworkinstructors #noseworkinstructors #instructorfeedback #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #scentworkwebinar #noseworkwebinar #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
As Scent Work Instructors, given our learning, background and expertise, we oftentimes have a fairly solid grasp for how a sniffy journey may go, common pitfalls teams may fall into and ways to avoid those pitfalls. Our desire is to help guide our clients to have the smoothest and most successful journey possible. However, some learning can only be obtained by doing.
In this episode, Dianna discusses how challenging it can be for instructors to thread this needle. While we want to guide our clients along their journey, we must simultaenously recognize it may be necessary for our client to experience something firsthand to truly absorb the information or obtain the requisite skills. Essentially, while instructors may have the best of intentions, placing clients into bubbles is oftentimes not the best option and could actually hinder their progression and growth.
Speaker: Dianna L. Santos
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentworkinstructors #noseworkinstructors #instructorfeedback #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #scentworkwebinar #noseworkwebinar #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
"It depends", one of the most common responses Scent Work instructors will give regarding what to do when a dog misses a hide in training. While this may be met with frustration and consternation from our clients, there is good reason for it. Solutions are NOT one-size-fits all. There are a multitude of factors which may result in drastically different approaches being implemented for the best outcome.
In this episode, we discuss a few scenarios where a dog missed a hide in training in an attempt to illustrate why "It depends" actually makes sense and how handlers can reframe how they think, and emotionally react to, their dog missing a hide.
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Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #missedahide #missedatraininghide #itdepends #instructorfeedback #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #scentworkwebinar #noseworkwebinar #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Watching baby puppies tackle a Scent Work search is endearing to say the very least. We can easily get swept away by how amazing these tiny little babies are at solving their searches. Before we know it, we are offering more and more challenging searches for them to tackle. However, we must remember that they are indeed babies, not simply small adult dogs.
In this episode, we discuss how it is fantastic to play Scent Work with our puppies. However, doing so requires that we set appropriate challenges for them. Thus, we must take our time and avoid the allure the rush. We also discus how crucial it is to take into account their age and stage of development.
The key message with this episode is to relish the time with our puppies and ensure whatever we are doing with them is FUN!
Are you looking to get your puppy started in Scent Work? Check out our Puppy Sniffing Program today!
Speaker:
Dianna L. Santos
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, mini-webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #puppyscentwork #sniffingpuppies #puppies #puppy #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #scentworkwebinar #noseworkwebinar #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this episode, we speak with Lori Timberlake of Do Over Dog Training regarding one of her favorite topics: training dirty in Scent Work. This discussion highlights the power of this training approach, how and when teams should incorporate these concepts and clearing up any misconceptions regarding how this may differ from the proper handling of our odor training aids.
This is an excellent discussion which will benefit all dog and handlers teams, especially those who are competing and are perhaps concerned of how they will deal with both the planned and unplanned distractors they may encounter at a trial.
You can also work directly with Lori, incorporating the training dirty concept into your routine by enrolling in her All-Level NACSW™ Trial Prep Course. Additionally, you may schedule a private Zoom consultation with Lori or submit either a training or trialing video for her to review. Clients have raved about the personalized feedback they receive from Lori.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #trainingdirty #loritimberlake #dooverdogtraining #nacsw #akcscentwork #nw3 #elite #summit #ort #nw1 #nw2 #detective #akcmaster #akcdetective #uscss #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #scentworkwebinar #noseworkwebinar #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
A common approach teams take when they are prepping for a Scent Work trial is to focus on the requirements for a given level. However, that oftentimes means teams are solely obsessing about tackling super difficult searches in the upper levels whereas newer teams are holding off on introducing key concepts until much later in their training journey. This can be problematic. Enter all-level trial prep as an alternative approach! In this episode, we speak with Lori Timberlake of Do Over Dog Training about the more holistic approach she takes in her in-person training classes and how she is translating this into a new webinar and online course she is offering through Scent Work University. The beauty of this approach is that it can help EVERYONE! Obviously, teams of all levels of expertise can benefit, but even those teams who are NOT interested in competing can find value in this webinar and course, learning how to design more thoughtful practice sessions. Furthermore, instructors may glean some ideas and inspiration which can then bolster their own programs. Thus, this webinar and course are both fantastic learning opportunities for everyone! Learn more about the All-Level Trial Prep Webinar and the All Level NACSW™ Trial Prep Course, you and your dog will be happy you did! Additionally, look into scheduling either a Zoom consultation or submitting a training to trialing video to Lori to review and provide her feedback on.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #allleveltrialprep #loritimberlake #dooverdogtraining #nacsw #akcscentwork #nw3 #elite #summit #ort #nw1 #nw2 #detective #akcmaster #uscss #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #scentworkwebinar #noseworkwebinar #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #virtualscentwork #virtualnosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
The AKC Scent Work Buried Class can be a BEAR for dogs and handlers alike!
In this episode, AKC Scent Work Judge, professional instructor and accomplished competitor, Natalie McManus, will outline some of the reasons for this and ways handlers can better approach the Buried class. Doing so will help this class make more sense to the dogs and thus allow teams to more successful.
Want to learn more from Natalie specifically on how to succeed in the AKC Buried Class? Check out her AKC: Working Water Hides Course!
Have a more specific need to something you or your dog are struggling with? Natalie offers her Handler's Choice Course, where you may partner with her to address what YOUR team needs. Additionally, her Scent Study Buddy Program will offer monthly themes for your team to tackle, such a field trip searches, focusing on containers and more. You may also submit training or trialing videos for Natalie to review and provide her feedback on or schedule a virtual Zoom consultation with her.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #akcburied #akcscentwork #nataliemcmanus #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
We are incredibly fortunate in that there is a slew of dog sport activities that all focus on our dogs tapping into their wonderful sense of smell.
In this episode, Dianna discusses how we should be leveraging all of these sniffy possibilities, since doing so can actually improve our dog's Scent Work game as well.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #doallthesniffythings #barnhunt #scentedarticles #shedhunt #nasda #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When it comes to handler discrimination, it common for handlers to become frustrated and for dogs to be confused of what game they are supposed to be playing. Why does this happen? We discuss some of the common reasons in this podcast episode.
Interested in getting started in Handler Discrimination? Check out the online Handler Discrimination course we offer through Scent Work University.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #handlerdiscrimination #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
It is common for Scent Work handlers to want to get off training primary as quickly as possible. "We want to hunt for the real stuff!" However, there are ways to fully leverage hunting for primary to help solidify crucial skills that will serve you and your dog well into your sniffing careers.
In this podcast episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Judith Guthrie about how she uses primary and the general process one may use to transition from primary, or pairing, to hunting for a novel target odor alone, considerations to keep in mind and more.
Judith brings a breadth of knowledge to this topic, especially considering the fact she wears so hats in the Scent Work realm, both as a professional detection dog trainer and handler, an approved Scent Work trial official, professional instructor and mentor as well as an accomplished competitor in her own right!
With that in mind, we are thrilled to have Judith share her expertise with our clients. Be certain to check out her upcoming offerings:
More Than Odor: Environmental Considerations Webinar
USCSS: It's Game Time! Trial Prep Course
You may also be interested in the Hunting for Primary: Tips and Tricks Webinar with Dianna L. Santos.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #huntingforprimary #judithguthrie #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this podcast episode, Dianna has the privilege of speaking with Barbara Deg of Front N'Scenter Animal Behavior & Consulting regarding her new Scentsitive Soul Program designed to help dogs with big feelings by leveraging the power of Scent Work.
Learn more about Barbara and her program:
Online platform for Scentsitive Soul Program and related services
Front N'Scenter Animal Behavior & Consulting website
Facebook Page: Front N'Scenter Animal Behavior & Consulting
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentsitivesoul #animalbehavior #behaviorconsultation #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
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In this podcast episode, Dianna discusses the final traditional search element of Interior searches and how they are oftentimes tackled as a "stuff" search instead of an interior search. Are you leveraging these interesting and exciting search elements to their full potential? Find out in this episode!
Does your dog struggle with slippery floors? You are in luck! Kayla Dever and Samantha Winslow will be presenting a webinar outlining solutions you can try. Be sure check out their The Floor is Lava Webinar.
Does your dog have a tendency to blow through threshold hides? Michele Ellertson has put together an outstanding training plan that addresses this very problem. Order the replay for her Threshold Hides: From Terrible to Terrific Webinar and marvel at the step-by-step training plan that will allow you and your dog to ace threshold hides going forward.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #interiors #interiorsearches #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
As we embark on our Scent Work training journey, the prospect of tackling exterior searches with our dogs can be incredibly exciting! However, as we progress along our sniffing journey, we may find the challenges thrown at us by the environment become too much to deal with! Suddenly, exterior searches morph from this exciting venture to something that is excruciatingly painful and fraught with countless pitfalls!
In this podcast episode, Dianna discusses why this happens and how we, as handlers and trainers, may adjust our outlook to reinvigorate our love and appreciation for this challenging search element.
You may be interested in checking out these resources focused solely on tackling exterior searches:
Conquering the Environment in Scent Work Webinar
Exteriors and Field Trips with Primary Course
Exteriors and Field Trips with Birch Course
We have also been incredibly fortunate to host a slew of highly talented instructors as of late, be certain to check them all out:
All About the Box: A Detailed Look at Container Searches Webinar and All About the Box: Part 2 Webinar with Dana Zinn
Threshold Hides: From Terrible to Terrific Webinar with Michele Ellertson
Fearless Open Areas with Confidence Webinar with Judith Guthrie
Odor Concentrations Webinar with Judith Guthrie
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #exteriors #exteriorsearches #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Have you ever questioned why people even bother doing vehicle searches? Are they a search element you simply do not practice or train?
In this podcast episode, Dianna will discuss how fun vehicle searches can be, how they can be an excellent learning opportunity for dog and handler alike and why everyone should give them a try!
Intrigued? Be certain to check out Michael McManus' Perfect Patterns: Vehicles Course.
You may also be inspired by some of the challenges posed in these eBooks:
- 50 Sniffy Fun Challenges eBook
- Winter Sniffy Fun Challenges eBook
- Winter Sniffy Fun Challenge 2.0 eBook
- Winter Sniffy Fun Challenge 3.0 eBook (to be released on March 31, 2023)
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #vehicles #vehiclesearches #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Speaker: Dianna L. Santos
Do you DESPISE containers? Are they dumb, boring and your least favorite search element ever? You are not alone apparently! There is rather large contingency within the Scent Work community who are not fans of Container searches.
In this episode, Dianna will do her very best to try to make the case FOR Containers, describing how valuable of a learning tool they can be and attempt to inspire listeners to give this search element another chance.
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Intrigued? Be certain to check out these resources to take an even deeper dive into all things Container-related:
- All About the Box; A Detailed Look at Container Searches Webinar with Dana Zinn
- All About the Box: Part 2 Webinar with Dana Zinn
- Leveraging Containers for Life Course with Dianna L. Santos
You may also be inspired by some of the challenges posed in these eBooks:
- 50 Sniffy Fun Challenges eBook
- Winter Sniffy Fun Challenges eBook
- Winter Sniffy Fun Challenge 2.0 eBook
- Winter Sniffy Fun Challenge 3.0 eBook (to be released on March 31, 2023)
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Are you interested in competing in Scent Work? Give virtual trialing a try! Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. where not only may you earn qualifying scores, titles and ribbons, you may also receive training feedback from our incredibly talented and experienced Review Officials. Submit your video entry today.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #containers #containersearches #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When we are training, trialing or making decisions about our sniffing journey, we oftentimes solely focus on the "how". In this podcast episode, discover the importance of understanding the "why".
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #whythewhymatters #whatisyourwhy #notjustaboutthehow #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Your dog is tackling a search and you just don't think they are going about it the right way. They are coming off the containers or vehicles, or perhaps they are attempting to go outside the barrier cones for an exterior search. Silly dog, you think to yourself, as you step in to direct them, illustrating the "right" way to go about searching this space.
In this episode, we discuss how our human expectations can inject unnecessary conflict into our Scent Work searches. Basically, how it is oftentimes best to simply trust the dog, as they can actually interact with and experience the odor we've tasked them to find. However, ceding this control and offering this trust can be exceedingly difficult and challenging for handlers, especially when the dog's choices in the space directly counter the handler's human expectations.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #messyhumanexpectations #trustyourdog #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Owning a senior dog means you must make some tough choices. This includes what activities you choose to do together. How to keep their age-related limitations in mind while still maximizing on the time you have together.
In this episode, we discuss Scent Work-specific considerations. This is a sensitive and emotional subject. These decisions must be individualized and customized. There are no right or wrong answers. As long handlers are mindful and thoughtful in their decisions, including an honest assessment of how the dog is faring, then all is good.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #seniordogs #seniorsniffers #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
We've all heard how important it is "rise to the occasion" or to "meet the challenge head-on" or "anything worthwhile requires hard work" and so on. Essentially, if you hope to achieve anything, you must be ready and willing to put in the time and effort required.
The same applies to Scent Work. Eyeing the upper levels of competition? Better be ready to toughen up and put that time in! Your dog must toughen up too. Scent Work trials notoriously throw curveballs at teams all the time. Want to succeed? Better train your dog to be ready to deal with whatever life wants to throw at them!
These concepts of "toughening up" to face the challenges of life have merit but are incomplete. They assume everyone is at a place right now where they CAN give more. This premise doesn't account for the fact that handlers, and dogs, may simply be incapable of "giving it their all", because they already are. There is simply nothing left in the tank. Even worse, pushing more could spell disaster for them individually and as a team.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of being realistic in assessing what is going on at both ends of the leash before embarking on a "we'll suck it up 'till we get what we want" adventure. How being more pragmatic and flexible may be the better path to take.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #suckitup #berealistic #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Have you ever been in the middle of a search with your dog, and it seems as though their brain just...well, exploded? Maybe they started barking at you. Or perhaps they rushed off to grab a toy. Maybe they disengaged all together, seemingly giving up on the search. What you may be witnessing is the dog reaching what Dianna calls their "frustration threshold".
In this episode, Dianna explains how she defines this term and what it looked like with her own dog, both inside and outside the context of Scent Work.
Dianna is offering a live webinar focusing on this very topic, Dealing with Frustration Threshold Issues in Scent Work Webinar. If you wanted to learn more about the issue of frustration threshold within the context of Scent Work and some exercises and approaches you can try to help you dog overcome it, be sure to check out this webinar.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #frustrationthreshold #brainexploded #myheadhurts #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
The allure to rush, whether it be while training or trialing, can be so incredibly strong. Yet the fallout is very real. Rushing can cause a huge multitude of issues that will take an immense amount of time and effort to undo and fix. Worst still, the results of rushing can cause frustration, confusion and a slew of other negative emotions to enter into the picture, chipping away at the relationship you have with your dog as you play the sniffing game.
In this episode, we discuss why people may rush, the various issues rushing can cause and what your instructor may be going through when you choose to rush against their best of intentions and advice.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #allureofrushing #takeyourtime #enjoythejourney #ribbonsarenotgoinganywhere #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
You read that right, your dog is guessing. Guessing what the Scent Work game is really all about. What they are supposed to be hunting for. What they are being rewarded for. What we want them to do!
In this episode, we discuss this reality and how we, as handlers and trainers, need to be as clear as possible with our dogs to help them truly understand the sniffing game we want them to play.
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We pull upon this concept in more depth in these four webinars, outlining how being clearer in our training and practice sessions may avoid false alerts. Check them out:
Cause and Cure of False Alerts: Container Searches Webinar Cause and Cure of False Alerts: Interior Searches Webinar Cause and Cure of False Alerts: Exterior Searches Webinar Cause and Cure of False Alerts: Vehicle Searches Webinar
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #dogisguessing #provideclarity #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In the latest installment of our ongoing series, where we speak with participants of Cyber Scent Work, Inc., we have privilege of learning more about Tracy Martin's journey into Scent Work, her wonderful dogs as well as how she is helping her clients learn about and thrive while playing the sniffing game.
You may learn more about Tracy and her training business here: http://www.martintrainingbehavior.com/
A HUGE "Thank You" to Tracy for sharing her passion for Scent Work and dog training with us! It is contagious to say the very least.
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Did you want to learn more about Cyber Scent Work, Inc.?
- Check out the Cyber Scent Work, Inc. website.
- Look over the Rules.
- Check out some of the most Commonly Asked Questions.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #cyberscentwork #teamharry #supersniffers #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When it comes to dog training, not to mention Scent Work, there is a tendency to lump things together. This can make the whole process rather confusing to our dogs. An excellent approach is to "break it down" or split up a given exercise into smaller pieces or steps to help the dog better understand.
However, the benefits of "breaking it down" applies to BOTH ends of the leash! This means we, as handlers, should identify ways we can breakdown the skills we need to work on or perfect to be the best teammate we can be.
This all means instructors should ensure their program are cultivating the approach of "breaking down", for both their canine and human clients, and avoid the allure to lump, assume or rush ahead.
We discuss this, and more, in this episode.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #breakingitdown #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
The second in our ongoing series where we strive to learn more about participants of Cyber Scent Work, Inc., in this episode we have an engaging conversation with Jo Ann Dombeck about her journey into Scent Work, having three awesome little sniffing dogs and her experience with Cyber Scent Work.
A huge "THANK YOU" to Jo Ann for sharing her story with us and also sending an adorable video afterwards of her prancing poodle, it was heartwarming to say the least!
Did you want to learn more about Cyber Scent Work, Inc.?
- Check out the Cyber Scent Work, Inc. website.
- Look over the Rules.
- Check out some of the most Commonly Asked Questions.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #cyberscentwork #teamlucy #supersniffers #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
A common sentiment within the dog-owning community is accepting who your dog is. This is absolutely correct albeit not entirely complete. While we avoid trying to turn our dogs into something they are not, we should be working toward helping them be the best version of themselves. If for no other reason, than to allow our dogs to have the highest quality of life possible.
Finding this delicate balance between accepting while still progressing and growing is not easy to do, especially in Scent Work. Do you find yourself capping your dog's abilities by only setting up searches you know they can easily tackle? Or perhaps you have a tendency of throwing them into situations they do not have a prayer of solving?! A better and more ideal solution is a happy medium, where the dog may have to work and strive, but can still reach the solution, simultaneously building their confidence, independence and tenacity in the process.
We discuss the importance of finding this balance, and how challenging it can be, in this podcast episode.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #challengeofgrowth #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Cyber Scent Work, Inc. is celebrating it's one year anniversary by announcing some new and exciting changes, including video reviews and earning ribbons for both Element titles and Level titles!
In this episode, we hear from the co-founders of Cyber Scent Work, Inc., Dianna L. Santos and Sean McMurray, about these changes and the plans for the future.
Did you want to learn more about Cyber Scent Work, Inc.?
- Check out the Cyber Scent Work, Inc. website.
- Create a free account here.
- Look over the Rules.
- Check out some of the most Commonly Asked Questions.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #cyberscentwork #sniffingforthewin #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
This is the first entry in our brand-new series where we speak with participants of Cyber Scent Work, Inc. to hear their stories, what their Scent Work training journey has been like and to learn more about their partnership with their dogs as well as their experience with Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
For our inaugural episode, we are delighted to speak with Lisa Bartel about her journey with her wonderfully adorable boy, Rickon, how they got started in Scent Work as well as how Lisa has successfully leveraged sniffing to help Rickon build more confidence. Additionally, we hear from Lisa regarding her experience in going through Cyber Scent Work, Inc., the training feedback she received as well as her future sniffy plans for Rickon, who has proudly and bravely earned his Cyber Sniffer Beginner Paired Odor Track Level Title!
We are thrilled that Lisa agreed to speak with us about her experience with Cyber Scent Work, Inc. and we look forward to hearing from more Cyber Scent Work participants to hear about their take and future sniffy plans.
- Learn more about Lisa and the dog training services she offers here.
- Be sure to also check out the Animal Friends, the shelter Rickon was adopted from and where Lisa volunteers and trains.
Did you want to learn more about Cyber Scent Work, Inc.?
- Check out the Cyber Scent Work, Inc. website.
- Look over the Rules.
- Check out some of the most Commonly Asked Questions. ----more----
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #cyberscentwork #teamrickon #sniffingforconfidence #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Many people are under the impression that canine fitness and Scent Work are unrelated and have nothing to do with one another. Nothing could be further from the truth! To be successful in Scent Work, particularly when competing in the upper levels, your dog MUST have a level of fitness to meet the demands, otherwise they have no hope of succeeding.
In this episode, we speak with Donna Morgan Murray, PhD, CPCFT regarding the importance of canine fitness, how fitness impacts dogs who are doing Scent Work and other scent sports as well as the various life stages where a fitness program can be successfully utilized.
We are also incredibly fortunate that Donna has put together several webinars focusing on canine fitness.
Be sure to check them all out:
Fitness for the Life of Your Dog Webinar
Keeping Your Senior Dog Fit to Work and Play Webinar
Fitness Exercises for You Puppy Webinar
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #caninefitness #puppyfitness #seniordogfitness #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
The human experience with odor is far and away what our dogs are experiencing when they encounter odor. For one, they can actually "see" odor by using their incredible sense of smell. We cannot. Yet, time and time again, handlers will discount what the dog does, communicates or tries to do within a given search.
In this podcast episode, we discuss this vastly different experience on either end of the leash and how we as handlers need to own our own shortcomings. How we must improve our own skills, both in understanding odor and in reading and supporting our dogs, to best allow our dog to be successful.
Here are some resources available through Scent Work University that may help with bridging this gap regarding expectations and more properly supporting our dogs when doing searches with them:
Hide Placement and Odor Movement Seminar with Laurel Scarioni
All About the Box; A Detailed Look at Container Searches with Dana Zinn
Tools to Help Design Your Scent Work Searches Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
Wait, Quit or Help Webinar with Dianna L. Santos
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #humanvcanineexperience #allaboutodor #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this spotlight episode, we speak with Melissa Stagnaro regarding the titling organization in the United States, American Rettungshunde Sport Association (ARSA), where teams may work a variety of classes based upon the rules set by the international Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the International Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO).
This is excellent conversation discussing the details of ARSA and also how handlers may volunteer for local SAR-groups, to learn the ropes and see if they and their dogs may up for the task to join a team and deployed.
Be sure to check out the following links to learn more about ARSA:
https://www.searchandrescuesport.org ARSA - FB Page ARSA - YouTube
Melissa also mentions a great book that listeners may want to look into: Family Disaster Dogs by Amber Higgins
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #arsa #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this roundtable discussion headed by Michelle Doram, we hear from the three varied experiences on how to manage expectations when competing in Nose Work. An excellent conversation between Jessica Koester, a CNWI and NACSW Judge, Monica Flores, a 10-year veteran Nose Work competitor and Jill Marie O'Brien, the co-founder of NACSW. The insights and stories shared in this conversation will help all dog and handler teams who are in any part of their competition journey, regardless of the venue.
We are incredibly fortunate that Michelle Doram is also offering a live webinar taking a deeper dive into the topic, outlining how handlers may better manage their expectations when it comes to trialing. Be sure to check to out Michelle's Great Expectations: Creating your Scent Work Trial Experience Webinar on April 20th at 4PM PST/7PM EST.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #managingexpectations #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworktrialing #noseworktrialing #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In Scent Work, we must be able to read our dog. What the dog's tells are as they are working a space, detecting, chasing and sourcing odor or investigating dog odor or crittering. However, missing from the conversation is having a more general understanding of how our dogs communicate with their bodies and how WE communicate to THEM with our bodies, movements, actions and inactions. Having this knowledge and understanding is crucially important for everyone to understand, whether they are handlers, trainers, instructors, class assistants, trial officials or trial volunteers. For instance, what a dog does to communicate they are being threatened or are putting out a threat or warning.
Why does this matter within the context of Scent Work? Remember in this activity we are asking our dogs, predators, to hunt. If we are not careful with how we conduct ourselves, we could illicit a dog to try to bite.
In this episode, we discuss the importance for everyone, but particularly trainers, instructors and trial officials, to have a solid understanding and education regarding canine body behavior to ensure everyone stays safe. At the very same time, stressing that owners be honest about their dogs and how as a community, we need to get off the trajectory of excusing dogs biting, minimizing behavioral issues such as resource guarding to "no big deal" and so on.
While these are difficult topics, we must talk about them. We will do our part at Scent Work University to provide resources geared toward helping owners, trainers/instructors and trial officials. Stay posted about our upcoming webinar series focusing on understanding canine body behavior within the context of Scent Work.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #caninebodybehavior #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #onlinescentwork #onlinenosework #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this spotlight episode, we speak with Dana Zinn and Sue Sternberg about their collaborative. Dana and Sue are helping Scent Work teams elevate their training by focusing on the handler, highlighting what we are saying to the dogs during a search and how we may be clearer and more supportive throughout.
Everyone who participates in Scent Work should look into what Dana and Sue are offering! Whether you are a handler, a trainer or instructor, their insight will allow you to improve your game and ensure you are being the best teammate your dog can have!
Learn more about the video review webinars Dana and Sue offer here: Dana Zinn and Sue Sternberg Video Review Webinars — Zinn Dog Training
Request a workshop here: Sternberg-Zinn Nose Work Collaborative — Zinn Dog Training
Contact Dana Zinn here: Contact — Zinn Dog Training
Contact Sue Sternberg here: suesternberg@icloud.com
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #danazinn #suesternberg #spotlight #handlingskills #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Strap in, this is a blunt, real-talk episode.
It is high-time that all of us within the Scent Work community hold ourselves to a higher standard where treating one another with respect is a requirement. Addressing questions, concerns or issues directly with those involved instead of rushing to social media to bash them behind their back. Calling out people who try to steal someone else's light just to make themselves appear "bigger and better". Demanding that instructors, trial officials and professionals stop expecting reverence while treating their colleagues as "lesser than" or dirt. Instead, requiring these professionals to treat each other as equals with the common goal of HELPING dogs and their handlers.
We need to focus on our DOGS.
In short: We. Must. Do. Better. Enough is enough.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #enoughisenough #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Working on advanced, higher-level, or challenging training concepts seems to imply our dog must struggle when they are trying to solve the puzzle. Otherwise, it is not a challenge, right? But what if the dog goes into the space, applying all the skills they mastered already, and immediately solves the puzzle? "UGH! I guess that was too easy. So disappointing!"
In this episode, we discuss the importance of keeping in mind what our goals are when we are training and properly rewarding the dog when they do what we were looking for in the first place. If your dog aced the same search in a trial, you would be THRILLED. Why then are you disappointed in training?
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #rewardwhatyouarelookingfor #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
This roundtable discussion is dedicated to all the Scent Work instructors out there. In this episode, we discuss dealing with expectations and how instructors can steal their own joy if they are not careful. This is a riveting conversation we are hoping will help all instructors realize they are not alone if they are struggling with self-doubt, second-guessing themselves or worried about stepping out to showcase their abilities. We have all been there!
This conversation is only possible thanks to the incredibly talented Michelle Doram, Michele Ellertson, Michael McManus and Khara Schuetzner. It is wonderful they were all open to having this discussion, sharing their stories and making it okay to talk about these topics openly!
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #dealingwithexpectations #trialprep #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this roundtable episode, we discuss what makes Michelle Doram, Michele Ellertson, Michael McManus and Khara Schuetzner cringe at Scent Work trials. We hope that everyone who competes gives this episode a listen to ensure they are not causing their trial officials to cringe.
Also, keep an eye out for Michele Ellertson's new webinar which will be covering these topics in more detail and providing solutions to avoid them.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #cringytrialmoments #trialprep #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In our latest Spotlight episode, we have the distinct privilege of speaking with Becky Thomas of The Ultimate K9 in Australia about how she has been helping to grow K9 Nose Work® in Australia. This conversation is fantastic, as it highlights how this activity is for all dogs and handlers and is something that everyone should play. Becky's enthusiasm is contagious and we are fortunate to have her as a part of the community.
Learn more about Becky here:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ultimatek9training Instagram – Ultimate K9 YouTube – coming soon
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PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Coming soon!
The topic for this roundtable discussion is ways instructors can help their students better deal with "failures” they may experience at trial...whether "failure" is a real thing or not, how handlers may set better expectations for themselves and their dogs, how balancing training and trialing is incredibly important and so much more! We are so thankful for Michael McManus and Khara Schuetzner for having these riveting conversations with us, and we think you will enjoy this one as well.
As mentioned in the episode, be sure to check out Michael's previous podcast episode, What is Failure?, where he talks about failure as well as his Conquering Competition Stress Webinar.
If you would like to work one-on-one with Michael or Khara, you can regardless where you live!
Submit a training or trialing video for them to review and provide feedback on or schedule a virtual Zoom consultation. Choose between 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes to have your Scent Work training questions answered and solutions provided. Again, Michael and Khara are incredibly experienced and talented trainers and instructors. Don't pass up the opportunity to work with them!
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #dealingwithfailure #trialprep #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
With Scent Work continuing to explode in popularity around the globe, there is an ever-growing demand for more classes and training. Instructors and trainers are working to meet this demand. However, it is crucially important that every professional instructor or trainer keep in mind the responsibilities associated with this role. No matter if you are newer or have been teaching since the sports inception, your responsibilities are the same.
In this podcase episode, we highlight how being an instructor and trainer is indeed an honor and privilege that we need to take very seriously to ensure we ae doing all we can to help our human and canine students learn, grow, progress and succeed.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #responsibilitiesofscentworkinstructors #uscss #trialprep #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this spotlight episode, we speak with Natalie Duberow, an approved USCSS CSD and Judge and AKC Scent Work Judge, who is quite literally helping to spread the word about Scent Work worldwide! Natalie travels the globe providing workshops for dog handlers, competitors and those interested in becoming trial officials with United States Canine Scent Sports. With her expertise and enthusiasm, Natalie is helping handlers near and far to remember to have FUN with their dogs as they play the sniffy game, regardless of where they hail from or what part of the equation they want to participate in, be a dog handler, competitor, trial official or trial host. We are so fortunate to have passionate people like Natalie who are spearheading the task of getting Scent Work into as many places as possible.
You may learn more about Natalie on her Happy Dog College Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/HappyDogCollege
Stay tuned for her Scent Work Center site!
Learn more about United States Canine Scent Sports here: http://www.uscaninescentsports.com/
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #globalscentwork #uscss #trialprep #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this spotlight episode, we have the privilege to speak with Michele Ellertson, CNWI, a professional dog trainer, instructor, CO with NACSW and the owner of The Dog's PACE about her PACE Team Games program. This program is a fabulous way to encourage people to support one another while tackling challenging, and FUN, searches. It has been a big hit in the Northeastern US and the Los Angeles-area as well.
Be sure to learn more about the PACE Team Games program here.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #paceteamgames #thedogspace #trialprep #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this new series, we are highlighting individuals and businesses who are giving back to the Scent Work community. For this episode, we spoke with Marcella Winslow, a professional photographer who has been instrumental in creating memories for countless dog and handler teams throughout the Western United States.
As we touch upon in this episode, having a talented, thoughtful and experienced professional to capture these memories and moments with our dogs is immensely valuable and important. If you are not already, please support the professional photographers and videographers who work Scent Work trials. Their photos and videos not only can be provide you with helpful information for you training, they are also precious memories that can look back on when your dog is no longer with you.
Check out Marcella's business Facebook Page, Pawprintz: https://www.facebook.com/pawprintz.pics
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #pawprintz #professionalphotographer #trialphotos #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
As dog trainers and handlers, we use rewards to communicate to our dogs when they have done a good job. But when it comes to Scent Work, this message can be easily muddled and confused depending on the reward placement and timing! In this episode, we discuss the importance of effective reward usage as well as exercises you can try to improve your own timing and mechanical skills.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #effectiverewards #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
A challenge many experienced Scent Work handlers will encounter, but do not often talk about, is trying to adjust to a new canine teammate. You, as the handler, have more knowledge and experience, perhaps even reaching high levels of success, but your new dog does not.
How can you adjust your expectations, training plan and goals to this new dog? We discuss this, and more, with a roundtable of instructors, Michelle Doram, Michael McManus and Natalie McManus.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #newdogwoes #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this episode, we speak with Geryah Dingle of Dingle Days YouTube channel about her dog training journey, how she got started in Scent Work and the consulting services she offers to help dog training professionals bring their services into the virtual space.
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If you are an instructor looking to create virtual training solutions for your clients, whether it be training videos, online classes or more, reach out to Geryah to see how she can help! With her experience with video, audio and editing, she can point you in the right direction or even partner with you to create quality solutions for your clients.
Find Geryah's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/DingleDays/featured
Here is Geryah's website - look under Videography Services for more information:
https://www.dingledaysphotography.com/
____________________________________________________________
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #dingledays #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this episode, we speak with the Co-Founder of NACSW™ and Founder of the K9 Nose Work® Shelter Program, Jill Marie O'Brien and Steven DeTata, CNWI who is spearheading the growth of the program and spreading the word on social media. This wonderful program pairs up of K9 Nose Work® certified instructors, or those who are going through the certified instructor program, with shelters and rescues to provide much-needed enrichment to shelter dogs.
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If you want to learn more about the K9 Nose Work® Shelter Program and how you can get involved, whether you an instructor, volunteer or shelter staff member, be sure to check out the program's Facebook Page here.
You should also check out the webinar Jill offered that goes into even more detail about the program.
There are also some articles that offer a great overview of using K9 Nose Work® in shelters. Article 1. Article 2. Article 3.
If you interested in learning more about K9 Nose Work® and/or NACSW™, click this link, which includes information about workshops, webinars, Instructor Program and an Instructor search.
If you want to learn more about the competition-side of things, be sure to check out the NACSW™ site.
___________________________________
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #k9noseworkshelterprogram #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
"My dog lied!" This is a common statement made by handlers...but is it true? Are dogs knowingly going around lying to their people about where hides are? Or, are our dogs merely playing the game they thought we wanted them to play? We answer this question in this episode!
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Do you want earn Qs, titles and ribbons and receive helpful training advice? Be sure to checkout Cyber Scent Work, Inc.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #mydoglies #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this short episode, we continue to discuss Cyber Scent Work, Inc. and how it can help resident shelter dogs. This is a feature of Cyber Scent Work, Inc. that we are particularly excited about!
Check out Cyber Scent Work, Inc. here: https://www.cyberscentwork.com/
Are you a staff member of a shelter and interested in applying for approval? You can here: https://www.cyberscentwork.com/shelter-approval
Be sure to follow Cyber Scent Work, Inc. on social media:
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #cyberscentwork #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In this episode, we speak with Sean McMurray of Tails U Win! Canine Center, LLC in Manchester, CT about a brand new organization, Cyber Scent Work, Inc. that is launching on June 7, 2021. Cyber Scent Work is the perfect bridge between training and trialing in Scent Work and stands to provide a service that has been needed for a LONG time.
Check out Cyber Scent Work here: https://www.cyberscentwork.com/
Be sure to follow Cyber Scent Work on social media:
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #cyberscentwork #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
We received a wonderful question regarding what to do when, at an AKC Scent Work Trial, a dog hits upon a blue "x" showing where a hide used to be - do you reward or not?! The best thing to do was to pose this question to a panel of our talented instructors to get their take!
In this episode we hear from Michelle Doram of White Collar K9, Khara Schuetzner of The Doggie Spot and Michael and Natalie McManus of Ready Sit Go. We look forward to having many more conversations with these talented instructors and trainers, so if you have a question about Scent Work you would like for us to pose to them, let us know!
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #rewardingatrial #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
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In dog training, we know it is advantageous to break things down, work one "D" (duration, distraction and distance) at a time. Doing so avoids confusion on behalf of the dog and prevents a multitude of issues and pitfalls from cropping up. Yet, when it comes to Scent Work training, these principles are either forgotten, pushed aside or flat out ignored!
In this episode, we discuss why identifying all the various individual factors or elements of a given search area and/or exercise is a good idea. We delve into the importance of balancing the difficulty level of the hide against those factors and how this will ensure forward progression in our training, as opposed to going backwards. Basically, being mindful and thoughtful in how we train, even in Scent Work, is the way to go!
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #onethingatatime #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Strap in, our speaker is worked up.
Every single dog on the planet should be doing Scent Work. Full stop. This should NOT be some exclusive club that is only open to top tier of dog and handler teams. People should not be rushing out to get dogs with professional detection dog breeding or background to do this activity. Every. Single. Dog. Can. Do. Scent. Work.
As a community, we need to be more mindful about how we discuss this activity, the training options or approaches available and how we frame what the activity, and sport is. Because we can take this wonderful gift that we are FINALLY giving to our dogs, which celebrates them being a dog, and ruin it.
We hope you give this episode a listen. It is blunt. There is raw emotion in it. But we owe it to our dogs to keep this activity fun and something that celebrates them being dogs...not just another way we as handlers can stroke our ego.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #alldogsneedscentwork #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In our latest blog post, Trials and Tribulations of a Terrible Student, we discuss just how challenging it is to be a dog handler. Having to LEARN a skill yourself and then TEACH your dog a skill at the very same time is HARD!
We build off of this topic in this episode by sharing the experiences of a terrible student and how her mental baggage derailed her more often than not. But it not all doom and gloom. We also offer some creative ways people can avoid these same pitfalls and better partner with their trainer and instructor.
These types of open and honest discussions are important for our community to have. We hope you find this episode helpful.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #confessionsofaterriblestudent #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Many of us will train on our own at some point when doing Scent Work with our dogs. You may even be doing all of your training one your own, preparing your hides, designing your searches and running your dog.
In this podcast episode, we discuss the various factors we should keep in mind when training on our own so as to avoid leading our dog astray unintentionally. Some of the pointers covered in this podcast were also discussed in our latest blog, Where We See a Tree, Our Dog Sees a Forest, so be sure to check that out here.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #trainingonyourown #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When it comes to dog training, we are constantly giving our dogs cues to indicate what we would like for them to do in any given moment. "Sit", "Down", "Come" and so on. The same can hold true in Scent Work. But what if the cue you may be using in your everyday life would have an unintended consequence if you used it in Scent Work? Is that even possible?! Yes, yes it is.
In this episode, we discuss the importance of being as clear and mindful as we can when using cues, knowing what the true meaning of those cues are (to the dog), and whether using a certain cue could undermine the very thing we are trying to build in our Scent Work training.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses, seminars, webinars and eBook are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Pet Dog U, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #clarityofcues #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
This episode is designed more as a discussion-piece rather than a "listen as we declare answers on a given subject".
The question is rather simple: should there be an observable difference between a team playing Scent Work simply for "fun" and a team solely interested in competing? My gut tells me the answer should be "No". If that is the case, are we as a community, myself included, shooting ourselves in the foot with how we describe the delineation of the type of teams participating in Scent Work?
Who knows?! Let's discuss!
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #overtraining #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
There is something about human nature that promotes insular thinking, creating echo chambers of like-mindedness, tribes of "us v. them". This is especially true in the dog training community and even more so in the Scent Work world. Step out of your lane and prepare to feel the wrath of the masses! However, having open discussions about training techniques, topics and the overall direction of our sport is essential for everyone's benefit! It is for this reason that it is refreshing and impressive the way that Bill Gaskins of Integrity Nose Worx consistently does just the opposite of the norm by promoting such open discussions and debate.
In this episode, we speak with Bill to have a better understanding of his background and why he feels taking on this role is so important (hint: it shouldn't be so rare, we ALL should be following in his example in promoting more open and honest discussions, being humble in doing so).
Be sure to follow Bill here:
Integrity Nose Worx website
Integrity Nose Worx Facebook Page
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
If you are interested in learning more about The Scent Work Way of Life Webinar, you may do so here.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #overtraining #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
At some point in your Scent Work training journey, you will set a super challenging hide for your dog, oftentimes inadvertently. You then have to choose...what do you do? Do you just allow them the time and space to solve the problem, no matter how long that may take? Do you put them up, make an adjustment to the hide and let them immediately run it again? Or, do you put them up, essentially leaving the hide behind and unfound, so that you can tackle that specific problem in a completely different training session later?
In this episode, we talk about these three options, the need to make split-second decisions and also owning up who are as a handler and trainer, not to mention how fluid all of this can truly be.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
If you are interested in learning more about The Scent Work Way of Life Webinar, you may do so here.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #overtraining #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
A common human trait is to drill, practice and run repetitions ad nauseam. This is counterproductive, especially when we are talking about Scent Work. Doing so can undercut the very skills you are trying to build for yourself and your dog!
In this episode, we delve into the difference between properly preparing training in Scent Work and overtraining, highlighting why we should avoid doing the latter. We also discuss why this not only important when building our dog's skills, but our own handler skills as well.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
If you are interested in learning more about The Mindful Scent Work Instructor Webinar, you may do so here.
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #overtraining #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
A common myth you hear about Scent Work is that instructors will demand absolute silence...as if this were some sort of military operation where there shall be NO noise and NO fun and NO joy!
In this episode, we work to bust this myth and explain the reasoning behind why instructors may ask for handlers to be quiet as the dog is actively searching early in their career, but the major issues of trying to bake in absolute silence into your training and how this can come back to bite you later.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #silenceornotsomuch #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When it comes to Scent Work, there are certain types of equipment for both dogs and handlers that are common and trendy. But does this mean that these would be a good choice for you and your dog?
In this episode, we discuss the importance of making smart equipment choices, how they may shift and change over time and the reasons why we should introduce certain types of equipment outside the context of Scent Work first.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #beingsmartaboutequipment #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When we are trialing with our dogs in Scent Work, there is no reason you should abandon the very same principles you have come to relay upon on in training simply because your trialing! Yet, time and time again, you will see competitors doing this very thing!
For instance, if you know a certain routine will set your dog up for success in training, you should absolutely try to use that same routine when you are trialing!
At the very least, this episode will get you thinking and consider how you can approach your trialing experiences more thoughtfully.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy?
Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #thoughtfultrialing #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When we are doing Scent Work with our dogs, what WE do as handlers can have a large impact on whether our dogs can be successful or not.
In this episode, we discuss the topics of supporting, crowding and hindering with Michael McManus, in an attempt to better nail down what these concepts truly mean and how we can all be better handlers and teammates to our dogs.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #supportingourdogs #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
The state of the world at the time of this podcast is tumultuous, painful and filled with heartbreak. So we are taking the time to challenge everyone in the Scent Work-training community, and the dog training, owning and loving community as a whole, to be better. Leverage your amazing ability to empathize and strive to better understand an alien species, meaning your dog, and apply those very same skills to your fellow human beings.
Now is the time for introspection. For self-improvement. To sit with this discomfort, to learn from it and try to propel our species forward in the right direction.
We hope that you give this episode a listen. All of us in this community have a skill set that can greatly help the populace as a whole if we choose to apply it, share it and practice it ourselves. If we all do our part, things can get better. Bit by bit.
Stay safe. Hang in there. Enjoy your dogs.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Looking to ensure you and your dog are in-shape, fit and free from injury? Check out the Get Fit With Fido and Dog Sport Fitness Programs through Canine Fitness University.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #timeforempathy #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When it comes to training and trialing in Scent Work...what is failure? Is there such a thing a complete and total failure? Or, is how we react to how something went while we were training or trialing affect our emotional state and that, in turn, feeds into the possibility of a total failure? Meaning, if we react horribly to how something went, does that reaction then lead to failure as opposed to what we are reacting to? Should we be shying away from failure or should we be including it in our training, to inoculate ourselves from that negative emotional response? If so, how do we go about doing this? Are there pitfalls doing this? Could we be souring a relationship between the handler and their dog? And if it is an instructor doing this, could they be potentially pushing their clients too far and souring that relationship?
These are some of the questions we discuss with Michael McManus in this podcast episode. At the very least, it will get everyone thinking about what their perceptions of "failure" may be, whether they need to be adjusted or not and how it is important to be mindful of our approaches with long-term consequences in-mind.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Looking to ensure you and your dog are in-shape, fit and free from injury? Check out the Get Fit With Fido and Dog Sport Fitness Programs through Canine Fitness University.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #failure #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
In Scent Work, we oftentimes harp on our desire for our dog to focus on one thing and one thing alone: the target odor they have been trained to find. But do dogs actually do this? Are they truly discounting the immense amount of information the environment at their disposal? Is doing so not only possible, is it preferable?!
We discuss this and more with Michael McManus in hopes of painting a more honest picture of how smart dogs hunt (and all of our dogs are smart), why that matters and how we may need to adjust our expectations and how we train in response to these realities.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Looking to ensure you and your dog are in-shape, fit and free from injury? Check out the Get Fit With Fido and Dog Sport Fitness Programs through Canine Fitness University.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #ethology #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
"My dog is distracted by the grass" or "My dog is not focused". These are common things we may hear others, or even ourselves, say when we are doing Scent Work. But what information does this really give us? Are we able to maximize on actionable plans on these statements alone, or are we missing a bigger piece of the puzzle?
In this episode, we discuss the differences between ethology and interpretation with Michael McManus, delving into the advantages of using ethology to help in developing better training plans and approaches in Scent Work.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Looking to ensure you and your dog are in-shape, fit and free from injury? Check out the Get Fit With Fido and Dog Sport Fitness Programs through Canine Fitness University.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #ethology #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, the purpose of this discussion with Michael McManus CAPE, CATT, CNWI is to delve into why people compete in the first place, how those people will cope with trials being cancelled nationwide while also highlighting ways handlers can use this time to further improve their skills during an otherwise unsettling and uncertain time.
The main takeaway should be that we will all get through to the other side of this. Use this opportunity to reignite your joy for the game of Scent Work and spending valuable time with our dogs.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Looking to ensure you and your dog are in-shape, fit and free from injury? Check out the Get Fit With Fido and Dog Sport Fitness Programs through Canine Fitness University.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #reasonstotrial #importanceoftraining #fallbackinlovewiththegame #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Pooling odor: a thing that competitors fret about in competition. But what IS pooling odor REALLY?
We sit down with Michael McManus, CAPE, CATT, CNWI in this podcast episode to discuss this topic, how training approaches may affect a dog's ability to work through a pooling odor problem, how inaccessible hides may worsen the issue and much more!
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Looking to ensure you and your dog are in-shape, fit and free from injury? Check out the Get Fit With Fido and Dog Sport Fitness Programs through Canine Fitness University.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #poolingodor #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
When it comes to teaching Scent Work, a great deal of harm can occur when idolization enters the mix.
We direct this episode to our fellow professional instructors and trainers, urging them to remember that they do NOT need to be perfect, that doing so distances them from their clients, and to reject any attempts of idolization since this can cause serious harm to the human and canine client. A thought-provoking episode for certain, but all topics every professional instructor and trainer should take to heart. We hope you enjoy it and welcome any discussions that may come from it.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Looking to ensure you and your dog are in-shape, fit and free from injury? Check out the Get Fit With Fido and Dog Sport Fitness Programs through Canine Fitness University.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
With more and more people being introduced to the activity of Scent Work, it is important for all of us to remember that EVERY dog can do this activity and that this is NOT meant to be a special invitation-only type of exclusive club. Rather, Scent Work should be incredibly INCLUSIVE. We discuss why this is and how we as a community need to do better in this podcast episode. Strap in for blunt real-talk.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Looking to ensure you and your dog are in-shape, fit and free from injury? Check out the Get Fit With Fido and Dog Sport Fitness Programs through Canine Fitness University.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
With the explosion of the popularity of Scent Work, it is important that we all understand what Scent Work actually IS, the difference between the competition element and the activity as well as some key rules for playing the game, especially when you are using target odors. There is a TON of misinformation out there, so in this podcast we attempt to set the record straight.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Looking to ensure you and your dog are in-shape, fit and free from injury? Check out the Get Fit With Fido and Dog Sport Fitness Programs through Canine Fitness University.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Humility. Something everyone from instructors, trainers, trial officials and dog owners should be practicing. Otherwise, you're limiting your own potential! If you close yourself off from learning, you will stifle your own development that will eventually backfire on both yourself and your dog.
In this podcast episode, we discuss the importance of practicing humility in all things dog-training, but especially Scent Work. Hopefully, this will elicit some criticial thinking and discussions at the very least.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Looking to ensure you and your dog are in-shape, fit and free from injury? Check out the Get Fit With Fido and Dog Sport Fitness Programs through Canine Fitness University.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #stayhumible #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
A disturbing trend trial officials are noticing coast-to-coast is that dogs do not seem to know how to hunt when they are going to trial. Instead of knowing what they are doing as they step to the start line, dogs are instead being lead...or dragged...around search areas and tripping over hides.
In this episode, we discuss this problematic trend, how an overabundance of trialing opportunities are opening up the possibility for more and more dog and handlers teams to rush to trial and a quick test you can do at home to tell whether your dog knows how to hunt or not.
We are not trying to disparage any training approach or school of thought. There are lots of ways to get to the same end goal. But that goal should be the dog tapping into their amazing sense of smell and be allowed to be a dog, not the handler taking over the search.
At the very least, this podcast will get you thinking.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
Looking to ensure you and your dog are in-shape, fit and free from injury? Check out the Get Fit With Fido and Dog Sport Fitness Programs through Canine Fitness University.
allaboutscentworkpodcast #doesyourdogknowhowtohunt #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
A disheartening trend happening at the moment is handlers and their dogs are NOT having fun when they are doing Scent Work. Instead, their training and practice sessions are riddled with stress, angst and frustration and this bleeds over to painful-to-watch trialing experiences. This activity is SUPPOSED to enjoyable for both YOU and YOUR DOG...if it isn't, you need to find out why.
We discuss this troubling trend, and spark some discussion about it, in this podcast episode. Ask yourself honestly: am I and my dog having fun playing Scent Work...and if not, why not?
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #scentworkshouldbefun #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Nose Work. Scent Work. Detection. SAR. Tracking. Trialing. ... What the heck do all of these terms mean?! It is enough to cause someone to rip their hair out!
In this episode, we try to break down what each of these terms mean, where they come from and how they relate to one another. Is Nose Work and Scent Work really interchangeable? How does Detection and SAR relate to Nose Work or Scent Work...or do they at all? Where does tracking fit in? What about trialing?! For anyone who is more experienced, we also stress the important of remembering just how confusing all of this CAN be and the daunting amount of lingo associated with this activity.
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If you are interested in learning more about Search and Rescue and professional detection work, check out the Penn Working Dog Center.
Here are some links for the current Nose Work/Scent Work competition organizations within the United States:
NACSW
AKC Scent Work
UKC Nose Work
United States Canine Scent Sports
Performance Scent Dogs
CPE Scent Sports
K9 ABC Games
C-WAGS Scent Detective Program
Sniffing Dog Sports (unclear if still active)
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #whatdoesitallmean #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Our dogs at some point in their lives will become injured. Maybe they have to undergo a surgical procedure or are coming off an illness. In any case, your dog will be laid up and your options of what to do with them may be limited. This is where Scent Work, or simply allowing our dogs to sniff, can take center stage and shine.
In this podcast episode, Dianna discusses how she used Scent Work to rehab her own personal dog and the importance of organizing searches and celebrations thoughtfully and carefully. At the very least, this episode should get everyone thinking about how they can apply Scent Work outside of simply getting their dogs ready to trial.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #rehabyourdog #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Summit trials. One of the most challenging trialing experiences offered in all Scent Work competitions. A 2-day competition featuring expansive search areas, difficult hides and odor problems, and a system where only those competitors who are in the top 20% will earn a title.
In this podcast episode, we speak with Scent Work University Instructor, Natalie McManus, to hear about her Summit Trial experience, what she thinks dogs and handlers need to do prepare to successfully compete at this level as well as some pros and cons of this type of trial. There is a TON of information packed into this short podcast episode that competitors at ALL levels would benefit from, so be sure to check it out!
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You can learn more about the NACSW Summit Trials here: http://www.nacsw.net/news/new-titling-option
Rules about the Summit Trial option can be found here: http://www.nacsw.net/trial-information/trial-rule-book
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #summittrials #nacsw #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
Competitors will oftentimes become flummoxed when their trials are going on longer than they had initially expected, the question being, "WHAT ON EARTH IS TAKING SO LONG?!"
In this podcast episode, we cover some of the reasons why a Scent Work trial may be taking longer than you expected. Additionally, we underline the need for everyone to recognize how difficult it is to put on a trial, that everyone involved is doing there best and how everyone needs to take a deep breath before we jump all over one another.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #whattakessolong #hostingtrials #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
A slogan that is making the rounds as of late is, "Just Train for It!". This has come about in response to people claiming they are having difficulties at trials, especially when it come to potential distractions or distractors. Asking people to train for what they may see at trial is a sound principle on it's face...but is this slogan potentially doing more harm than good?
In this podcast episode, we discuss the inadvertent downsides to "Just Train For It", the need to be clear and thorough as well as how, as community, we need to reassess how we approach trialing and training. A ton of information jammed into one little podcast episode! Let's get to it!
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*NOTE: In this episode, Dianna mentions a few things. One is Michael McManus' The Language of Nose Work: Reading Your Dog Webinar as well as Lori Timberlake's blogs and podcasts.
If you were looking for more detailed instruction on how to work distractions into your training, look into our online course, Only Odor Proofing Course offered through Scent Work University.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #justrainforit #distractortraining #importanceoffoundation #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
No training journey is in a straight line. Regardless of whether you are a professional trainer, instructor or an experienced competitor, there are oftentimes turns, detours, about-turns and more.
In this episode, we speak with Scent Work University Instructor, Lori Timberlake, to learn more about her own personal training journey and highlight the importance of continual learning and building a strong foundation.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #learningjourney #continuallearning #importanceoffoundation #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
It can be difficult to think about, but all of our dogs are aging. As they do, we need to be careful and mindful of what we are asking them to do in regards to all of their activities. This includes Scent Work and is especially true when we are competing with our dogs.
In this podcast episode, we discuss some of those considerations, the way certain competition organizations are designed to encourage competitors to make good decisions on behalf of their dogs as well as how we can better design our training exercises to keep our dogs in the game and not in conflict.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #agingdogs #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
It may sound obvious, but odor is everywhere, NOT just within the realm of Scent Work. So, why aren't we leveraging this fact? Particularly if you are struggling on something in formal Scent Work? Wouldn't it make sense to present a non-formal Scent Work odor picture for your dog to work out, where they would need to hone the very same skills you would also need in Scent Work? That is what we talk about in this podcast episode!
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Want to learn more about the Maintaining Criteria v. Snazzy Searches Webinar we touch upon in this podcast? You can here!
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
allaboutscentworkpodcast #odorisodor #scentwork #nosework #scentworktraining #noseworktraining #scentworku #scentworkuniversity
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Coming soon!
When you hear the word "triangulating", when we are talking about Scent Work, what comes to mind? "Nothing, I have no idea what you are talking about!". Fair enough.
In this podcast episode, we discuss what triangulating is, why dogs do it and how it drastically differs from when a dog may simply go back to a found they've already hide over and over and over again looking for free cookies.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Coming soon!
Ah yes, cataloging. One of the most common complaints handlers have. "UGH! My dog is not telling me about the hides when they find them, they catalog first!". In this episode, we discuss what cataloging is, what it means when your dog is cataloging, why they may be cataloging in the first place and whether cataloging is really an issue, or a training hill you should die on.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
Want to help your dog in the manner department? Maybe you have a new puppy? Check out our newest online dog training platform, Family Dog University, where we offer online dog training courses, webinars, seminars as well as a regularly updated blog and podcast for all of your dog training needs!
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the All About Scent Work Podcast. In this podcast, we talk about all things Scent Work, whether it be training tips, a behind-the-scenes look as far as what your trial official or instructor may be going through and much more. In this episode, we're going to be talking about cataloging and trying to determine whether or not that's an issue or not. Before we start diving into the podcast itself, let me just do a very quick introduction of myself.
My name is Dianna Santos, I am the Owner and Lead Instructor for Scent Work University, Dog Sport University, and Family Dog University. At Scent Work University, what we do is we provide online dog training focusing on all things Scent Work. So, this can be whether or not you're first getting started in Scent Work, whether or not you're trying to hone some skills, or if you're preparing for trial. We also offer webinars as well as our blog. I've been a professional trainer since 2011. I've focused with working with both reactive, fearful, and aggressive dogs. I'm also an approved Scent Work trial official for both AKC Scent Work and USCSS. And I've also worked with a competition organization as a staff member. So, now that you know a little bit more about me, let's dive into the podcast.
So, one of the most common things that I have found as far as a complaint from dog handlers is when their dog will catalog and what I hope to do in this podcast episode is to talk about what cataloging actually is, why it's so stressful to handlers and whether or not it is an issue to begin with. So, you may be asking, "I have no idea what cataloging is. Please enlighten me dear podcast teacher lady."
So, cataloging is when a dog will go into a search area. It doesn't matter what kind. And let's say there are multiple hides in that search area, let's say two or three. And the dog will go in and they will actually find those hides, but they don't communicate it to the handler in anyway, whether or not the dog has been trained a formal alert behavior or not, it's almost as though the dog is going in and saying, "Let me find these first and then I'll tell you about it later."
From a handler's perspective, particularly when you're competing, this is nerve wracking, because when you go into this space and your dog is moving around and doing all types of stuff, in your mind, all you're thinking about is time. And they haven't committed to anything yet, they haven't told you about anything yet, they haven't even shown any natural tells of, "Yes, that is definitively a hide. That is not just me figuring out where odor may be going or odor may have been or where odor may be trapped or anything like that."
They have not communicated any kind of decision point to you whatsoever, formal behavior alert, behavior or not. So, as a handler, it's super stressful, because you're sitting there at a trial waiting for that communication from your dog, again whether or not you have a formal alert behavior such as a sit, a pause, a down, a bark, stand on their head and spit nickles, or you're just reading their natural tells. You're not getting any of that, because your dog is trying to get this information first.
So, from a handler perspective, cataloging, you would think is a huge problem. Because from a handler's standpoint, you think this is actually going to take more time. The dog could have just told you when they first found the hide instead of having to find all of them and then tell you about it. I have to tell you, though, that that perception, I think, from my experience is actually incorrect. Now, here's the interesting thing: for the dogs that I've seen either in-person when I was officiating or when I was working in scoring and I knew of the dogs who cataloged, because they were either students or colleagues or whatnot.
Or in going to seminars and watching lots of videos of other dogs work, the interesting thing about dogs who catalog is that typically speaking, in a very general term, they're faster than dogs who don't catalog. I'm gonna say that one more time. The interesting thing about cataloging, for dogs who catalog, is they actually turn out to be faster as far as their overall search times than dogs who don't catalog.
Now, there hasn't to my knowledge and there very well may have been, I just don't know about it, a formal scientific study about this, a A&B comparison test or anything like that, dog who catalogs, dog who doesn't, and then making certain that you have different categories of dogs who don't catalog. But I think when people are viewing this in the lens of what is faster, what is not, obviously search times will tell you all the information that you need to know.
But every dog has their own searching style, so what I'm going to guess and this is an absolute guess, I have no empirical knowledge or data to back this up. But what I'm gonna guess is that a cataloger is going to be a lot more efficient, to the point, and will be faster of an overall time than a dog who runs into the search area, stirs all the odor up and is zing zanging and ping ponging all over the place. That would be my guess and that's what I'm assuming that we're seeing as far as the differential, as far as search times is concerned.
Now, why would that be? Because again, when we think about this from a million miles up, of course it would be faster if my dog just told me about the hides as they found them. Why would it be faster for my dog to tell me about them afterwards? Because you have to think about how it is that the dog is actually going about this and there are a couple of different parts to a cataloger. But the most consistent thing that I've noticed is that the dogs who tend to catalog are dogs who want to be right.
So, when your dog catalogs, they're making 100,000 percent certain they actually know where the hide is before they tell you about it at all, before they make that final decision point. That's important, because they're not just throwing behaviors at you, they're not just guessing. They are making absolutely positively certain that as far as they know, that's where that hide is and then they tell you about it.
That's really important, because I could have a dog go into a space and they could be throwing behaviors at me left, right, and center, but if that's not where the hide is, that doesn't help me. Sure, they did that three seconds into the run, but it's nowhere near the hide. It's on the other side of the search area. That doesn't help me. I want a dog who works efficiently and I think that this is where just as handlers, we need to be a little bit more, I don't know if honest is the right word, but we just need to be more open in how it is that we're viewing our dogs and what it is we're actually asking them to do.
And what it is that we need them to do, particularly when we're talking about competing. So, again, this is a very common complaint that I have from handlers across, again, the entire country. When I used to work on the East Coast of the United States, now I work on the West Coast of the United States, from the very, very beginning of when I first started doing Scent Work, even when I would go to seminars and work shops, one of the most common things that people complain about, "My dog catalogs, my dog doesn't tell me about the hides right away. It drives me crazy. I hate it." Would be a common thing that people would say.
And from very early on, it always puzzled me, because I understood having been taught and having seen it that the crux of it is that the dog wants to be right. But isn't the most stressful, heart wrenching sort of, "I wanna vomit right now" thing to happen when you're competing is getting a no? So, if you have a dog who's showing you, because they've made an actual decision point, "I know where this hide is," that should make you happy. That should make you feel better not worse particularly, again, when you compare against the dog who's just kinda flinging themselves all over the search area.
Sure, that other dog is probably gonna find some hides, but depending on the type of odor problems that you're posing, they may actually miss some, because they're just flinging around too much. If they had just slowed down and were a little bit more focused, they may actually find more. So, what does all this mean? To me personally, I think it underlines something that as handlers, we have to be mindful of is our dogs are who they are.
They're never going to change who they are. And what I mean by that is your beagle is not going to magically going to become a malinois. And your malinois is not magically going to become a beagle. There are definitely differences from breed to breed. There's differences within the breed. There's differences even within a litter. There's differences individual wise. There's preferences, there's all kinds of things that go into the individual dog, so while you may be watching videos online, maybe things on YouTube, maybe you even went to volunteer at a trial, maybe you're doing something in person, you're working with friends, you're at a group dog training class, whatever.
You see other dogs search, you go, "Oh, I wish my dog would do that." What part of that search are you actually hoping that your dog would do? To do it competently? Okay. To do it where they find it joyful? I'm all for that. To do it where they are excited to play? Hey, those are all great things for me. But if you're saying that you want your dog to "look like another dog," because you think they're "fast", I don't think that that's first of all, achievable, and second of all, I don't think that that's fair to your dog particularly if you have a cataloger.
In my opinion, having a cataloging dog is not a bad thing. It's not a detriment. It's a good thing. Your dog is trying to make certain that they're right. That's great. One of the things I try to tell students or people who are working with me is please don't try to change who your dog is. It's a battle you're not going to win. It's who your dog is. So, for instance, for myself, we'll put this in human terms. I am ... I was born in New York, whenever I get upset, we're talking really, really, really upset, that New York accent comes out. That's how you can tell. If you can hear the New York accent where you're like, "Wow, she sounds like she's from the Bronx even though she's not," then maybe you should give her some space.
That is a hard, baked-in thing that's been there the whole time of my life. Could I work on that piece so that that involuntary change in how I speak depending on how I feel emotionally, could I work on that? I guess. Is it worth it? No. It would take an awful lot of work and I can tell you that it would just revert back to that if I was upset enough. And it's also a really good tell for people around me. It's like dogs, why would you punish a growl? Growls are good, growls are information. Don't punish me when I'm talking New York, then maybe you should just back up a little bit.
But the reason I bring this up is your dog is a cataloger for Scent Work, that's who they are. Don't try to change that. Work within it. Find ways of maximizing on it. Find ways of manipulating your search areas, manipulating your exercises, manipulating your practice sessions, changing how it is that you approach this. Maybe changing your perception of how this all affects your searching. Actually have some real, raw data tying your searches.
If you have multiple dogs in your household and one of them catalogs and others don't, compare them as far as times are concerned and then try to figure out if you do think that your cataloger is slow, are they "slow", because they don't understand the odor problem, which is more often the case than not, or is it because they're cataloging? Which I just don't think is true. When I've seen people who I think they're conflating two different things.
They're conflating the fact their dog catalogs and conflating the fact that their dog may not know how to work out a particular problem. When the dog actually was working out odor problems that they understood, they were very fast. They would go through let's say an interior space that's all perimeter hides. We'll say there's four hides. They go around the entire perimeter, they smell them all out. If you watch that video really super closely, you can see tiny, tiny, tiny tells.
Okay, there's a hide there, there's a hide there, there's a hide there, there's a hide there. They then go back to where the handler is and then they go, "Here's my alert, here's my alert, here's my alert, here's my alert," and then they're done. I mean, you can't ask for anything faster than that. That's brilliant. So, what I'm hoping that we can do as handlers is to understand what it is that we're trying to work on in any given moment. Recognize who your dog is as a hunter and then try to figure out whether or not that is a problem.
More often than not, it's not. It's just who they are. And then you have to figure out, do you want to maximize in certain parts of that thing that they present as? Do you want to maybe fine tune it? Do you wanna improve it? Do you wanna finesse it a little bit? But know that that's who they are. That's probably always going to rear its ugly head at some point and it may not be an ugly head as all. As far as catalog is concerned, in my opinion, it's a very beautiful, wonderful head.
I think it's a fabulous head. So, again, this is a very, very common thing that people complain about. Particularly when we're talking about competition, but even for people who I've worked with who weren't gonna be competing, but they would be in class and they're like, "Oh, they're doing that cataloging thing again." It's like and the problem is what? Your dog was the only dog who found all the hides in their run. All the other dogs missed one.
Be like, we have to understand what it is that we're asking our dogs to do. What is the end result? What is the goal that you're looking for? And just be really specific about that and then try to figure out how can I get there? Again for competition, if your goal is I want my dog to find all the hides, I think that's a perfectly fine goal, then obviously you would want to break down each of the different odor puzzles that could possibly be posed and ensure that your dog could do those individually.
A lot of this is just gonna take time and practice. There are people who, when they're working with their dogs, if they were to have someone else handle the dog, that person would have no idea what that dog was telling them. That's not what Scent Work is about, though. Scent Work isn't about you being able to hand your dog off to Joe Schmoe A and have them go do well. Scent Work is about you doing well with your dog. So, if you have that kind of connection with your dog where they may not have to stand on their head and spit nickels, but you know when they've made that final decision point, that's all that matters.
That's it. That's all you need. You just need to call alert correctly. That's it. So, again, I think a lot of this stuff is people conflating what it is that Scent Work is really about, particularly when we're talking about competition. But also keeping up with the Jones', trying to figure out, "Okay, what's the fast track? How do I get to excellence quicker?" Which again, in my opinion is not the right way of going about it. I think the journey is a lot more important.
And if you take your time, you can figure out the things that you really enjoy about the journey and things that you may not enjoy about the journey. And then you can make better choices as far as what it is you wanna do, not only as far as competition, but the types of games you may wanna play. If you just wanna play at home or maybe you wanna do it on field trips. Maybe that's the time that you jump in the car and go to new places with your dog is when you're gonna go play Scent Work.
But you've found that you don't wanna practice in this place, this place, and that place. That's okay. So, how does all of this wrap up, Miss Podcast Teacher Lady with cataloging? Should I be doing anything if my dog catalogs? And I would say yes. One, you should try to tell if that's exactly what your dog is doing and the way to tell that is if ... perimeter searches are the easiest as far as interior searches. You can do it with a container set up as well. But if you have a number of hides, usually you have to have at least three to really see if that's what the dog is doing.
But have three hides in a perimeter search again, interior or container, and just wait to reward them until they've made a decision point. Again, I'm not asking for a formal alert behavior, I'm just asking for you to actually tell, "Okay, my dog has actually found it. They didn't stumble on it." And if they do, that final decision thing pretty quickly, then they're probably not a cataloger. But if they have to go through that entire perimeter and then go back and make decision points, they very well may be a cataloger.
In that case, what I would strongly urge you to do, I strongly urge everyone to do this, but particularly if you have a cataloger, video tape your practice sessions. You want to be able to see what your dog looks like. What's the difference between them cataloging and when they've actually made the decision? And also, see if there's a difference about the types of searches that they're doing that in. So, what I mean is do they only catalog in certain search elements? Do they only catalog with certain odor problems? Do they only catalog with a certain number of hides?
Because that's absolutely possible. My dog can do a number of different things. He doesn't really have a set pattern. There are times when he will catalog. More often than not, it's when my stress level is a little bit higher or it's a very busy search area. One of the things that he's very consistent with or I should say more consistent with is he will do what's called triangulating and we're gonna do a different podcast episode specifically about that.
But there are other times he'll come up and he'll just find hides right away. So, I need to know and be comfortable with what all that looks like so that I can actually read the communication that he's giving me. So, video tape, video tape, video tape and actually watch back. Watch back each individual run individually. Watch them multiple times, watch it full speed, half speed, and really break down each thing that you're watching. Watch how the dog works the entire space one time you watch a video.
Then, watch how they're working each individual hide then another time you watch the video. Watch individual parts of their body. What are they doing? What's their feet doing? Are their mouths open, are their mouths closed? Are their tails wagging, are their tails still? Are their ears up, are their ears down? What's their eyes doing? What are their whiskers doing depending on how close you can get in. What are they doing with their bodies?
What are they telling us with how they're working out this space? When did they get to that hide? Were they working that hide from a different part of the search area, they made a bee line to it? Were they struggling with that hide initially and then they worked their way back in? How does all this work? That's what you're trying to figure out by trying to watch these videos.
And this is particularly important if you have a cataloger, because then as they are in the process of cataloging, you can determine how many hides they've actually found and which ones they may still be working out, which is important. And then, when they start giving you those final decision points that you can call alert and everything is good. So, I would suggest that cataloging is not a bad thing at all. I would suggest that cataloging is just a way that the dog is attempting to ensure that they're correct, which I would assume a lot of handlers would really appreciate particularly if you're trying to compete.
Because if your dog is trying to be correct, you're not gonna be saying, "Oh, my dog lied or oh my dog was wrong." No, because your dog was trying their best to be right and then there are some people who will be astute and say, "Well, wait a second. If my dog is worried about being right, could that be that my dog is nervous? Could that be that my dog is concerned about being wrong?" And I would say, "You're very astute and yes, that's correct."
And I happen to see it with dogs who are students of mine. There is that one pattern of these are dogs who definitely are concerned about being wrong. They don't want to make a mistake. And that doesn't mean that anything bad has ever happened to them, that's just their personality. I personally hate making mistakes. It makes me really, super uncomfortable. It makes that little, weird, uncomfortable feeling in my chest and I feel as though my stomach is up in my throat and like my blood pressure drops. It's not fun. I don't like making mistakes. They make me very, very uncomfortable.
So, I'd much rather do what I need to do to make sure I do it right the first time. And I think that's probably what dogs go through as well. Maybe not all the same physiological symptoms, but they don't want to be wrong. They don't want to make the mistake. Instead, they want to get it right. Why would you be upset with that? That's a good thing. You want them to be right, that's the whole point. So, I hope that we can somewhat shift the way that we look at cataloging and maybe don't spend as much time trying to change it.
Because, quite honestly, I haven't seen it be that successful. I don't think that it's a hill you need to die on. There's so many other things that you could be working on. Just get your dog really solid on working out those different odor puzzles, make sure that your handling is where it needs to be. Do they catalog more when you're using the leash? Could it just be that your leash handling skills need some work?
I know mine do. There's always different things that you could be working on. When we really sit down and think about it, there's always stuff we could be working on in all of our training, even with Scent Work. So, I don't think that spending a lot of your time and energy trying to change a dog from cataloging to not cataloging is a good and efficient use of your time and energy. I would say embrace it and find how you can use it to your advantage, because again, from the dogs that I've seen both whether they be students in practice sessions or the dogs I've seen in person at trial or what I was scoring or when I was at work shops.
They're actually faster, because they go in, they figure out where the hides are, then they tell their person and they're done. There's not all this flinging around and it may look more exciting, but the times don't lie. The catalogers tend to be a little bit faster, so just something to think about. And that doesn't mean that if your dog doesn't catalog, that means that somehow your dog is worse than the dog who does catalog. No, that's not what I'm trying to say at all.
What I'm hoping, really, is that everyone can recognize the individual hunter that their dog is, really embrace that individuality and figure out how you can make that dog the best hunter they, individually, can be. And they may look completely different than another dog that you know of when they're doing Scent Work. And that's completely okay. No two dogs are gonna work a space exactly the same. No two dogs are gonna work out every single problem exactly the same.
It's just not gonna happen. And nor should they. And nor should we expect that of them. What I'm hoping to do in this rambling podcast episode is to at least get people thinking about recognizing who their dogs are as hunters. If their dog is a cataloger that it actually isn't a bad thing, it may actually be a good thing. And how they may be able to approach their training a little bit differently, that instead of trying to turn their dog into a different type of dog or into a stereotypical view of what they think a certain dog would be like as far as hunting is concerned, that maybe they could just work on individual skills instead.
Both on the dog side and on the handler side, because you're a very important part of this team as well. So, I hope you guys found this podcast episode a little bit helpful as far as diving into what cataloging is, why people complain about it and that it may not actually be such a bad thing after all and that if your dog does catalog, you know you don't have to walk around with a big, red scarlet letter on yourself or anything like that. Embrace your dog's catalogingness and find ways of basically taking your training to the next level as far as improving their ability to work out different odor puzzles.
And also just being able to improve how you read your dog. That would be the best thing that you can do. So, it wouldn't matter, so you'd be like, "Oh, yeah. So, they're working this space. They're cataloging, I think from what I can see from the very subtle cues that they're giving. They found maybe four hides. I know there are five in here, so I'll have to keep a really close eye on for that other one, but I know that they actually didn't work that one corner, so once they tell me about these four hides, maybe we need to work over in that corner together."
That's what Scent Work's all about. It's not supposed to be a "you can turn your brain off, you just stand in the corner, the dog stands on their head and spits nickels and you go yeah, okay, alert." It's supposed to be an active communication between you and your dog during that entire time where the rest of the world just kind of fades away and then you just hear a voice off and yonder, "Yes," that wonderful, glorious, "Yes."
So, I hope that this podcast achieved some of those things as far as a better understanding of what cataloging is and that it may not actually be that big of a deal as far as something that you should be upset about or trying to change in your dog. It'd probably be better to just embrace it and then build some of the other skills.
So, thanks so much for listening. I hope you found this podcast helpful.Happy training and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Strap in, it's time for some real talk. As a community, we all need to do better in how we interact with one another, especially as it pertains to different training approaches. Instead of backing ourselves into a corner, ready to lash out and go on the attack simply because someone trains differently than we do, as a community we need to stay open-minded and willing to cultivate as many tools for our individual toolboxes as possible. Our dogs deserve nothing less!
The fact of the matter is this: we are all on the same team and all want the same thing - for our dogs to have fun playing the sniffy game. So, put out your torches, hang up your pitchforks and put that email or message in your draft folder to sit on for a bit before hitting "Send". Take a deep breath, and ask, "Am I being as good of a owner/handler/trainer/instructor I can be, or, am I letting both myself and my dog down by being tribal and close-minded?". We discuss this and more in our latest podcast episode.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport, or looking for help getting your dog to learn some manners? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the All About Scent Work podcast. In this podcast, we talk about all things Scent Work, whether it be training tips, what your instructor or trial official may be going through, a behind the scenes look for how trials are put together, and much more.
In this episode, we're going to be having a heart to heart. We had some other talks planned for the podcast, but some things came up, and I want to make certain that we have a very honest discussion for the Scent Work community about how we can all be a little bit better.
Before we start diving into the podcast, let me just do a very quick introduction of myself. My name is Dianna Santos, I'm the owner and lead instructor for Scent Work University and Dog Sport University. Scent Work University is an online dog training platform, where we provide Scent Work specific online courses, webinars, and soon to be offering seminars. In addition to that, I've been teaching dogs professionally since 2011. I've specialized in working with fearful dogs, aggressive dogs, I've taught a variety of group dog training classes. I'm also an approved trial official, and I used to work for a competition organization for Scent Work.
As you know a little bit more about me, let's dive into this very important podcast episode.
For anyone who happens to follow me personally on social media, you may have heard that I received some fairly negative messages in the very end of 2018 and the very early part of 2019. Two of these messages were from different individuals who were very upset that I teach Scent Work the way that I do. They needed me to know that they thought that my training approach was incorrect, and that they were very upset that I was doing this, that I was doing online training at all, that I was having people learn with my training approach. They were just very upset with me. They were very, very upset.
We had emailed and messaged back and forth, because I'm always open to talking to people about difference of opinions. It doesn't bother me to have discussions. Really, open and honest discussions about training methods, and understanding from my perspective, that we can always learn, and that not every training approach is going to work for every handler and dog. That's completely true. Or it could just be a matter of preference. Maybe they want to do something a certain way, that's completely fine.
What I wanted to do in this podcast was to just challenge all of us as a dog training community, but specifically for Scent Work, to not be so tribal. This is going to rub some people the wrong way, and I'm going to apologize at the outset. Understand what it is that we're doing. We are training dogs to sniff things out for fun. We are not certifying dogs for SAR teams, or to work with police departments, or in the military, or bomb detection. That's not what this is. This is not life or death stuff. This is a game. This is a sport.
Even in the context of professional teams, there's still no unified way of training. Every single group may train a little bit differently. That's okay. There's nothing wrong with that. What I'm hoping that we can at least think about by the end of this podcast episode, is how we can maybe adjust the way that we think about training approaches, and we think about how we interact with one another. I don't think that this is something where I can sit up on my high horse and look down upon everyone. I think I can improve too. I think everyone can.
We get very married to certain ideas. It's better to just stay open minded, and realize that certain things may have value in certain situations. Sometimes, learning different approaches to see okay, I'm not going to be doing that, that doesn't work for me, or my dog, or how it is I want to do things, that's okay too. There's nothing wrong with that.
Just to make it clear, what is it that I do that is just so terrible, that got these people so upset? I follow the NACSW K9 Nose Work Teaching Method for teaching Scent Work. I am a CNWI, certified through NACSW. This is how I was initially taught, this is how I went through the certification process. It's how I've trained for years. I've gone to a number of seminars and workshops, I've always taken classes where other training methods were used. I can see some value in some of them for specific things.
Personally, I like the way that the K9 Nose Work Training Method starts dogs, where it's focusing solely on having the dog find food, so that it's building the dog's confidence, and it's also allowing either the instructor or the handler/trainer or both, to do an assessment of what it is that you may actually need to work on with that dog, particularly in the area of confidence.
Now, this is where my background comes into play, where I was specializing in working with dogs who were fearful, reactive and aggressive. These are dogs who may or may not ever, either their people don't even know what dog sports are, or they wouldn't be candidates to trial. The reason why we were doing Scent Work was to make it a part of their behavior modification program. It was to improve their quality of life.
That's where I'm coming at this from. This isn't so that they can achieve some title, and it's not that trialing is bad, it's not. That's how I started this. I didn't get involved in Scent Work because I wanted to obtain titles. I got started in it because I was trying to give my dog a better quality of life, who was incredibly aggressive. Trialing wasn't really an option for us. I saw that it did cause a lot of good things for him. It improved his life substantially.
With that in mind, when I was using it in my classes, whether it be Scent Work specific, of if I was weaving it in to my Control Unleashed classes, or even my basic obedience classes, it was with the idea of, 'Okay, how is it that we can give these dogs something that will improve their quality of life, that will build their confidence, that will allow them to be a dog, to give them an outlet, when a lot of the time, their lives are so sheltered, because it has to be?'. Because they need a lot of management, to either keep them safe from the world, or to keep the world safe from them, or a little bit of both.
It's with that foundation of why I got into this, that the K9 Nose Work Training Method really spoke to me, was that it's allowing the dog to lead. It's allowing the dog to make choices. It's not putting them into a situation where they have to be engaged, and it's not that shaping is bad, shaping is not bad. I love shaping. But, with some dogs, they can feel a lot of pressure in order to make the right choice. They may not feel as though they have the choice to make the choice. That's difficult to explain, but if you ever work with a really sensitive dog, either because they're fearful or because they're reactive, they don't have a lot of choices at all in their lives, because they don't make good choices. That's why they're in a behavior modification program to begin with.
There's a lot of management in their lives. By introducing Scent Work, you could actually set up some boxes with food in it, and just see what the dog does. They very well may come up, find one or two boxes and say 'Okay, I can't'. Then, allowing the dog to say, I can't, is a very powerful thing. To say okay, no worries. Then off you go. They go, 'Really? You're going to listen to me? That's great!'.
Then it's also, from a instructor perspective, one of the things that I really enjoy about this approach, is it helps handlers understand the power of manipulating the environment. As opposed to manipulating the dog, which is a huge premise behind this training method, where you're constantly adjusting and molding and figuring out how you can set up your actual exercise, long before you ever bring the dog into it. That's the whole point. How is it that I'm going to help my dog be successful in this run. What do I need to do to ensure that they can actually do this, and do it well. How am I going to promote them learning. What's the point? It makes you think like an actual trainer. It makes you think things through, as opposed to putting all of the pressure on the dog to figure it out.
You can manipulate and change how the search is set up, so that they can be a little bit more successful.
With all of this, when I was doing private lessons with people who had dogs, who were either incredibly shut down and they couldn't leave their front door without vomiting or diarrhea or whatever, because they were so terrified about everything, or, the other extreme, they couldn't leave their front door because they would be at the end of their leash and spitting and foaming and growling and scratching and ... For these people, they're not looking to go to the nationals, they don't even know what the nationals are. Their goal is to maybe walk out their front door, with their dog not losing their mind on either extreme.
That's all they want. They want some semblance of normalcy. They want to be able to have their dog be comfortable in their own skin. They want to feel as though they have tools to allow their dog to not be bouncing off the walls, because they're so managed and there's nothing that this dog can do outside of the four walls of their house, that doesn't send them over the edge. The power of being able to give those people the ability to give their dog the chance to sniff for food, is beyond amazing. They love their boxes.
I have to say, my clients are incredibly creative and brilliant people. Where they have come up with things that I never would've thought of. I had one couple who had a very difficult dog, was aggressive and fearful all at the same time. Had a long bite history before they ever adopted the dog, and was very problematic with other dogs, but also wasn't very good with people either.
We introduced a variety of different things for behavior modification, which, they were working very hard on. The one thing that we had introduced was Scent Work, as just a general concept. Something to give this dog an outlet. What they did, once they realized how much the dog liked it, is they incorporated this into their guest greeting routine. Which I never would've thought of in a million years.
The way that this would work, is they would have the dog on leash, a person would come in, they'd sit in their designated spot on the couch. They would set up some boxes with the dog's favorite treats, and the dog would come up and they would search. This would be almost an assessment: can the dog do the scenting game with this person in their house. They found out that they could, that the dog was so focused on the search, they weren't worried about the person, they weren't fixated on the person, the dog was happy and relaxed and engaged in the game.
They gave their jackpots, inside the boxes. They would then bring the dog back to their bed, which was away from the visitor couch spot. This is where the brilliance comes in. They would have the visitor toss high-value treats at that dog while the dog was on their bed, to be part of their party. If the dog seemed comfortable, the person would then put the high value treats into the boxes, so the dog could do another run. Depending on how the dog was doing, 9 times out of 10, when they first started this, they were amazed, the dog was totally cool with it. The dog would come up, they would search, they'd do another party, and then the dog would get to retreat into another back room with a chew.
That is amazingly brilliant. After they do that a couple times, that person would be part of the trusted group of people that this dog was comfortable with, where they could stay in the room, on leash still, while the person was there, before they retreat into the back room.
That's the beauty of this, of giving the dog the ability to make the choice. Shifting the thinking of the owners, and the handlers, of reading their dog, of listening to what their dog can actually do, of wanting to set the dog up for success, of being creative, but not of simply going, "Okay, we're going to do this and then this and then this, and then dog, you're going to do that and then that and then that."
I don't think they could've come up with this idea, if they were trying to get the dog onto odor, be it a target odor, birch, anise or clove, right out of the gate, or they were worried about alerts, or they were worried about all this other stuff. That had nothing to do with it. They are never going to use birch. At least not in the near future. I got them a scent kit as a gift, and they both said, "Oh, that's very nice, but we're good with food. He really likes food. It's easy for us.".
There's nothing wrong with that. What I'm hoping to show with this example is that there's lots of different reasons why people may be getting involved in Scent Work. I like all of them. I just want more dogs sniffing, whether it be because they want to go to the nationals as a goal, whether or not they just want to get a bunch of titles, if that's a goal, whether or not they just want to have fun with their dog, whether or not they're trying to use it as a behavior modification program, whether or not they just want to get some of the energy out for their dog, they want to give something as far as an outlet so the dog isn't bouncing off the walls.
Because they saw it in a newspaper article or a magazine article, or somewhere online, said "Oh, maybe I should do that.". I don't care why. I just want more dogs sniffing.
This is where we get to the real talk part. In case anyone wasn't certain, there are lots of different ways to teach Scent Work. I'm going to repeat that. There's lots of different ways to teach Scent Work. There is no golden rule. There is no only one way. There never will be, even as Scent Work matures over the years, there's never going to be just one singular way of doing things. If you want to be a good instructor, trainer, owner, handler, whatever, you should be, in my opinion, educating yourself about all the different types, about all the different approaches, and see what pieces of each would work for you.
There are some that you don't think are valuable at all. Again, that's just your personal opinion, and that's fine. There's nothing wrong with that. There are others where you say, "I'm not too fond of this or that, but I do really like the premise behind this and that. Maybe I can tweak it a little bit, to incorporate into what I'm doing.". Let me give you an example of a real-life application.
As I said, I am a CNWI, I use the K9 Nose Work Training Method for training, but that doesn't mean that I turn my mind off to anything else. For my dog, for instance, he loves, I mean, loves to bash containers. He thinks that throwing containers around is the best thing ever. It's just a fun thing, he's a very footsie dog. He slides across our hardwood floors all the time. He loves to pounce on things. It's just literally his personality, it's not as though it was a training thing that we did. It's because he's a Doberman, it's because of who he is.
I frankly find it very endearing. He's just a happy boy. That obviously doesn't really work, if you want to be trialing. I still introduced him to Scent Work using the K9 Nose Work Training Method, and he's 50/50 at a trial, whether or not he's going to bash containers or not. I think that if it was really going to be a big issue, that I would need to do something else. We were getting ready for one set of trials, this has to be a year ago now, I think, and in our practice sessions, he was consistently, if it was a closed box, and a long row of boxes, he would fly down and he would throw all of his weight on top of that box.
In addition to that, we were also working on ground hides. Things that are not in boxes, but just a hide that's actually on the ground, which was one of his weaknesses. He was able to find elevated hides no problem, but he had a really hard time finding ground hides. He had a breakthrough, where he was doing really well on finding ground hides, but now in his super enthusiastic, oh my God, I found it, he was now pouncing on and picking up and throwing, all kinds of craziness.
We worked on it, with pairing and everything else, and it was getting better. There was still this level of just insanity about it. He was just so over the top. I did one or two sessions of where I was going to actually try to shape a behavior for him, where this was mainly for the ground hide. I was going to do it for the containers, but it was mainly for the ground hide. I would just have a tin, just on the floor. He'd be on leash. He'd come up, as soon as he sniffed it, I would click, and then I would feed. I would feed and I would feed and I would feed and I would feed. Then we would leave, we would come up, we'd do it again.
I'm not looking for alert per se, I was looking to capture the "not kill the tin" behavior. He's already been on odor, he had been on odor for years. We were doing this with birch. We did this over, I think it was two or three sessions. Wouldn't you know, it helped immensely. I never used it again. It was a little stop gap kind of thing. We went back to our pairing, back to our other stuff, but I think it helped him understand, "Oh, I don't need to be pouncing on this. Who knew?".
Then we started doing that a little bit with the containers as well, where he would just come up, and I would click, and be "What a good dog, oh, that's a great dog.". Same kind of thing. I used it for two or three sessions, and then he was good. Is he consistently not bashing containers? No. Do I care? Not really. If it's something that I do care about in the future, I may work on it more. Again, I just think that his joy is just, I can't help myself. I just laugh when he does it. Whether or not we're going to be trialing a lot is really up in the air. Just because of my body, and because I'm on the fence about whether or not I think trialing is a good match for me personally, just personality-wise.
The reason I bring that up is, I could see the value in using something like shaping or operant training to build a behavior such as, let's not attack the tin, let's instead mark when you find it by putting your nose on it, or whatever. I could see the value in doing that after the dog actually understands what they're doing. In other words, he already knew what birch and anise and clove was. He already knew how to work ground hides. He already knew the whole concept behind all this. Now, we were truly working on behavior. We weren't working on understanding, we're working on behavior.
I think that's going to rub some people the wrong way. Where they would just say, "You could've just avoided all of this if you'd just done that from the beginning.". I think that's a perfectly fine discussion point. I would tend to argue that, in my opinion, it would be better to have the dog understand all that other stuff first, have a really good solid understanding of being an independent hunter, being able to work out different odor problems, so on and so forth, and then if you need to, you absolutely can start working on the behavior piece, no problem.
The same thing for formal alerts. Here, let's just dive into that discussion too. I personally am not a big fan of teaching formal alerts, particularly right out of the gate. Only because I've seen it backfire so many times. Again, because of the types of dogs that I was working with, and have worked with, that wasn't our goal. That's what the people wanted, obviously, but that's not what the dog needed. I needed the dog to make the choices. I needed the dog to develop their confidence. I needed the dog to lead the search. I don't need to turn all that off and then have the dog worry about sitting or downing or nose poking or whatever.
I also needed the person to do a lot more watching and observing and learning, because it doesn't just apply to Scent Work. This is a piece that I think a lot of people overlook, is when you have a handler, an owner, whatever title you want to give them, and they're working on Scent Work, and you have it set up where the dog is taking a lead and you're asking them to videotape their searches, to watch other classmates, if it's an in-person course, whatever the case may be, you are asking them to hone their eye as far as what a dog looks like when they're searching.
That doesn't just apply to Scent Work. Particularly when you're talking about people who are dealing with dogs with behavioral issues, one of the most important things that you can teach that person is how to properly read their dog. How to tell when their dog is starting to drown in whatever emotion it may be. They're getting stressed, they're getting worried, they're getting over the top. You need to get out of dodge. That's the information that's the most important, because then they can make good choices for their dogs.
If they don't know what any of that looks like, they're going to continually fail, no matter how often you do a behavior modification program, no matter how hard they try. A very big piece of it is being able to read your dog. You have to be able to read what your dog is telling you.
With that in mind, it's so incredibly important, in my opinion, to have handlers who aren't just simply throwing up their hands to be "Oh, look, I want a neon sign for my dog. I need them to be as obvious as day. Just do it for me. Tell me where this hide is.". I understand why you want that, I really do. Getting a "No" quite frankly sucks when you're at a trial. You're missing such an important piece. Being able to see what is your dog doing at this exact moment during a search, are they actually chasing odor, are they in odor at all, are they working at all, are they stressed, are they worried, are they sick.
I was doing a mock trial, and someone came up with their dog, and they're like, "Oh, they got carsick and whatnot". Okay, because I'm looking at the dog and the dog does not look well at all. I'm like, "Did you just get here?" They said, "Yes". I was like, "Okay, why don't you go into the back of the running order and let your dog's tummy settle a little bit, because they don't look like they're feeling very well." "Oh no, they're fine." I'm like, "Really, we're not going to take your run away. I'm telling you, your dog is not doing well." "Oh no, they're fine."
They went, and sure enough, the dog vomited as soon as they crossed over the start line. They had no clue. Now, could it have been that they were just stressed and that the person wanted to be able to get their run in, and they're worried about not doing their run? Who knows. I honestly think they just didn't know that their dog wasn't feeling well.
When you have a better understanding of all the things your dog is telling you while they're searching, a final alert behavior isn't all that important, because they're talking to you that whole time. You would be able to see if a dog is bracketing an inaccessible hide, that that is an inaccessible hide. Once you know what that looks like, it's pretty clear. When a dog does a whiplash turn, okay, they found it. They're closing in on it. When a dog suddenly stops, plants their front feet and starts swinging their hind end around, that's not odor. They want to leave a doggy text. All of that is so important, and has nothing to do with a final alert behavior at all.
Does that mean that I hate people who teach final alert behaviors? Absolutely not. I understand why people want to teach a final alert behavior, and I think that there is actually a value in a final alert behavior, in one element in particular. Vehicle searches. The reason being is that a vehicle search, one of the trends that I've noticed, particularly when I was involved with the competition organization, is that people were training their dogs, whether it be on purpose or inadvertently, to do aggressive alerts, where they wanted the dog to paw at something, or bite it, or whatever.
Vehicle searches are really hard. They're not easy. They're these big hollow things, odor flows all around them, and as a handler, you forget that wind is a factor. The hide may be on one side of the vehicle, but the wind is blowing it towards the other, and your dog is investigating where the odor is collecting, but that's not where the hide is, and so on and so forth. With a vehicle search, your dog is much more likely to be involved in a aggressive alert, if that's what they have in their repertoire, which is hugely problematic. I think it would be wonderful that if you had a dog who was an aggressive alerter for whatever reason, to teach them a formal alert behavior that was completely different.
I think that's completely fine. I don't think that's a problem at all. As long as you're not putting all your eggs in that one basket. You're still building the other skills, you're still teaching your dog to understand okay, the odor may be going here, but that's not where the odor is coming from. How do I find out where the odor is coming from? To allow your dog to come off of the vehicle somewhat, to chase the odor cone so they can get back to source, so that you're conducting the search well, where you're not doing check, check, check, check, check. That drives me crazy.
That's a perfect example. Does that mean that people who do check, check, check are wrong? They're not wrong. It's just a personal preference. It drives me batty, because I don't want to have to walk backwards around a vehicle, where I can barely walk forwards. I'm going to be bashing myself on those mirrors and be tripping over the car, I'm going to land on my ass, it's just going to be a mess. That doesn't mean that people who do that are wrong. It's just something that I'm not a big fan of. I would rather that my dog do the search independently.
This is what I mean, that while I wanted to do a podcast discussing what I'm hoping as a community we can do, it doesn't mean that I'm immune to it. We all have our preferences, and we all have things that we vehemently disagree with. Or, we just don't like, or we wouldn't do. That's okay. That doesn't mean that people who do it are bad. It doesn't mean that people who do it are, even necessarily wrong. Maybe it just works for them. Particularly with all the different types of training that I'm talking about, the dogs aren't being hurt. We're not talking about abuse here. We're not talking about hurting anyone or hurting anything or doing anything that's bad. All these approaches are perfectly fine, they really are.
They're even sound, and if you actually break it down, they all have their place. You can have success in doing any of them. What I'm hoping as a community that we can do, is we be a little bit more open-minded, just as a whole. Instructors, trainers, owners, handlers, everybody, to not be so quick to judge. To not want to just be so tribal of 'Oh no, you're doing that thing over there, therefore you are bad." That's just silly.
For my fellow instructors, here is some very harsh talk.
The allure is there, to build your base, to show A, that you know what you're doing, B, that you're better, and C, since you are better, that means the others are bad. I implore you, please don't do that. It's a huge disservice to your clients, it's also a huge disservice to yourself. Because then you're painting yourself into a box. You very well may have achieved amazing things, and you probably have, you very well may be the cream of the crop. With the dog, or dogs that you have now. With the clients that you have now. There will come a time when you either have a dog personally or you have a client, that all those things that you were saying how you are just the gift to the world for in what you do, they don't work.
If you have been painting yourself as this beacon from on high, this untouchable brilliant, "I am the best thing ever, all must yield before me", what are you supposed to do then? You're not going to reach out for help. You're not going to talk to your colleagues. They might frankly not want to talk to you, if you've been bashing them. There will come a time where you will reach a wall, as far as your own personal knowledge, skills, your weaknesses will show themselves, everybody has them. I have plenty.
Please, there are plenty of dogs out there, there are plenty of people out there who need help, who need someone to guide them throughout their Scent Work career. Whether it be because they want to do competition, or because they want to do it for fun.
There's lots of them, and particularly, if you have any access to online training, there's a whole big wide world out there. Meaning there's lots of potential clients for everybody. We could all, all of us, every single trainer who does Scent Work, could go to the nines in advertising and everything else, and there would still be dogs and handlers left over for everybody.
Don't be afraid to work with somebody else. Don't be afraid to try different things. Always keep learning. Stay humble. For the love of all, please share when things don't go well. The thing that bothers me the most, when I have a new client come to me, is where they and their dog are so incredibly stressed, defeated, deflated, and messages and emails I'll get are, "I don't know what I'm doing wrong, I don't know what's wrong with my dog, we did this, that and the other thing, and this and this and this is broken, and so on and so forth. We're nothing like so and so." Because so and so has been posting every day forever, about how they are brilliant. Their dogs are brilliant. It's always high in trial in this, high in trial in that. Where if they're not trialing, "Oh, I've only been teaching my dog for two seconds, and they can do summit trial level things, even though we never want to trail." "Oh look, I've been working with this dog who was aggressive and in two sessions, they're not aggressive anymore."
It's like, really? Come on. You're doing a huge disservice by doing that. I'm not saying don't celebrate your successes, please do. Feel free to show everyone that you're a person. Feel free to show everyone that your dog is actually a dog. I'm not saying that you have to blast out there, "Oh, by the way, we totally bombed this day." You don't have to say that. Talk about how you train. Talk about your processes. Talk about how yeah, we did really well with this and this, these couple things, we're working on, and that's okay.
It makes it so that you don't feel as though you have to be perfect. It takes a lot of pressure off of you. It also takes an incredible amount of pressure off of the dogs and their people. As professionals, that is our job. Our job is not to create more problems. If people are rushing through their training, because they're trying to achieve these impossible goals, because they think that's what's involved when it's not, that's just a dereliction of duty, in my opinion.
I don't think anyone's doing this on purpose. I think that it's ... I think if people just think, as my fellow colleagues, but that's what you have to do. You have to show that you're the best, that you're great, that you're this or you're that. Otherwise, people won't want to work with you. Yes, you have to show you know what you're doing. Yes, you should know what you're doing. That's only part of it.
Being real, letting people know that you're not perfect either, that it's okay to make mistakes, they're not going to break their dog, how they can avoid breaking their dog, and also showing that you're flexible. Be like, "Okay, yeah, I like teaching this and this in this way, but I also have these tools in my back pocket should I need them. You should also, little client of mine, stay open-minded. Don't just take my word as gospel. By all means work with other people. By all means, watch other videos. Do webinars, do seminars. Do in-person things. Go to YouTube. Learn to your little heart's content." The second I have a client start telling me that I'm the best trainer ever, I put the brakes on that real quick.
Because I'm not going to be actually reach them. All that's turning into is idolization, which has no place in dog training. I am not perfect. I am very, very far from it. I'm also not the most experienced. There are people who've been doing this longer than I've been alive. Of course I'm not going to be more experienced than they are, that's ridiculous.
The point being is that, we have to be careful of how is it we're conducting ourselves as professionals. Realize that you do have a lot of pull, and that you have a lot of clout. People are watching what you do, they're watching what you post, they're watching what you say. If you are constantly saying A, that you are basically the second coming, B, that your approach is the only approach, and C, all other approaches are wrong, you are affecting all of your clients. When you really start building up basically a cult-like following, which is kind of disturbing, that's when people start reaching out to other colleagues like me.
It's not a fun way for me to spend my time. I highly doubt I'm the only one who's ever gotten a negative comment from someone.
This big, very long, rambling episode, in closing, we all need to stay open-minded. There's lots of different ways to get to the same goal point. People may very well have completely different goals, and that's okay. Learn as much as you can. Train with as many people as possible. Take as many classes, webinars, seminars, read books, watch videos, even if it's just to say, "You know what, I don't really like any of that, or I don't think that works for me or my dog." For me, some of my best learning was, "Yeah, now I know what not to do." That's okay. That's still learning, that's still information. You may find a nugget, you may find a piece of gold in there that you never would've thought of before.
How wonderful would that be for both you and your dog? Let's just all stay a little bit more open-minded, know that we're all on the same team. I may not train the way that you do, but my goal is to have more dogs sniff. That's it. There's no nefarious thing behind it. I'm not looking to do anything bad. I just want more dogs sniffing. That's all. If you don't agree with how someone trains, that's okay too. You don't have to train with that person. That's not a requirement.
I think if we could all just take a step back, and not be quite so invested in the approaches, and not become so tribal, and not think that we have to go to war for each other, I think we'd all be a little bit better off.
Thanks so much for listening. I hope that this podcast episode at least got everyone thinking. Happy training, we look forward to seeing you soon.
When it comes to training, we oftentimes want to take shortcuts or cannot wait to work on the "big dog stuff"! This is no different in Scent Work. However, the dismissal of potential training tools outright, or being in such a huge hurry to get rid of them, can be limiting the effectiveness of your training. We dive into this topic in our latest episode, specifically speaking to the use of boxes and pairing as Scent Work training tools.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport, or looking for help getting your dog to learn some manners? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the All About Scent Work Podcast. In this podcast we're gonna be talking about all things that work. We'll be giving you a behind the scenes look at what your instructor or trial officials may be going through. Giving you some training tips, and much more. In this episode we're gonna be talking about boxes and pairing, and how people can not wait to get rid of either of those in their training, and how that could actually be a shortsighted way of looking at your training. Before we start diving into the podcast itself, let me just do a very quick introduction of myself. My name is Dianna Santos. I'm the owner and lead instructor for Scent Work University, and Dog Sport University.
Scent Work University is an online dog training platform where we focus on all things Scent Work. We provide online courses, webinars and seminars. They're designed to help people who are either just getting started in Scent Work, have been doing Scent Work for a while. Maybe playing the game for fun, or may also be interested in doing competition. In addition to being a professional trainer, I'm also an approved trial official, and have actually worked for a competition organization. So now that you know a little bit more about me, let's dive into the podcast.
In this episode I wanted to go over a very common thing that I've notice while I've been training students across the country. It is the desire to get away from foundation skills, and to get away from those quickly. Particularly for those individuals who are interested in competition. There seems to be a rush in order to get their dog ready for trial. But even for people who aren't interested in competing, there seems to be an allure to designate certain things as just a stage, and to announce to the world that my dog no longer needs that. It's as though they're looking at their dog training as though it's having the training wheels on. They can't wait to get them off. What I'm hoping to do in this podcast is to outline for two particular types of training tools that they are tools, and they shouldn't be seen merely as stepping stones. They should be seen as something that you can use throughout the duration of your Scent Work training career.
To allow your dog to be more successful, and to allow your dog to really understand particular odor puzzles, and that they have value throughout the duration that you're going to be doing Scent Work. So that's the goal. We'll see if we reach that goal.
The two things that I wanted to talk about in this podcast is the use of boxes and the use of pairing within the context of Scent Work. Now there are going to be some people right out of the gate who say, "I don't train that way." And that's okay. The one thing that we all have to recognize with Scent Work is, as with all things dog training, there are millions of different ways of getting to the same goal. We can all have our preferences, and that's okay. There's nothing wrong with that. For this podcast I just want to talk about the two things that I tend to do when I am teaching someone for foundations that work, and to hopefully help people understand why it is that those are used in the first place, and the value that they hold. Not only within the foundation context, but that you can also use them throughout any type of Scent Work training that you're trying to do.
The first thing I want to talk about is boxes. For myself, when I'm doing foundations that we're training with the student, either within my online classes or if I was still be able to work with people one-on-one. We would use boxes in order to focus the dog's attention onto a particular part of a search area. It's basically introducing the dog to a container search set up. It allows the dog to self reward, because we'd be using food. It also allows the trainer to assess the dog's confidence, which is extraordinarily important. If I have a dog come up and they're trying to do a box search, and they're very concerned about the boxes, that's important information for me to have as a trainer. I now need to make certain adjustments to ensure that we can build that dog's confidence.
Not only within the contents of Scent Work, but overall. So that I know that this is going to be ... this will be an issue. This is something that we need to address. The boxes give me that information. In addition to that, I can also use the boxes to present a variety of different odor pictures to the dog so that they're able to figure out how to work those out. So for instance, I can use the boxes to present an elevated hide problem, where you have an odor box on top of the seat of a chair for instance. But what I like to tell my students to do, is to use a empty box that's a little distance away from that elevated hide. They'll be collecting some of that odor that's coming out of the odor box, and the dog is typically going to sniff the empty box, because there's going to be odor going into it, realize it's not where the hide is, and then hopefully pick their head up, get a whiff of the actually odor cone, and then work their way up to the elevated box.
This has worked time and time again, and it's a very powerful training technique. This is all the sort of thing that I do in my foundation classes. Now something to point out is, you can do that same exact approach when you are further along in your training. So let's say that you were no long working on primary. Let's say that you were following the K9 Nose Work training method where you start with food and then you do paired odor as far as birch, anise or clove, and now you're just solely on a target odor, and you've been doing it for a while. You may even be competing. Your dog is doing great. But now they're going to the point where they need to do even higher elevation. They need to be doing hides that are three, four, five feet high. You could absolutely bring your boxes back into the picture. What I mean by that is, you can still have your non paired, if you decided to do that, at large elevation hide.
Meaning it's four or five feet up. But you could have some empty boxes facing that hide to allow the dog to investigate the box first, to then figure out where the odor is actually coming from. It gives a dog a sense of familiarity. When they already have a long reinforcement history with boxes, there's no reason to really throw that away. The other great thing about boxes is that they're really easy to transport. So when you want to be able to do training sessions at your field trip locations further down the line for your dog's training, you can just set your boxes up. It could also be a great way of warming your dog up. Anyone who does trialing knows the boxes are used for warm ups. So you could do that within your search area as well.
For instance, let's say that you wanted to do an exterior search with your dog, and your dog happens to be a little bit on the sensitive side. Maybe they're environmentally sensitive, or they could just be very environmentally invested. Or maybe they're not worried about the environment, but they think the environment is really cool. Wouldn't it be nice if you could do a test search where you can see whether or not your dog can actually even think in this space? That's where you can bring your boxes into play. Use the same exact search area that you were going to. You can even still have exterior hides, but have your boxes near those exterior hides to help offer a level of familiarity for the dog. They can come in. They can say, "Oh, we're doing boxes. Clearly we're doing the sniffy game." You can test whether or not they're actually able to perform, or if they may need to have more skills to be successful in that space. That'll be so beneficial, as opposed to trying to force your dog to do well within a given space and just hope for the best.
To do repetition after repetition after repetition and then have them fail over and over and over again. Have you get frustrated, simply because you think that using boxes will be going backwards. "Only baby dogs use boxes!" It's silly. Use this sort of thing as a tool. Use it as a training tool. Don't just simply throw it away, because you perceive that it is something that only baby dogs do. The other great thing about boxes is that you can use them to incorporate into really complicated odor pictures. So if you're trying to do something, like we noted, with very high elevation, that could absolutely be something you can use your boxes for. What about suspended hides? You can do that as well. You could just have boxes. You can suspend your boxes up.
If you're going to a completely crazy location in order to do your searches. Maybe you're trying to work a lot on distractors, where it could literally just be the environment is really distracting, or you actually have a lot of distractors. Wouldn't it be nice to have, again, a level of familiarity for your dog? Where you can set them to succeed, maybe for a warm up search. See if they can actually work in that space first. Give them an opportunity to be successful, and then you can go from there. I'm hoping that these examples can showcase that this is suppose to be a training tool. It's not simply suppose to be some black mark that we never talk about and say, "Oh well, I used to use boxes, but I don't use boxes anymore. I'm this really accomplished Scent Work person, and I'm amazing, and boxes are just for baby dogs." That's just silly. It should be used as a training tool. It should be used as a way to help your dog master these skills, and to further progress in their Scent Work training.
The other thing I wanted to talk about was pairing. I know pairing is definitely something that not everyone agrees upon. There's lots of different schools of thought as far as Scent Work is concerned. There's lots of different schools of thought as far as pairing is concerned. I am a CNWI with an NACSW. I follow the K9 Nose Work training method. I think that it works really well, and I am a very big proponent about pairing. I think pairing is awesome. That being said, if you wanted to use pairing, it should not be seen as something that you do for a very short period of time and you can't wait to get rid of. I tend to see this a lot with people who are definitely interested in competition. Because they say, "Well, I wouldn't be able to use pairing, obviously, at a trial. It's just going to be birch, anise or clove, or whatever target odor that we're using. So I need to get rid of that pairing as quickly as possible, so that I know that my dog understands finding the hide."
Now, I guess I can see the argument in all of that, but I would use a similar type of dog training scenario to try to make my point. Let's talk about the Canine Good Citizen test. For AKC, they offer a Canine Good Citizen test where basically there are 10 different test items. Where they're trying to assess whether or not the dog has the manners that would be necessary for them to be safe out in public. Throughout this test you are not permitted to use any toys or treats in order to reward your dog throughout the exercises. However, there are Canine Good Citizen Prep courses taught throughout the country. I teach them through Dog Sport University online, and I've taught them before in person. The thing that I would always stress to all of my students, and it would typically be a six week class, is while we are training we are going to be using rewards. Whether it be treats, or whether it be toys, or verbal praise, or anything else. Because we're teaching our dog. We're trying to help them understand a skill.
Yes for the test you're not allowed to use that, and we will go through a very specific way of fading out those rewards and to use different types of rewards or just smiling at your dog, and even giving them some verbal praise. But where they wouldn't necessarily have to have the treat immediately, I would strongly suggest that when you're done with the test that you give them lots of treats, let them play with a toy or something. Let your dog know how great they did. But when you are training, you absolutely want to be using all of those rewards. Why wouldn't you? It doesn't make any sense. Now stepping back into Scent Work. The same would apply. I completely agree with you that when you're competing your dog is finding the target odors by themselves. They're not finding birch plus hot dog. They're finding birch. But when you're training you absolutely should be using rewards regardless, and the great thing about Scent Work as a sport is that you are allowed to reward your dog at source, even at trial.
While it won't be paired at the hide itself, you're still allowed to actually feed them a treat when they find the hide, which is great. When we're talking about pairing, I think that we're conflating trying to see whether or not we can help our dog succeed in a given exercise, with trying to ensure that they can actually do the thing at trial. I think those are two completely different things. Let me try to clear up what I mean by that. I initially start off all my students with pairing. The second that they start working with birch, for instance, they're going to see paired hides. They're going to see a tin, typically speaking, with a treat on top of it. This allows the dog to self-reward. The whole purpose behind self rewarding is that there is no convincing the dog what the answer is to the question that you posed. It's very simple.
They came up, they found the hide, they eat their treat. "Ah, brilliant. You want me to find birch." It's very simple to the dog. There's no guess work around it. The handler doesn't have to get involved and trying to explain what it is that this game is all about. That's a very powerful way to train. So if you have a really challenging hide placement, if you pair it it could actually help the dog work that problem out. I'm not saying you have to pair it forever, because you don't. Maybe you just pair it the first time. The same way we use the boxes, maybe do a warm up search where the hides are actually paired. Do a big jackpot with your dog when they find it. You can play with toys, whatever your reward system is. Take them out, throw them a party. Tell them how great they are. Remove all the pairings, keep the hides in the same locations and run the dog again. That's using your pairing as training. It's a training tool.
It should not simply be seen as this stage you can't wait to get rid of. I still pair with my dog. He's been doing Scent Work for five years. That doesn't mean I pair at every single hide. I don't. I'll pair one or two hides within a session. There will be other sessions I don't pair at all. There will be other sessions I pair everything. It's all about being variable. It's about tapping into what we understand about training. What we understand about reward systems, and making things really clear to our dog. My goal is not to set my dog up for failure. I want him to be as successful as possible. It doesn't mean I want everything to be a gimme. I want him to still work and learn to figure out a problem. But I want him to be able to do that. So I don't want him just out there floundering. If pairing the hide is going to help him come up with the solution, and help him understand, "Oh, that's how that works." Then we can over time fade that pairing. Great. Why wouldn't I do that?
So again, this is all a matter of opinion. But the one thing that I'm hoping to make clear in this podcast at least, is that if you are using these tools, whether you're working with someone like myself who follows the K9 Nose Work training method, or if you're doing training on your own, or whatever the case may be. But if you're using something like boxes or pairing or something similar, just realize that they are not simply something to do for a number of weeks, you can't wait to get rid of them and you never use them again. Then it wasn't that helpful of a training tool, and that's what you should be looking at this as, that they are training tools. They are helping your dog achieve the type of learning that you need them to to be successful. That's the whole point.
The last thing I just want to talk about in wrapping up this episode is that when we are progressing in our Scent Work training, what we have to keep in mind is why it is that we're going from step one to step two to step three, and whether or not those steps are artificial, and they're not actually the steps that our dog needs to take, but they're the steps that we think are the steps that everyone else takes. As an example, let's say that you are getting ready to do your very first trail. You're gonna be doing an ORT for instance, and you signed up for birch. You didn't sign up for anise or clove, you just wanna do birch to start off with, which would be fine. It's about six months down the road, you signed up way ahead of time, which is wonderful. You're nice and prepared. But now you're starting to read things online and on social media about people who are rushing along with their dog, and the dog has already found all three odors. They're alerting and they're doing just brilliant things. They've only been training for two days.
You then start coming up with a training plan for both you and your dog, and you're going to be using boxes to start, and you're gonna be using pairing. But now you think that you have to move ahead a lot faster because you've got to get ready for this ORT, so you start taking away some of these things artificially. Instead of giving your dog the time that they need to figure everything out, you're now rushing. You're going up against a false goal, a false deadline that doesn't really exist. What happens when you do that, when you have that kind of approach, is you're going to have glaring holes in your training. You also run the risk of having your dog not really understand what the game is all about. To pick up some suspicious behaviors as far as, if you're really involved in the process and you're trying to shape things or things like that. They may not think it's about the odor at all.
They may think it's about something completely different, if you're not careful. Or they could just determine that the game isn't all that fun, because they're not really sure what's going on. Things are kind of confusing. Because you're up against this deadline, you're probably practicing a lot. So if it's not really fun, it's not really clear, it's not really winning for them, they may actually just not like it all that much. What I'm hoping that people can recognize is that every single dog, every single dog is going to have a different process in how they learn. Every single dog is gonna have a different learning path. Even if you have multiple dogs in your home, every single dog is still going to have a different learning path. Every dog will have different sets of strengths and weaknesses.
But that's why you should have as many tools in your toolbox as possible so you can help all of those dogs, and you don't just paint yourself in a corner where you only turn into a one trick pony, this is all that you can do. You don't wanna just throw tools away. You wanna have them accessible as much as possible so that you can whip them out when you need to. So I hope that makes sense. That while the allure is there to determine what stage everything is and where it belongs, and you can't wait to get out of it so that you can show everyone that you're this pro. Doing this other stuff isn't bad. It's great. It's actually really helpful. It's stuff that you should still lean on throughout the duration that you're gonna be doing Scent Work with your dog.
In my opinion you should be doing it forever. Find times when it would be helpful and then use it. I have no problem whipping out a box or using pairing with my dog. It doesn't bother me in the least. I don't think that it says anything about my training that's negative. I don't think that anyone would look down on me about it, and if they did, I don't care. It works for my dog, and also works for my clients. I'm just hoping that we can all have a better understanding of what these things actually are. It's not simply a, "I can't wait to graduate from this." That shouldn't be the point. "I cannot wait for my dog to actually understand what this is all about," would be a better thing to be excited for. "I can't wait for my dog to confidently do the search." "I can't wait for my dog to independently work this out." "I can't wait for my dog to come up to the start line with me and be really excited to do this game with me." Those are good things to be excited for.
But to get rid of something that could be a really helpful training tool, to me that just seems counterproductive. It's showing that we're looking at this through the wrong lens. I hope that makes sense. I hope you found this podcast helpful. We're diving into some touchy subjects, and it's not meant to make anyone look down upon a different type of training. Different thoughts and different approaches are good. Having different ideas about how to get to the same goal is perfectly fine. It's always been there in dog training, it always will be, and Scent Work is no exception. But what I'm hoping that we can understand is that having tools in our training are there for a reason, and that they can be very helpful, and we shouldn't be so eager to throw them away.
Thanks so much for joining us in this podcast. I hope you found it helpful. Happy training, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
In this episode, we discuss the need for all Scent Work enthusiasts - whether they are interested in competition or not - to practice a bit more patience. Doing so will ensure your dog has the skills they need to be successful in this game...and will also ensure that YOU have the skills needed to be the best handler possible!
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport, or looking for help getting your dog to learn some manners? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the All About Scent Work podcast. In this podcast we talk about all things Scent Work which include training tips, what your instructor or trial official may be going through and much more. In this episode we're going to be talking about the importance of being patient when we're training Scent Work whether we're interested in doing it for fun or for if we're interested in doing it for competition.
Before we start diving into the episode, let me do a very quick introduction on myself. My name is Dianna Santos. I'm the owner and lead instructor for both Scent Work University and Dog Sport University. These are online dog training platforms. They are designed to provide high quality instruction as well as flexibility and convenience so that you'll be able to access these dog training resources regardless of where you're located. So without further ado, let's dive into the podcast.
In this podcast episode what I'm hoping that we can understand as a community is the importance of being patient as far as it comes to dog training overall, but particularly with Scent Work. I do think that there is a tendency within this one specialty of dog training that tends to force people, or invite people rather, to try to rush. There's a couple of different reasons for that, but within this podcast episode I'm just hoping to outline the importance of actually taking your time, of ensuring that your dog understands some core material, and core skills are mastered, that you have mastered some skills, and how it is you can actually design your training so it's not just a simple rush to the end goal.
To start off with I just want to talk about why it is that I think, in my opinion, that Scent Work as an activity invites people to rush, and the reason is that Scent Work as a whole is trying to highlight how amazing our dogs are, and being able to use their nose to find very specific types of odors.
For Scent Work as a competition they're going to be finding things such as birch, anise or clove. That within itself is a very sexy and alluring thing that I could take my dog and I can have them go find something that doesn't normally mean anything to them whatsoever, and to most of the public, birch, anise or clove doesn't mean anything either. So you can whip out your little tin that has a scented Q-Tip in, and say, "My dog is going to find this, and I'm going to hide it somewhere in the house. And they go, "Really? Why?" And I go, "Oh, just wait." So you hide it. You have the dog search for it, and then everyone's oohing and aahing because that's pretty impressive. Why on earth would your dog find birch? I don't even know what birch is if I'm not involved in Scent Work.
Just by design being able to have that super reinforcing activity of being able to show off how brilliant your dog is, that tends to make people want to rush because you realize how cool that is, to show that off to other people or to just do it yourself, you want to be able to do that right away. There are lots of dogs that would benefit from having a foundation laid out in a different way, or maybe they're only searching for food, and I hate framing it that way because it's the same exact thing. Searching for a hot dog, scenting wise is the same thing as searching for birch, but as human beings we put a lot more weight in searching for birch.
One of the things I always try to tell my students whenever they start bringing these things up of, "I've been on primary for a little bit, and now I want to go on to a target odor. I want to do it yesterday. Why can't we go on to a target odor? What's the delay?" Blah, blah, blah. It's okay. I understand what you're saying. I can understand the allure, but are you saying that you think finding a hot dog or a treat is less impressive than finding birch? And they will begrudgingly say yes once you drag it out of them.
I say, "Okay, if that's the case, then you should be able to find a hot dog within a space that I've hidden somewhere. So I want you to put a blindfold on, get down on all fours and find that hot dog where I hid it just using your nose." And they look at me like I'm a little crazy, but that's basically what we're saying when we make that argument. They're like, "Oh yes, so my dog can find a hot dog, but they could be finding birch, and birch is so much better." That's not true. The only difference is that we're trying to teach our dog that birch has value. That's the difference between the two, but the actual ability to scent is the same whether or not your dog is finding hot dogs or birch.
I'm hoping with this example we can understand that just a premise, as an activity, it's almost baked in from a human perspective that we would tend to rush, because we want to show everyone how brilliant our dog is that they can go out and find these target odors.
And there very well may be a situation where your dog would benefit if they were following the K9 Nose Work Training method which I use where they start off with primary, that it would be better for them to find primary for a certain period of time to build up other skills before they ever started finding a target odor. That is again a school of thought as far as how it is that you would train. I would argue there are some dogs, particularly those who are lower on the confidence scale, where you would definitely want to go the primary route because you don't want the dog to potentially be frightened by a particular exercise or something, and then associate that fear with birch. That would be bad.
I'm hoping that you can see with just this introductory part of this podcast with how the activity is almost framed and design invites us to rush, and we have to be mindful of that and fight that urge as much as we can.
One of the things that I would urge people to do when they're thinking about these kinds of things is how is it that you can develop a solid foundation for your dog so they could actually be successful in Scent Work, and let me just put this out there, not just for competition. I think that it's just as valuable for someone to avoid rushing if they only wanted to play the game for fun as the person who is also interested in doing competition down the line. To me those are exactly the same. Those people should have the same concerns.
So with that being said, how is it that you can develop a solid foundation for your dog where you're not rushing them, where you are actually, positively certain that they understand what it is they need to do. And a lot of this is understanding that your dog has to develop skills, but so do you.
For myself personally with how I teach Scent Work using the K9 Nose Work Training Method through NACSW is we are designing search areas where we are always manipulating the environment. We're never trying to manipulate the dog. That's never the goal. So you're always changing the picture that you're presenting to present a different skillset for the dog to master. It's understanding that you are not teaching the dog how to sniff. You're not going up to the dog and saying, "Okay, use your nostril in this way, and then process it that way in your brain, and then do this with it." Of course not. That's not what Scent Work is.
Scent Work is literally presenting different odor pictures to our dogs, and then giving them the time and the space to work those out, because quite honestly we are only guessing as human beings how these odor trails actually work. Our dogs are the experts. We're just trying to give them an opportunity to say, "Here's a funky odor picture, can you work that out?" That's all this is, but you have to give your dog the opportunity to do that. And there are definitely things you can do to manipulate the environment to make that problem easier in the beginning, and then progressively make it a little bit more complicated, but it's understanding that you can even do that piece. That's very important when you're training. You don't have to present your dog with inaccessible hides the very first time you're ever doing Scent Work with them. That would be unfair. What is the goal in doing that? What are you trying to teach your dog? That they can't get to the thing that you're trying to make rewarding? That doesn't make sense.
So for us when we're designing our training plans or our approaches, again, whether we're interested in just doing it for fun or for competition, how is it that we're actually developing the skills for the dog so that they can be successful and they actually understand what it is we want them to do? At the same time understanding that this entire process is not just focused on the dog. You are a very important part of this.
The way that I design my training is so that, particularly in the beginning, the handlers are an observer where we're trying to build as much independence and confidence in the dog as possible so they're going out and they are searching. But the handler is still doing an active role of watching, of watching and learning from their own dog. They're picking up on cues that the dog is giving off, when the dog first detects odor, when the dog is chasing odor, and when the dog has found odor, when the dog is actively working, when the dog could be asking for help, when the dog is getting stressed. All that is really important, and if you rush ahead and you have no idea what any of that looks like, and you were interested in competition, that's going to be a really big problem.
Then another level to those skills is as far as a handler, obviously handling a long line or a leash is a huge skill that you need to be able to master. Knowing what to do with your own body, even if your dog is working off leash, how are you not inhibiting their search? How are you supporting them throughout the search? How can you remind them to go to different parts of the search area without taking over the search? Because if you do too much, with a lot of dogs, they'll just say, "Okay, you with the thumbs, you go find the hide. Let me know when you found it, and then I'll eat a cookie. That sounds good."
So if you're constantly doing check, check, check, check, check, a lot of dogs will just be like, "Okay, just let me know when you find it, and then you can pay me, and then we'll be good." You wouldn't want that. That's not the goal.
I'm hoping that we can understand as a community that both you and your dog have to do a tremendous amount of learning in order to do well. You both have to build a lot of skills in order to do well. As a handler you also have to realize how it is you can set these things up. How are you designing your exercises? How are you splitting this up so they are in incremental steps, that you're not throwing your dog into the deep end of the pool, that you're not turning off their excitement and their joy for the game?
All of this is actually pretty complicated, and it takes time to do. I hope that makes a little more sense as far as the need for developing these solid foundation behaviors, and that rushing ahead, you could absolutely get a list done in three weeks and enter into a lower level trial and potentially do well. People have done it. I've heard of it. I've also seen those very same people maybe squeak by at the next level, and then fall apart at the higher levels because they don't have the skills. They and their dogs simply don't have the skills that they need, and then they languish at those upper levels. The dog learns to hate the game. The person isn't particularly happy, and it's just a mess. All because they said, "But I wanted to get there within three weeks." Why? What happens in three weeks? Do you turn into a pumpkin and you're not allowed to do Scent Work any more?
I understand the allure. I really do, from taking a step back and from listening to my students from over the course of all the years I've been doing Scent Work, on the East Coast of the United States originally, and now on the West Coast of the United States. It's all the same where people want to be able to showcase both themselves and their dogs. They don't want to be wasting time. They don't want to just be spinning their wheels which is completely understandable. I'm not asking that you stay at a given level and don't ever progress. I'm not asking that you don't set goals and try to work towards them. Just the opposite. I'm just asking that those goals be realistic.
To use a completely different dog sport analogy, competition obedience. You wouldn't expect a 12 week old puppy that you've been working with for a week to then enter a trial and earn their OTCH which is their highest level of competition obedience title as possible within AKC. That would be ridiculous. No one in their right mind would ever think that that would happen. They also wouldn't think it would be possible in three weeks. A lot of people would argue you wouldn't be able to do that within a year or two or maybe even three. These things take time. These are very specific skills. This is testing both your dog's ability to work with a variety of different factors, not to mention just learning how to work on hides and odor problems, but being able to work within the environment, being able to work with a variety of different stressors.
Then you have all of your skills too. A lot of people think that this is just simply dog-centric. That the handler doesn't play a role at all, and that's not true. That's a misnomer. You do have skills that you have to develop. You have to be able to listen to your dog. You have to be able to read what it is that they're doing within that space. You also have to know that you're not frankly, screwing them up, that where you are within the space is not inhibiting them from actually finding the hide, that you're not making it impossible for them to be successful. That's a pretty big involvement.
So I hope that we can have a better understanding just as a community that speed should not be the metric. The metric should be whether or not the dog and the handler have obtained the necessarily skills. And I do not think as an instructor myself that I've perfected the way of relaying that to my students. I think it's gotten better over the years, but I don't think that I've perfected it yet, because I'll still get questions from students who say, "Oh, when do we get to do X or Y or Z?" It's like, "You just started this class two weeks ago. It's going to take you time."
I try to be as forthcoming as I can where if anyone who takes my Introduction to Scent Work Class, I say, "Look, if you are interested in competition, as a general rule, I try to tell people it's going to take you six to eight months of training to be ready to to into your very first trial," which I would urge people to do an ORT because they can be extraordinarily informational to tell if your dog would be comfortable in a trial environment. Can they actually search within a trial environment? Can you search in a trial environment?
It's good information to have, and then you probably would be able to enter into the other levels of competition for the other competition organizations, but you would be ready to do that. You wouldn't just be getting in by the skin of your teeth. You wouldn't just be squeaking by. You would actually be confident in your skills at that time point, and that's generally speaking. Are there people who could do it faster? Sure. Are there people who would take longer? Of course, and it shouldn't matter at the end of the day. But I just try to let people know as a general rule, that the timeframe you should think of, but it's a common question that I still receive.
Again, the point is podcast is at least to help people start thinking about the importance of being patient, but I'm not claiming as an instructor that I've found the perfect way of relaying that even to my own students. We try to remind everyone that this will take time and that this is a process and everything else. And again, I think I've improved over time and over the years, but I don't think I've perfected the message just yet. If anyone else has any ideas of how to say stuff, then by all means, please share, but as a general rule, being more patient is extraordinarily helpful, particularly when we're talking about Scent Work.
One of the things that a student recently asked me, "When do we get to do target odors?" Because again, I start using primary, and would lay out and, "Okay, this is how we do it. We do it for six weeks for a primary." If your dog has any kind of confidence issues, if they're a little bit on the shyer side, if you've made a lot of adjustments for them in this first foundation class, their first introduction to Scent Work, then I would urge them to stay on the foundation path where we keep them on primary as we continue to introduce them to other skills.
If your dog doesn't have any confidence issues, if they're loving the game, they didn't have to make a lot of adjustments, then generally speaking then they can go on to the target odor path. So it's six weeks on primary regardless, and then you figure out which fork in the road you would want to take that would be best for your dog. And they were okay with that for about three weeks and then week four is "Okay, when do we do target odors?" It's like, "Okay, we have to finish this class first, and then we have to assess where your dog is."
They finished that first class and it was perfect, and then they went into the birch class and their dog was doing well. Their dog didn't have any confidence issues. They didn't need a lot of adjustments for the exercises. Their dog was actually loving the game, was doing really, really well.
So then they went to what I call the Introducing Birch Course, and again, dog was doing great. And the question was, "Okay, when are we going to teach alerts?" Again, we are literally just introducing the concept of birch to this dog. I said, "Okay, the way that I teach this is we will be using pairing, meaning that there will be a hide out within the space, and we're going to have a treat with that hide so the dog can self-reward, and they can make the association that birch is actually valuable." They will then say, "Okay, but when are we going to teach alerts?" It's like, "We have to teach that birch is valuable first, and then we need to introduce them to all these various odor puzzles and odor problems." The way I start is primarily with containers and interior searches first. Then we should introduce them to the other elements, for my purposes, it's exteriors and vehicles.
If they were interested in doing things like AKC, then we can talk about buried hides or handler discrimination down the road, but teach your dogs the skills first. Then worry about an alert behavior, even if you need it at that point. I would argue that nine times out of 10 you don't because you can read your dog at that point really well, and your dog probably developed a natural alert behavior that you haven't taught which tends to work out pretty well.
Again, that's all about preference and training ideas and schools of thought which is completely fine. It could be a discussion for another time, but that's the way that I train. And this client was like, "Okay." The next week, "When do we teach alert behaviors?" And I was like, "I'm not certain how else to put this to you, that your dog is learning skills right now." So finally the way I framed it was, "Okay, do you have children?" This client said "Yes." I said, "Okay, perfect. How old are they?" "Oh, I have a two year old and I have a six year old." I'm like, "Okay. You think that your two year old is pretty smart, right?" They're like, "Oh they're great, perfect." I'm like, "So can I put them into a college course and expect them to pass a physics' exam?"
She said, "No." The client said, "No." I'm like, "Why not?" "Because they're two." And I said, "Exactly, but are you interested in them doing something like physics down the line or some kind of higher science? They would be able to get a really good job, and maybe be a doctor or something." And the client said, "Of course. I would love for them to be a scientist or something, but they're two years old. They're learning walking and talking a small amount. They're not ready for physics."
I said, "Exactly, and that's where your dog is too." It seemed to kind of click in the brain like, "Oh I need to take my time with my dog." It's not that I think badly about this client. I don't. I understand the allure of trying to get to the end result now, but it's understanding that the dog actually has to understand the skill.
Let me provide you with another example of where in my group classes this would typically be an issue, elevation hides. The way that I teach elevation hides, I actually introduce the concept in my very first class, meaning the very first type of class that someone would take, first timer, so the introduction to Scent Work class. We typically introduce it around week three or four when I was teaching this in person. And the way that I would introduce it is I would have ... Again, we're just using food ... I would have that within a box, and it would be either on top of a empty box, so start off with a very small amount of elevation, or it would be on top of a chair. And there's an empty box facing that item on the floor, so in theory, the odor flows from the elevation hide, collects in the empty box, so the dog can come up and smell the empty box and go, "Ooh, I smell odor, but there's nothing actually in here", and ideally they lift their head up and can catch the odor, kind of work their way back up to that elevated hide.
So it seems to work pretty well to introduce the concept of elevated hides to the dogs. However, elevation odor hides are actually pretty tricky. It's a difficult odor problem for dogs to work out.
As a general rule for my in-person dog training classes, when I was doing Scent Work, this would be the week that the individual dog runs would take the longest because they'd be trying to work out these elevated hides. And this was also the week where the students would get the most frustrated. It's still early in their process of learning all about Scent Work. They can see, plain as day, where the hide is. They don't understand why it takes the dog so long, and when you are the one on the floor, and everyone else is watching you, 10 seconds feels like 10 hours. So they get fidgety. They get frustrated. They do a lot of huffing and puffing, and not understanding why it is that it's taking so long for their dog to find the hide. So we would always have to have a nice big discussion beforehand. Just know that your dog's may take a little bit more time to do this. All I want you to do is breath, step back, allow your dog to work it out, and I'll be narrating to you the various things that I see.
For this one particular client with this one particular dog, came out, dog was working. There was two hides in the search area. They found their other hide very, very easily, and they came up and started working the elevation problem. This dog worked for five minutes straight, and that client, the human client, was beside themselves. They were not a happy camper. They were stressed. They wanted so badly to just step in and tap the box or something. And the only reason I allowed that dog to work that long, because it is a very long time to be working on a problem, is that dog never gave up. They never showed any signs that they were stressed. They were not worried about it at all. They knew roughly where the odor was, but they just could not figure out where it was, but when they did, it was this huge light bulb moment for this dog.
At the end of the run everyone gives a nice, big round of applause to the person who ran. They are not happy at all because they're comparing themselves with their other classmates, which they've already forgotten their classmates may have taken a minute and a half or two minutes to find the hide, but they took five whole minutes. It was just, that's a travesty.
We wrapped the class up, and that person sent me an email immediately that night. They were very upset. They thought that this was clearly evidence that their dog has no idea what they're doing, and they just don't feel they're progressing as well, and yada, yada, yada. I write back, and I'm like, "Seriously, your dog actually did really well. These are the high points. Your dog never gave up. Your dog was persistent. Your dog was showing persistence while they were doing this. Those are all really great qualities, and they found it out and they figured it out in the end."
"These are some adjustments that you can do when you're practicing at home. Definitely keep me posted, and if you have any more questions," and they wrote back, and they weren't having any of it. So then we had a telephone conversation about it, trying to talk this person off the ledge. I said, "Just take tomorrow off from any kind of Scent Work so it's not quite such a thing, and then do some of the adjustments and things we talked about, and by all means, let me know. But again, from my perspective, your dog actually did really well."
Fast forward to the following week. We're moving on to different types of skills, but we're going to be folding in our elevation hides as well. A couple of other students went. Their dogs did very nicely. They all did very well. This other student gets her turn. She comes out with her dog. There were three hides within the search area. There was one elevation hide, one typical hide or introductory hide, and then we also had a different problem that we were posing. Her dog had the fastest run out of everyone. And the look on her face was priceless because she was convinced that her dog was the worst of everyone, and she just wanted to get this done, and she wanted to move on, and she just didn't understand, and "Why is this taking so long?" Five days. Five days, she went from her dog is the worst thing ever to her dog was the fastest of that class.
The reason I like to share this example is what she had done even though she was upset is she'd taken my advice, and she had broken up the exercises she was doing at home. So it was just about elevation when she was doing one of her repetitions. She started with a smaller elevation, and she immediately followed up with a recovery search. So the dog would figure it out, and then the dog would get a really easy recovery search, and then a really huge party.
She got to the point where the elevation was the same height as we had had in class by the end of her practice week. Because she had taken this skill that clearly her dog struggled with, and figuring it out which again is typical, but it could potentially be a weakness for this dog, she broke it up into small pieces. She gave her dog the opportunity and the time to work it out, and sure enough her dog did.
Now just suppose that was what she wanted to do, and she kept saying in our conversations before she finally relented and said, "Okay, I'll do it this way, and if it doesn't work, I'm going to do what I want to do." She wanted to go and present the dog the box. She wanted to say, "I'm just going to tap it. I'm just going to point to the box to get him up there so that they find it faster because I can't have them taking five minutes." And my argument was, "Why not?" This is a learning problem. This is a learning moment. Allow your dog to do the learning.
I would argue, if she had stepped in every single time to point out to the dog where the box was, the dog wouldn't have developed the skills of figuring out that problem, and sure, if we had developed the class so that we weren't still testing elevation hides, and we had just moved on to the next skill, she could have said, "Oh yep, nope, we've found elevated hides. Everything's fine." And in theory, she could keep going on in her training, potentially could go compete, and then sure enough, her dog doesn't know how to work on elevation hide.
Again, I like to include this example because it's a very common theme of I know where the hide is as the handler. I know what the answer is to the question when we're training. It feels like an eternity when my dog is trying to figure that out, and it can be extraordinarily frustrating as the person to take a back seat to the dog, and allow them to do that learning, to allow them to take the lead, and not be quite so involved. In my opinion that's where people start getting into trouble. Allow the dog to do that learning. You can then finesse things once they actually have cemented the skills, but they need the skills first.
I hope that makes sense that it's a very common thing that I've seen again across the country on both coasts. When it comes to Scent Work, people tend to rush a lot, and the dogs are actually pretty smart. The dogs are able to kind of put two and two together, but the more complicated you get, the more problematic that becomes because they need to have a foundation, understanding of these skills to be successful. And that will be exponentially more difficult for you and you'll have gaping holes in your training if you rush through.
I hope you found this podcast somewhat helpful. If there's anything I would love to see happen within this Scent Work community is just for all of us to take just a little bit of a step back, and to have some more patience with our dogs to really enjoy the journey a bit more, and not be so worried about the end result. And this is not just for people who are interested in competition, this also applies for people who are just looking to do things for fun with their dogs. It's really all about the learning itself. It's about the journey. I know that sounds very cliché, but it is true. All those little practice sessions should be the thing that you look forward to more than anything. And whether or not you're competing or you're showing off for your family and friends, that's the cherry on top, but it's the actual individual training sessions that are important.
Thanks so much for joining us. Happy training. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Strap in and get ready for some real talk! In this episode, we share the confessions of a nervous competitor...who also happens to be a professional trainer and a trial official. "What, they are not perfect?!" Nope.
By sharing her story, the hope is this will help fellow competitors who are also nervous about competing. This could be their battle with self-doubt, fears of not being flawless when they compete, or their obsession with outside forces that have nothing to do with the quality of their training (what other people think, etc.). Being open and honest about these things will hopefully be a launching point for future conversations we can all have as a community.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport, or looking for help getting your dog to learn some manners? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the All About Scent Work Podcast. This is where we're going to be talking about halting Scent Work. We'll be giving you a behind the scenes look as far as what's your instructor or trial officials may be going through giving you training tips and much more.
In this episode, we're going to be talking about what it's like to be a nervous competitor, particularly when you're already a professional trainer and you've actually worked for a competition organization before and how that could be a little challenging. Before we start diving into the podcast, allow me to do a very quick introduction of myself. My name is Dianna Santos, I'm the Owner and Lead Instructor for both Scent Work University and Dog Sport University. These are online dog training platforms that are designed to provide outstanding instruction to as many people as possible regardless of whether they're near a dog trainer or not. I've also been a trial official with United States Canine Scent Sports as well as AKC Scent Work. I'm a Certified Nose Work Instructor through the NACSW and I've been teaching group classes since 2011. So now you know a little bit more about me, let's get started in the podcast.
Now, I don't think that being nervous when you're competing is a rare thing. I think that a lot of people can relate to the fact that you could become nervous when it's your time to step up to the line. Are you going to do well? Is there something you were going to forget? What about your long line? Are you going to be doing patterns? What if you say something incorrect? There's a lot of reasons why you would be nervous, but when you're an instructor and a trial official, I think there's an added level of stress. So in this podcast, what I wanted to do was just to document how I feel about the whole thing and the challenges that I faced that are all put on by myself, no one is causing this to happen to me. This all a personal thing that I'm going through.
But I don't think that it's a strange thing. I don't think that it's an anomaly. I think it's actually fairly common. So my goal is to hopefully help someone else not feel so nervous to realize just how much weight we give to trials and it's not to say the trials aren't important. Is that to say that I'm trying to diminish anyone's training, but at the end of the day, this is a game and if you don't pass a particular trial, it's not the end of the world. Your life is not going to come to an end. It may feel like that at the time, but that's not really the case. So again, the point of this podcast is just to really let you know how I'm dealing with this stuff and try to give you some ideas of how you could avoid some of the pitfalls I've put in for myself because there's no point in me going through stuff and then having you do the same exact thing.
So just for full disclosure, I am a professional trainer. I have been for a while. I have worked for a Scent Work Organization. I am an approved official. I have officiated, I've worked in score room, I've done a variety of different things within Scent Work. I do not think that I am the end all and be all of Scent Work, far from it, but I do feel I know my stuff to a certain degree as much as anyone can know anything, especially related to dog training. If you ever hear someone who says, "I know all the answers", you should take that with a grain of salt. With that being said, I have not trialed as much or as often as some. There are some people who you look at their trialing schedule and you're like, "Wow, that's amazing".
I have a love/hate relationship with trialing and a lot of it has to do with the fact that quite frankly, I'm a sore loser, I will readily admit. It is not something that I'm proud of, it's something that I've had since I was a child, so I don't like the way that it feels when I lose or I don't get a Q. But is also a lot of judgment that I've placed on myself and again, there's no outside force that's doing this. It's all in my head. But I also tend to believe that I'm not the only one who's going through this. So I'll tell you a little bit about my journey as far as Scent Work trialing and where I am right now.
So, my very first trial that I ever did in Scent Work was years and years and years ago, and it was with my first Doberman and it was really my first foray into a dog sport at all. I wasn't a professional dog trainer yet. I was in the process of thinking of becoming one and I had no idea about this whole dogs sport thing. I was completely green, I was like a deer in headlights. So I think I was just so new, I didn't even have an opportunity to be nervous, I was just doing it.
I showed up for the ORT with a dog who never should have went to that ORT and I give a lot of props to the people who hosted the trial. They were very welcoming, they were very understanding, they answered a lot of questions, they made sure everything was safe and my dog happened to pass all three ORTs in that day, which was great. Then we determined this is not a good idea. He's not reactive, he's aggressive. It put him back in his training. It was just not a good idea to do. But that was my first taste of actually trialing. Then from there, I started my professional dog training career and I was doing training for Scent Work.
But when I started trialing again, it was actually for Barn Hunt with my new Doberman who is very social and very happy and very wonderful. We did very well in Barn Hunt, he just seemed to take to it like a fish to water. So that went nicely, "Oh, Q's are good. Q's are fun. Trialing is fun, the ribbons are fun. Oh look, he has little letters behind his name now. That's exciting". I did an ORT and he missed one odor, which was fine. Then we went back and we did it again, which was perfectly fine. Up to this point I'm feeling okay, I'm not feeling too bad yet. We then do our NW1 and he passes it on his very first go and I was elated.
I was so excited and there was a woman sitting next to me in the parking lot and she came out and she was so upset because her dog had missed a hide and she was visibly upset, angry upset. Then she just went into this whole meltdown of first she was angry at life, then she was angry at the officials and then she was angry at herself and she apologized to this dog for the remainder of the day. I think this was her second search that she missed the hide. So basically for a NW1 that means that you're done, you miss a hide, you're all set. That has really seared into my brain that I never wanted to be that person. It's not that I think that she's bad or wrong, I felt bad. I felt really sad for her that she was going through all of this because here I am with my brilliant little dog. We happened to pass everything and we had fun and there she is and she's distraught and I felt awful. It was just gross. It was like, "I hope that that's never me."
I hope that I'd never get to that point because in what's the ... Why would I be doing this trialing thing if it made me miserable? Well, fast forward to, I go to my NW2 and in between that time period, I had done trialing with some other organizations and he had done well. There were searches that several USCSS for instance, you're able to keep all the cues that you earn. So if you miss a search is not the end of the world. But if you pass your others, you still walk away with something, which is really great. It's a great confidence booster. It's just a different dynamic. But for NACSW, it's all or nothing. So we go in for our NW2 and at this point my body is already a mess. I can barely walk. I'm a mess and we go to do our exterior search and it's down a couple, maybe three or four steps and then you get to your start line, then you can go.
So I hobbled down the steps and then I released him for his start line. My long line is all tangled, so he pulls me a little bit and he is not hunting for odor, but there is probably a lizard or something similar within this little garden area and I'm like, "Oh, dear Lord". Now mind you at this point, I'm a professional trainer, I'm a official with another organization, I'm a CNWI, so I'm a certified instructor with NACSW. The person who is judging me is a co-founder of NACSW. I have photographers that I've seen other trials that I was either officiating or I was working with. I have clients who are sitting there and they are volunteering at this trial. Can we say pressure? It's not pressure that any of these people are putting on me. Not one of these people were looking at me saying, "Well, you had better get that hide or I'm going to hate you." But that's what I'm thinking in my head.
So now that he is in lizard mode, I'm thinking "That's it, we're done." So I'm trying to get him to other parts of the search area to make sure at least we covered the whole thing. In my mind, lizard time took 15 hours. When you watch the video, it took a whole of like maybe 15 seconds if that, and right next to that garden area, was a garden hose off by itself and that's where the hide was. Do you think that my dog went to that area or tried to multiple times? Of course he did. Do you think that his mother would let him check that out? Of course she didn't. So we looked at all this other stuff and I timed out and then when they told me where the hide was, I honestly never even saw that garden hose.
I was so up in my head about all this other stuff that I wasn't even in the moment. I was so concerned about, "Oh, now he's going to be just on the lizards. All these people think I don't know what I'm doing. They're going to take away my instructor status". Like none of this is going to happen, but it's what I thought and "Oh, by the way, it's on video. Awesome, I'll make sure that I buy that". So from there, we then go into our container search. Same judge, same co-founder of NACSW, same photographer, and even more people that I know who are volunteering. I'm like, "Great" and it's in a gymnasium and the containers were a collection of different kinds of boxes, but the things that are the most important to the story, are metal lunchboxes.
I set my dog up at the start line, I release him, and he immediately launches himself on top of one the metal lunchboxes and slides down to the very middle part of the gymnasium as he's riding this lunchbox and I know damn well that's not the hide, but I'm so concerned that he's going to destroy this entire search area that I just call it and the judge said "No, but he's having a really great time." So I know I'm done. Like there's no fixing this, we are so not into doing this NW2. But good grief, we then go on because we still have to do everything else. We have an interior search and our interior search is two rooms and I elect to have him off leash for both rooms. So the first room, there's going to be two highs and the second room, there's going to be one hide and they were classroomish kind of things. So I release him to go for the very first room and he buzzes around looking like he's not doing a whole lot of anything. He's just running around, which is a wonderful thing to see.
At this point I'm feeling just resigned to the fact that we haven't passed and kind of just enjoying him being joyful. But then he comes up to a garbage can that has wheels and he sniffs that wheel and in my head, I call alert, but my mouth doesn't say anything and he leaves. Now I'm stuck with this debate of, "Oh no, I was supposed to say alert and I didn't. What do I do? How do I get him back and all?" He's just like ... It's just, it's a mess at this point. We then go to the middle of the room and he's able to work on a hide that was on a chair. Brilliant. Actually called alert for that one. Feed him, fabulous. We got back to where the garbage can is. Do you think that I motioned near the garbage candy? Do you think that I did anything to help my dog? Of course I didn't. So now he's like, "Well clearly you didn't like that hide when I told you about last time. I'm going to go bounce around and go see what other stuff I can find". So I called alert on some sink or something where it would never be in a million years and the poor judge was like, "No". You could just like hear it in her voice like "What are you doing?"
That was where I had the soul crushing feeling of "They're going to take my official card away. I'm not going to be able to be an instructor anymore. I can't be a trial official anymore. They may take my dog away". I mean, none of this is true at all, but it's everything that you're thinking in the moment. So I collect my dog and was like, "Oh, what a good little honey". Here, that's where it was. Like, "Yeah, I know that's where it was" and we do the second room and I have to say, even though everything has been a mess up to this point, he really rocked that second room. It was an inaccessible hide and he told me that it was inaccessible hide, he was bracketing it like it was crazy. So, wouldn't you know, I actually called it and we got a yes. "Woo, yay".
Then we had our vehicle search for our very last search. Once again, our judge is a co-founder for NACSW and there's a bunch of people again that I can recognize who are either filming or they're volunteering. The start line, I believe the vehicle was in something like a tennis court or something similar to that, though was surrounded by fencing. The start line was at the opening of when the gates, but the vehicles are inside. Again, we're in Southern California, it's summertime, so it's hot. Do you think that I would just after they told me that I could go, would walk up to the vehicles and then let him search? Of course not. Why would I do that? That wouldn't make sense. So I released him from the start line, nowhere near the vehicles.
Then eventually we got to the vehicles and he told me about the hide pretty quickly. Do you think that I called it? of course I didn't call it. So now my poor black dog in the middle of Southern California summer is in sweltering heat and burning pause and it's just a mess going around and around and around and finally, he shows me again and I say alert and I get the where and I point and I actually get a yes. Now mind you, this is NW2. Do you think that I said finish? I mean, watching the videos from this trial for me personally is hysterical because it's just such a mess. It's just awful.
But even so, the world didn't end on that day. It was a learning experience. These are all things that I took away saying, you know what? We probably weren't ready for this trial to begin with. He probably is fine, I need help clearly. But it's not that big of a deal and just because these people are there, I'm sure that they would have been delighted to have celebrated in our success if we were successful and I'm sure that some of them were like, "Oh, that's so sad that it didn't go well". We did get called out during the debriefing of the judge for the interior search. The first search said, "Oh yeah, and the lady with the Doberman. That Doberman, what he likes to do is run around, stir the odor up, and then find where the hides are. It's really interesting and fun to watch". It's like, "Yay...".
But the point being is that with that trial, I have not been rushing to go back into another NW2. I've actually been putting it off and putting it off and putting it off and putting it off some more. Well, I finally entered one thinking because it's in the town that I live in, there's no way I'm going to get into it. We did and I'm like, "Oh God, this is going to be a great opportunity for me to show that I don't know what I'm doing again". The thing is that, it's not that I don't know what I'm doing, I do. I have a lot of years under my belt. My dog is really good. I'm not the best handler in the face of the earth, I know that. My body doesn't cooperate really well and my brain, my mind does not help.
The lack of self confidence really becomes glaringly obvious and worrying about all these other things. Particularly now that I've launched these two online platforms, my concern is, "What do you mean you don't have your NW2 yet? That's awful. I'm never going to work with you. You have no idea what you're doing, you sucked". It's not true, I actually do know what to do but I am a poster child for what happens when you let all these thoughts get away from you. So I'm hoping with this podcast by sharing and being very open and honest about the stuff, cause I'm not shy about sharing it at all. Then hopefully I can help somebody else realizes that that's all really silly and are there people out there who will say that, who will think that, who will talk among their little circle and say? "Oh, she's such a joke. She can't ... She doesn't even have her NW2 yet. I can't believe that people give her money."
Sure, there very well maybe. But that's not the majority of people and even if they do, so what? I don't have someone banging down my door saying "You are no longer allowed to be an instructor. You may not be an official. You're no longer allowed to own your dog because you haven't titled to the level that we think is appropriate". Like it's just ridiculous. But that's exactly what I think a lot of the time, and I don't think that I'm alone. While this is for people who are officials or who are trainers, I think that there are people who also have those issues when they are just competitors. They're worried about the other competitors think, they're worried what their classmates think, they're worried about their instructor thinks. It's a very natural thing for people to go through. But I can tell you it doesn't help you. It's not a motivator. All it does is muddy the picture for you.
So again, my NW2 is this weekend and I can quite honestly tell you I'm not looking forward to it, which is silly and I just have to have a really good assessment with myself of why am I doing this? It has nothing to do with the organization because I can tell you I've tried with a number of different organizations and every single time that we trial, it's more stressful than fun and it's just because I'm worried about these other things that no one else cares about. So I need to determine is there a way that I can compartmentalize? Is there a way that I can fix the way that I'm looking at this, so it is actually enjoyable? But if it's not, then we probably shouldn't be trialing.
There's no reason to put myself and my dog in that kind of situation and particularly for my fellow super nervous and self conscious competitors, just know that there's no way that you can be there for your dog as a teammate that you need to be if you're not mentally in the game and that's easier said than done. Something that I struggle with clearly and I haven't found the perfect solution to it. I know the things that I should be doing about this as far as how I could change my thinking about it and I just go, "Oh, that's just so hard, we'll deal with that later. I'll go do some other project before I have to worry about that". But if you're finding yourself constantly concerning yourself about what other people think, is going to take away from you building these memories with your dog and from you performing well. Even if performing well doesn't mean a cue, is still means that you and your dog are jelling together as a team.
I've seen this happen with other people and I go, "Ugh, if you would just get out of your own way, you would be fine". Then I'm always expecting them to turn around and be like, "Hello, kettle, how are you?" So it's easy for many of us to say to other people, "Oh, this is what you should do", and "Oh, here's a solution to your problem" when really you're struggling with it yourself. As far as some real life tangible things that you could take away from this podcast, just know that for me personally, if I had a client or a colleague who went to a trial and they did not qualify, I do not have a little black book that I'm keeping track of all that stuff. I'm not waiting to pounce on them and say, "Ha ha, you are not as good as you thought you are". That's not what I do. Instead, I would always celebrate the things that they did do and they did well at that trial.
Even for my NW2 that I just described, that wasn't really all that great at all. I can still hold on to the fact that while that container search was for all intents and purposes on a professional standpoint could be deemed as a disaster, it was hilarious. That's very funny. He was having a grand ole time. We weren't going to cue, I hope that he doesn't do it again, but it was funny in the moment. That will be a memory that I will hold onto the entire length of time that I am blessed to have him. That's something, so if you're having difficulty finding joy in trialing and you're nervous about it, but you're not nervous about whether or not your training is where it should be, but you're nervous about all these other outside factors.
The one thing I can tell you from personal experience, being someone who I honestly an instructor and an official would be more exposed to potential backlash. It's overblown, it's not true, it's not real. It really is all in your head and there will be some people who are detractors. There will be some people who are negative, but the vast majority of people are not.
The vast majority of people are very supportive within this community and they understand that you're a person, that you're a human being and you're not a robot. You're not a machine. You're not perfect and neither is your dog. People happen to like humility and they like honesty and being authentic. Being vulnerable is all those things, being where you're admitting to say I'm a little nervous. I'm not nervous that we can do well, if I can just get my head in the right space. If I think about this right then I think we'll be fine. But I get in my own way because I'm worried about all these other things. The key point is that you're not alone. There's a lot of people who think that, particularly if you happen to be a professional trainer and even more so if you also happen to be a trial official.
Now that this rambling podcast has gone on, you may be asking yourself, "Okay, well little miss teacher lady, what are you doing to help yourself where that NW2 that is coming up?" The main thing is I'm just trying to not load my schedule up with too much other stuff cause that tends to be what I do when I'm stressed. I try to put on tons and tons of other projects so that I can constantly keep myself busy. But what's going to happen is as that day approaches and then I say, "Oh no, that day is eating into my schedule, maybe I'll just skip it", which would be bad. So I'm trying to keep a balance. We're doing short little training sessions leading up to it. Nothing major, but just making sure we're keeping it really nice and fun and high octane for both of us.
I'm just trying to keep my expectations realistic. All I'm looking for going into this is to have a good time and I know that sounds incredibly cliche. "Of course you'll have a good time if you qualify", but I can tell you there have been times that I've gone to trials for other organizations that had nothing to do with the organization per se, but just the way that I was conducting myself at the trial where my dog did great, he would get five out of five or six out of six or whatever the case may be, and I didn't have a good time at all. I was stressed to the nines, I was trying to do too many things at once. I was working at the trial the same time I was running him. I was doing a million things at once and it was miserable. I didn't like it at all. I'm looking to not have that experience again.
For this NW2, if we don't pass anything but we together as a team have fun, that's all I care about. I mean sincere, true, real life fun. If he wants to dance on containers without destroying them or whatever else, okay. I not promoting that, but it's the change in mindset of "I'm okay if we don't Q as long as we're having a good time together." But if we can't even do that, then I just don't think that trialing is a good choice for me. That's just got to be a choice that I'd have to make at some point because right now it's ... I'm at a fork in the road where there have been some experiences have been really pleasant. Obviously the ones that you could win, more of those are in that camp. But like I said, there have been times when we've killed it and I didn't have fun at all. It was miserable.
So I changed some things so that I'm no longer trying to do 20 million things at once when I'm trialing and I'm hoping that they'll make a difference. But I honestly don't know if it will, because I'm still expecting myself to have this little voice in the back of my head that are saying, "You have to be perfect. How are you not perfect? Now no one's going to listen to you. No one's going to buy your courses. You're going to go out of business, AHHH". What's the joy in that? That's miserable, that's awful. So a lot of this is going to hinge on my ability to quiet those voices that aren't overly helpful, to focus on the training and the knowledge that I have, the amazing ability that my dog has and not get stuck in those circular patterns of thinking that are quite unhelpful.
If we're able to do that and we're able to have fun, then we may continue trialing. But if we don't, meaning I'm not able to do that, then we may just need to take a break for awhile and that may include never going for an NW2 again and who knows? He's five, we have plenty of time. What I'm hoping that people can get from this rambling of a podcast, is that there is no absolute way of how you need to do this. I know people personally who have done dog sports for a long time and they just burned out. They took a long break as more talking like 5, 10, 15 years. They didn't do anything and then they came across another dog that they thought would do well and it piqued their interest a little bit. Then maybe try a different dog sport and they take it in stride and they make sure that it's fun and they prepare ahead of time so they're not just winging it.
They're going in when they're prepared and they are just coming at it from a better perspective where they're able to go in, realize this is just a game. It's an opportunity to make memories with their dog. They're prepared to do well and they don't Q every time, but they have fun every time and that's something that I aspire to be. I don't know if that's possible for me personally, but I'm hoping that people can understand is that your journey doesn't have to stay linear. You can change your mind at any point. So even if I were to turn around tomorrow and say, "You know what, I don't think this trial thing is for me". That may just be for now, it's not as though I'm handing in some card that says I'm never allowed to trial again. It may just be that I trial at a later date.
So if anyone else is battling nerves, self doubt, they're concerned that the world is glaring at them, they're not going up the levels as fast as they thought that they should. Their dog doesn't have as many letters behind their name. They don't have as many accolades, particularly if you're an official or an instructor. Just know that first of all, no one cares. Really, no one's keeping track of these things. The people who are quite honestly, their opinion doesn't really matter at the end of the day. Just don't get bogged down in that stuff.
If you're really are struggling, it probably is best to just take a break. Your pocket book will thank you. Trialing is expensive and if you're not having a good time, which is going to translate to your dog not having a good time, it reaches and make a whole lot of sense. So just take a break to reassess and then maybe you only do certain things. Maybe only trial so much, and then maybe we're able to turn a corner and you're just a trialing fanatic and you have fun every single time and that would be great. But the main thing that I'm hoping that everyone can understand is that you don't have to be stuck doing anything.
All of this is a choice and it should be a choice you make individualized for you and your dog and that can change over the life of your dog. That can change if you were to get another dog, that can change between having different dogs in your household. But whether or not you trial or not, doesn't define who you are as a person and that's coming from someone who struggles with that very thought. I know intellectually it's true, but it's difficult for you to admit, particularly when you're a professional.
So I hope this podcast was able to help anyone else out there who has been described as a nervous competitor because of outside forces. You're not alone, it's actually fairly common. But just try to reassess so you can figure out the best way that you can find, joy again for both you and your dog.
I hope you find this podcast helpful. Happy training and we look forward to seeing you soon.
The term "reactive dog" can mean so many things to so many people...which can make talking about this subject quite challenging. In this podcast, we attempt to better define this term, outline the types of dogs who may be included in this category, while also talking plainly about which dogs specifically should not be competing at Scent Work trials at all (ie. aggressive dogs).
We also touch upon the need for everyone to be an advocate for their own particular dog and how we can all be more understanding and use a bit more empathy toward one another. Definitely a large topic to try to tackle, but hopefully this podcast can at the very least spark some meaningful discussions and thoughts on this thoroughly sensitive subject.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competiton, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport, or looking for help getting your dog to learn some manners? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the All About Scent Work podcast. In this podcast we'll be talking about all things Scent Work. This includes a behind the scenes look for how trials are conducted, what your instructor may be going through, training tips, and other helpful information that we can provide. In this episode, we're gonna be discussing the topic of reactive dogs in Scent Work. Most importantly trying to nail down what the real definition of what a reactive dog is, and helping you make a better determination of whether or not you should be competing with your dog at a Scent Work trial.
Before we dive into the podcast itself, allow me to do a very quick introduction from myself. My name is Dianna Santos. I'm the owner and lead instructor for Scent Work University. This is an online dog training platform where we provide online courses, webinars, and seminars to help you achieve your Scent Work goals. Whether it simply be just playing the game at home, or also preparing for competition. So without further ado, let's get started within the podcast.
One of the most common things that I've encountered throughout my time with being a professional instructor and trainer is the lack of understanding of what a "reactive dog" actually is. There is a very broad understanding as far as which dogs would actually fall in that category. When we're talking about Scent Work in particular, particularly in the realm of competition, many of us may be referring to completely different dogs as far as how they present behaviorally, but we're lumping them all into the same category of a reactive dog. The purpose behind this podcast episode is to try to help us have a better understanding of what that word actually means.
Whether or not our dogs are indeed reactive, and if they are, would it to suitable for us to be competing with them? And if we were going to be competing with them, where we may want to compete. It's a fairly large topic, but I'm hoping that it'll provide some clarification, because there does seem to be a lot of confusion around this word. It's only been exacerbated over the years. I don't think that it's been clarified much. There's people who use this term interchangeably with other things that I just don't think is very helpful.
Again, for my purposes, my goal anyway, is to help clarify at least what I believe a reactive dog would be behaviorally speaking, to try to put a little bit more meaning behind that term. And then as a community we just need to determine if maybe that term is fairly useless at this point, and if we need to maybe find some other ways of describing what we are trying to say a certain dog may be presenting as behaviorally.
For myself personally, reactive dogs can actually include a subset of several dogs. A reactive dog to me is a dog who has spacial sensitivity to either other dogs or other people, meaning that they would prefer to be farther away from other dogs or other people. Now, that preference can either be fear-based in that they're afraid of other dogs or other people, or that those things may hurt them. Or that they actually are offensive towards them, where they would like to hurt other dogs and other people.
That within itself I think is a very important distinction, because if your dog is more on the "I would like to hurt other dogs and other people" range, in my opinion, then your dog more than likely than not should not be competing because they're more closer to the aggression part of that scale. Where they're going to be thinking that a good offense is the best defense, meaning, I'll use my teeth and I'll think about it later. That's simply just not safe. If your dog's first reflex is to try to bite something, whether be another dog, another person, or whatever other trigger there may be because it has startled them, it's just not a good idea to have them in a trial environment.
Now, there are many people who will say, "Well, my dog and I have been competing in several different sports. And I've been competing in several different sports for a long period of time. I compete in agility, or I do fly ball, or I do competition obedience, or whatever the case may be". All those sports are specifically not open to reactive dogs. They don't make a blanket statement as a sport saying, yes, we would like reactive dogs to be here. It's actually quite to opposite.
But in that vein, they may actually have a dog who would prefer if other dogs didn't sniff their butt, or something like that. These very same people say, "Well, I've been in these much higher octane sports and activities, and I've been able to manage my dog just fine, everything is okay. So, all of your concern about a separate trial is not really well founded".
I would just have to disagree. The reason being is that it is true that at Scent Work, you are not having dogs running at full tilt. They're not doing obstacle courses. They're not maybe at the same type of adrenaline high than a dog coming right off an agility course maybe. That is true. But there's a different type of adrenaline high. And again, we just have to be blunt about this. If as a sport, not going into specifics about particular venues, but as a sport, we are saying that dogs who are "reactive" are welcome to come and attend and compete. You are now dealing with a different population of dog.
That's not to say that I think reactive dogs are bad. I don't. But we have to just be honest about this. These are dogs who are coping with a completely different subset of triggers and issues than dogs who are not reactive do not have to deal with. Those non-reactive dogs are not stress stacking for instance. They're not dealing with all the stresses of life and being bombarded with them every single second. If a leaf blows by for a regular dog they're like, "Oh, a leaf went by." But for a "reactive dog", it could be, "Oh, my god a leaf went by!" And that was on top of everything else that just happened to them within that day before you ever get to the trial.
When people start bringing up other sports, I honestly think that's it's a false equivalency. We're comparing apples to oranges. It's not the same. I agree that there are definitely higher octane activities out there. With those activities for all of my "reactive dog" clients, I will tell them to stay away from those activities like the plague. If your dog is reactive, you should not be probably going to an agility trial unless they have done an enormous amount of work ahead of time. They have improve tremendously, they have all kinds of coping mechanisms and skills.
Even so, in my humble opinion, is it worth it? Would it just be better to play that game at home where you know the dog can be safe, than put them into a situation where they could potentially make a mistake, which could just be devastating. To not only you and your dog, but to whoever or whichever dog they did that mistake to. Again, this is where I think things keep getting complicated. We're not talking about the same things. We're not looking at this all as the same picture.
My hope with this podcast is that it won't be too much of rambling, but rather we can just really focus our attention on what this stuff is. And we can all talk about it openly and honestly without getting everyone's defenses up. And without thinking that one type of dog is better than another type of dog, one activity is better, or organizations are bad for how they stand on things. That has nothing to do with it. As a community, we just have to be really open and honest. Every single dog has a set of very sharp teeth in their mouth.
Every single dog has the ability to bite. Every single dog has the ability to hurt either another dog or another person. We just have to come to terms with that. And there are some dogs on that scale who will like to use their teeth more than others. That doesn't mean that every single reactive dog does. They don't, but if your dog is closer to the aggression side of that scale, they should not be competing. You should be working with a professional to ensure you're keeping yourself safe, to ensure you're keeping your family safe, you're keeping any other animals in your household safe, and you making sure that this dog is safe. That they're making good decisions. That they're not being put into a situation where they're going to have to use they're teeth.
Again, just a little bit of honesty and looking at these hard questions, and without getting all emotional about it, I think can help all of us in the end just make better decisions for our dogs. Again, getting back to the definition of what a reactive dog is. For me, personally there are these two tracks of dogs who are more fear based, and dogs who are more aggression based. Again, for me personally, if you're more towards the aggression part of that scale, you most definitely should not be competing. If you are truly aggressive you probably shouldn't be leaving your house a whole lot. And you definitely should be working with a professional one-on-one, and that should be in person.
I do online training because I'm incapable physically of actually working with people in person any longer. I worked with aggressive and reactive and fearful dogs for years. I will not work with someone virtually. I just personally do not think it's safe. I would much rather have a trainer there in-person to see with their own eyes what the dog is doing and they can put together a plan.
But now we're going to be talking about the other population of reactive dogs. The dogs who are mostly based in fear where they are barking or lunging because they're trying to make this thing, be it a person or a dog, go away. That's what all that big display is all about. "If you keep coming at me I may have to snap at you. I may even make contact with you. But more often that not, I would really prefer for you to just leave. And if you did leave, then I would retreat and go somewhere else."
Within that subset of dogs, you then have dogs who may also just be fearful. Whereas, yes, they do bark and lunge, but they also are just afraid. So, could just building their confidence overall, letting them know that they'll be kept safe. Could that be enough to help in including in their management? If you're going to be competing with this dog, depending on their level of reactivity, are there ways that you can just put in routines in place to help keep that dog safe? To do proper management, to ensure that they wouldn't have to be doing these sorts of things.
This is where I think as a community we just need to change our perspective of these things. It's not that your dog is being a jerk. It's not that your dog doesn't have manners. It's not that your dog is being abstinent. Your dog is afraid. Your dog is concerned. Your dog is doing what is 100 thousand percent totally appropriate for a dog to do. If I want that thing to go away, I'm gonna use all the tools in my toolbox to make it go away. That's barking and lunging. If that thing has any sense, it will leave me alone because there's a good potential that I may have to use my teeth if it doesn't.
To the dog this makes perfect sense. To us as humans, it's really not cool. It makes us nervous. It makes us embarrassed. We feel as though our first go to thing, particularly when dogs are reacting to other dogs is like, "What is wrong with you?" You're like, "They're just another dog." But to your dog, that dog could be terrifying. A big part of this is just changing the way the community looks at these things. That this is not your dog trying to embarrass you. This is not your dog trying to ruin your life. This is not your dog trying to make things difficult. This is your dog struggling with something. So, we need to come to terms with that as a community as a whole, so that we can have a better way of how we approach these things.
For me personally, if I have a student who has a reactive dog, our first goal is to figure out what type of reactivity is this. Is it towards people? Is it towards dogs? Is to towards both? Could it also include other things? What's the basis of that reactivity? Is it out of fear, or is it offensive aggression? Because if it's offensive aggression then there's a whole lot of things that are off the table, such as competition. We seriously need to work on this behavior modification program. If the dog is closer to just being flat out dangerous, even to the people who are with them at home, then we have some really difficult conversations that we have to have.
Luckily, that's not very common. There's the majority of reactive dogs are completely manageable that's more on the fear side, and you can actually teach them skills of how they can better deal with their triggers. If I have a student who we're working on giving the dog those skills on improving their ability to work around triggers, that we're putting management things in place that the owner, the handler can do. Better decisions that they can make on behalf of the dog. If the dog can learn to defer to their person to say, my person will keep me safe.
The question particularly if they're doing Scent Work with me is, well, they're doing really well in Scent Work and it definitely is helping. It's providing them with a higher quality of life. They really seem to like the game. Everything is going well. Do you think that I should compete? What I would urge all of my students to do is to actually volunteer at a trial with the venue that they were interested in competing with. And that was after they had already reviewed the rules for that venue, and they had seen whether or not that particular competition or organization is actually open to reactive dogs.
For instance, as of October of 2018, AKC Scent Work has put out a clarifying policy that for all intents and purposes, they are not specifically open to reactive dogs. They actually do not even have reactive dogs within their vocabulary as an organization. They will not permit clubs to design rules that are specific for reactive dogs, such as red bandanas or putting in place a six to eight foot spacing rule. That rather if competitors wanted to socialize with their dogs within the parking lots of the potty areas, they are actually welcome to do so.
For my clients that I may be working with who have reactive dogs, my opinion would be that that may not be the best place to put your reactive dog. And it's not that AKC doesn't want your dog to succeed. It's not that AKC hates your dog. It has nothing to do with that. But I always try to look to find how could this all go terribly wrong. If I bring my reactive dog to an AKC trial, to an AKC Scent Work trial, and at the very beginning of that trial there's a bunch of dogs socializing and playing in the potty area, and even dogs who know each other very well, even dogs who aren't reactive, can snark at one another. It's nothing big, but they still snark at each other.
But to a reactive dog, particularly one where it's based in fear where they think the other dogs are going to hurt them, if that were to happen even a little distance away, that can now put your dog at a more stressed state where they're like, "Oh no. There is a threat here, there is something for me to be worried about." The other issue about inviting people to socialize with their dogs is not just socializing with people, but saying oh, yeah, if you wanna socialize dog-to-dog that's fine. It's inviting people to walk up to my dog with their dog. If my dog is reactive, obviously that could be a really huge issue.
For me personally, I would say if you have a reactive dog, maybe at the very least see what that trial host does for their AKC Scent Work trials. If you're not comfortable with any part of it, then maybe compete with a different organization. That doesn't mean that you have to hate AKC Scent Work. Every single organization is completely entitled to create whatever standards or rules they like. As competitors, we just have to play good consumers and do our research. See what's going to work best for us and our dogs.
A lot of us have multiple dogs. I am of the very strange minority of professional trainers where I only have one. But there are many people who have multiple. You may have one dog that you're gonna compete with AKC Scent Work, and another that you may not. That's all about being an advocate for your dog. Find what's going to work best for them, what's gonna work best for you, and go from there. There is no golden rule, right or wrong as far as how to do this. At the end of the day, for me personally, what I would always urge my students to think of is, could you entering this trial potentially be a detriment to your dog being able to be successful after that trial?
In other words, if you were working on behavior modification, you are improving your dogs reactivity overall and so on and so forth. And you've been doing that for months or maybe even years. Would your going to this trial set all that back? And if that's the case, then maybe you just don't go to that trial, because all that hard earned progress shouldn't just simply be thrown away for even an attempt at a title. That just doesn't compute. It doesn't have the equal bearing of worth.
Then the question is, okay, well if I have a reactive dog and if I want to take a really hard look as to whether or not I want to do AKC Scent Work or not, well what about the other venues? Are there other venues that I could look into? Because I thought that reactive dogs were open in Scent Work, because there is only one dog in this pace. Now you have me a little confused.
It is generally true that Scent Work is as a sport generally speaking, is open to reactive dogs. The reason being is that the organization that started Scent Work, NACSW, which created the sport, they are indeed open to reactive dogs. The organization was started and the sport was started by people who worked specifically with a lot of shelter dogs, with a lot of reactive dogs, and they saw the value in the activity. When they designed the sport, it was with that in mind of giving those dogs in particular an opportunity to actually come out and play and earn titles, knowing full well that those dogs aren't welcome in other sports simply because it isn't safe.
This is where having an understanding of history really does help. The whole sport was designed to try to provide a civilian equivalent to what these people were doing in their professional work, of professional detection dog work. But that they also specifically themselves worked with shelter dogs and reactive dogs and wanted those dogs to have an outlet.
That doesn't mean that every single organization has to follow in those footsteps. Make sure that you're reading in the rules. Make sure that you're clear on what it is the organization would like to do. What types of things that either the organization or the hosting club would do in order to ensure that everything was safe. And again, volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. See these things first hand without your dog so that you can see whether or not it's suitable. See whether or not you would just be stressed the whole time. Even if a club is putting together every step that they can to ensure that everyone is safe, depending on you and your own individual dog, it could still be a really stressful situation.
If that's the case, then why don't you just play the game at home? There's nothing wrong with that. It doesn't make you or your dog bad. It doesn't make you or your dog lesser than. It means that you're making a good decision on behalf of both of you. It's really trying to determine what's best for you as an individual. Again, if you have multiple dogs, you may be making different decisions for each of your individual dogs.
The other thing I really wanted to talk about was in this definition of reactivity, is trying to nail down that one reactive dog may present completely different to another reactive dog. This is where as a community we just have to figure out whether or not that term is of any use anymore. Or if we need to determine other terms to use to describe what it is that we're seeing. There could be that a dog is "reactive" where they bark and lunge at other dogs for instance. But only in certain situations, where maybe if that dog that they're barking as is trying to sniff their butt, then they're gonna bark and lunge. But otherwise, they seem fine.
To place that dog in your mind as the only example of a reactive dog would not be giving you the full picture. Whereas other dogs may have a threshold where another dog can be a football field length away, and they're barking and lunging at the little silhouette of a dog on the horizon. We need to as a community have a better understanding of what this means. As dog owners, we do have to take responsibility of knowing who our dogs are, and whether or not they can be successful within a given situation. That is a fair thing to assume. That the onus is on us to ensure that we're advocating for our dogs and we're not putting them into situations where they could potential make a catastrophic mistake.
Like why frankly if it's a bad enough bite, they could be put to sleep. They could be humanely euthanized because of the bite itself, not to mention the damage they did to the other dog or the person, and all that fall out will be terrible. That responsibility lies with us. That's not just because it's a morally correct thing to do, it's also with the law generally speaking.
While that is true, that doesn't also mean that as a community that we don't have to have a understanding of the various types of reactivity. Just because you may have a dog who will just do a quick, get away from me, if a dog is trying to sniff their butt, that that is the only level of reactivity that anyone ever is dealing with. There may be other people who their dog is deemed "reactive" but really, their dog is just horribly terrified. They don't bark and lunge, but they shutdown instead. Instead of stressing up, they stress down. They would still need space. That dog deserves just as much space as a dog who's barking and lunging.
But there's so man people in our community that will completely discount this poor scared dog's desperate attempt to say, "Please stay away from me." And will keep encroaching, and encroaching, and encroaching until finally the dog decided to use their teeth because they had no other recourse, because they weren't being all loud and "obnoxious". Again, as a community we have to have an understanding of what this stuff is. This is why for me personally, having the red bandana rule is a good one.
Just because my dog isn't barking and lunging doesn't mean that I want your dog sniffing my dogs butt. It also doesn't mean that I want you to be encroaching on us. I had a client whose dog was dying with cancer. She was going to one final Scent Work trial to try to kind of have a last hoo rah. She placed a red bandana on that dog because she knew the dog didn't feel 100%. She also wanted to ensure that she was having one-on-one time with her dog and she wasn't having countless people come up going, oh, I want to say good bye.
The dog didn't wanna say good bye to anyone. The dog didn't realize that he was dying. He just wanted to have fun with his mother. So, she put a red bandana on him. People could send their condolences from afar, they were able to have fun for that very last trial. Having this notion that some how reminding people to think, to remember that our dogs are dogs, and that they may not want to be mugged not only by other dogs or by other people is a bad thing, it's just silly. It just, it's something that happens not just within Scent Work but just dogs overall just out in the world.
It's a ludacris notion that your dog should have to tolerate being completely invaded by other people that they don't know and they shouldn't do anything. You as the person shouldn't be allowing that to happen. If that was your child, you wouldn't allow some stranger to come up and pinch their cheeks and pick them up and twirl them around and pat them on the bum. You would never in a million years allow that to happen. So, the same shouldn't be happening to dogs. This idea that somehow an owner trying to project to people, can you please give us some more space, where the red bandana is a bad thing, in my opinion is just silly.
We have to just be honest that there are times when we just don't think. We're at a trial, we love dogs, we see a fuzzy dog and we're like, oh, I want to go pet the fuzzy dog. But the fuzzy dog is wearing a red bandana. Hopefully something will click into my brain to turn back on and be like, oh, wait a minute that dog needs a little more space. But if that red bandana isn't there, and I'm like, oh, fuzzy dog, fuzzy dog, fuzzy dog, and the owner is like, please stay back, please stay back. And then you have other people going, well are you being so anti-social? It just, it's awful.
Again, as a community, I think we just need to have a better understanding of all these different things. No, it shouldn't be that at a trial that we're trying to accommodate Kujo, who is trying to kill everyone. And everyone has to hide in their cars with the doors locked as a helicopter comes in to oversee whether or not this dog can actually get into the search area. Of course not. That's ludacris, that's insane, that would never happen. It's not what we're talking about.
We're also not saying that at a trial that only reactive dogs can be accommodated and now all other "normal dogs" are being jipped. That's not the case either. All we're saying is to remind people of who it is that we're working with. We're working with dogs who may not really appreciate other dogs up in their space, and who also may not appreciate other people suddenly coming over in their space.
That honestly applies to all dogs. Your dog doesn't have to be reactive to not like those things. I'm hoping that with this podcast we can at least have a better understanding of what reactivity could actually be. It doesn't necessarily always have to be that the dog is barking and lunging at the end of their leash. It doesn't always have to be towards dogs. It could be towards people as well. That it could be a dog who just needs more space because they're terribly afraid.
But that the onus does still stay with the owner. That we're not trying to advocate their responsibility as an owner. That okay, well, I still need to make good choices for my dog. Yes, you do still need to make good choices for your dog. That's not the responsibility of the community at large, or for the competition al organization they may choose to compete with. That responsibility does lie solely with you. But there are things that we can do as a community, as fellow dog owners, and even as competition organizations to make things safer. To just ensure that everyone is being safe. And that we're just using some common sense.
The one thing that I will say, having worked specifically with reactive, fearful, and aggressive dogs the entirety of my professional dog training career, is that this is a very hot button topic emotionally for the owners. You feel attacked. You feel attacked by the whole world. More often than not you didn't seek out having a dog who is fearful, reactive, or aggressive. You just wanted to have a companion. You may have wanted to do dog sports or something else, but then lo and behold your dog has these issues.
You can get very defensive because if feels as though the world is against you. As a community, it would be nice if we could just be a little bit more understanding so that these people don't feel so attacked. And at the same point, for my fellow people who have had dogs who are fearful, reactive, or aggressive, it's also crucially important to just be honest about your dog. And that can be very, very, very hard.
If you take a good, long, hard look at your dog, and you say you know what, my dog is actually aggressive. My dog isn't reactive, my dog isn't fearful, my dog does want to bite. Then that dog has no place at a trial. And that's hard to admit, I know. It's really, really painful. But we have to be willing to make that determination. I have worked with people who have called me. Oh, yeah, my dog has bitten 14 people, can you help? And it's like, I'm sorry, that dog bit 14 people too many. I can help set up an appointment with a vet so that we could maybe say good bye to this dog. The response was, oh, no, no, no, the dog is fine. It was always everyone else's fault. That doesn't make any sense. At no point in time should your dog have to use their teeth, particularly 14 times. That's insane.
Again, there just needs to be a recognition of responsibility across the board. There is no one group who is at fault for this. Everyone needs to do more, and everyone needs to do better. Part of that solution is just coming up with better terms that we can use so we're all talking about the same thing, then I'm all for that. And I would be happy to work with any of my fellow colleagues to try to come up with better terms, so that we're talking about the same thing. Because a dog who is merely trying to make things go away, is very different from a dog who says "Oh, yes, I would like to kill you now." Those are two completely different dogs.
Just because a dog isn't barking and lunging doesn't mean that dog still doesn't need space. I hope this helps somewhat at least get you thinking about how it is that you may be approaching the topic of what is a reactive dog, of maybe looking at your own dog or your client's dogs in a more honest light. How you may be able to better assess who they are. And whether or not you should be competing with them. If you don't have any of these types of dogs, maybe it can help you have a little bit more empathy, that the people who own these dogs are not looking for special treatment. They're just looking for a little bit of understanding, and an opportunity to have fun with their dogs too.
Because again, more often than not, they didn't seek this out. Not many people walk into a shelter or to a breeder and say, "Hey, I would love to have a dog who has a whole slew of issues. Sign me up.!" That's typically not what people do. It's just something that happens. If you've never had to experience owning a reactive dog of whatever variety that may be, you may just assume that it's because, "Oh, well that person just doesn't know how to train. Well, if I had that dog I'd be able to fix it lickity split." It's not that easy. It's a lot more complicated than that.
Again, I think if we all do better as a community, it would help overall. I feel as though this podcast turned into a little bit more rambling than I would have liked, but I do think that some of these topics are important for us to discuss, and just to think about ruminate about.
I hope it was somewhat helpful. Happy training and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Do you teach Scent Work classes and/or provide private consultations? Then this episode is for you. We discuss a variety topics many instructors oftentimes overlook. Such as how you can help ensure your students (both canine and human) are successful in your classes and consultations, what you can do to feel fulfilled and happy with what you do as an instructor and common pitfalls to avoid.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competiton, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport, or looking for help getting your dog to learn some manners? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the All About Scent Work Podcast. In this podcast, we'll be talking about all things Scent Work. This includes the behind the scenes look for how trials are conducted, what your instructor may be going through, training tips and other helpful information that we can provide. In this episode, we'll be talking about what it takes to be a good Scent Work instructor. This will include tips for success, pitfalls to avoid, things that some people don't consider, and just understanding how influential you really are.
Before we start diving into the podcast, let me just quickly introduce myself. My name is Dianna Santos, I'm the Owner and Lead instructor for both Scent Work University and Dog Sport University. These are online dog training platforms that are designed to provide high quality instruction, incredible convenience and flexible learning options. We offer online courses, webinars and seminars.
So if you have any questions about those, you're always more than welcome to contact me. All right, without further ado, let's dive in.
In this episode, I want to talk about what goes into that being a good Scent Work instructor. This can be a touchy subject because initially people are going to assume, "Well, that all depends on the type of instructing that you're going to be doing as far as the school of thought." And I don't want to dive into those weeds.
There are lots of different schools of thought as far as how it is that you should go about teaching Scent Work, what I want to discuss is how it is that you can go about being just a good instructor as in a good teacher. And this can be subjective, absolutely, I don't proclaim to be an authority in this matter. A lot of this is going to be common sense and making certain that we do not get lost as instructors in forgetting what it feels like to be a student, and also realizing just how much clout we have. How heavy our words are as well as our actions and how much influence they can actually hold over our students, both actual students, past students and potential students. Even people who may not have signed up with us yet, but may be viewing our information that's on social media for instance.
So I hope that it makes sense kind of where this podcast is going, this isn't a debate about how it is that you should be teaching Scent Work. It's more of the manner in which you carry yourself when you're teaching Scent Work. Now, some of these things are going to apply across the board, they're going to apply regardless of the subject matter that you are teaching when it comes to dog training.
But I think with Scent Work, we have to be even more especially aware of the potential pitfalls because with this activity it is inviting a certain class of dogs that are going to require a certain extra level of attention. Meaning dogs that are reactive and dogs that are fearful and dogs that have stranger danger and you may also just be incorporating this into your behavior modification programs.
With that in mind, you have to, as an instructor, know how to keep everything safe, know how to ensure that your students both canine and human are progressing the way that they should, and know also how to keep expectations reasonable. All of that is really super important and there are things that I think that we do as instructors maybe outside of the actual class or private lesson that can actually hurt that effort, and that we can create an aura that is just not attainable in reality. And I'm hoping that with this podcast we can at least be more aware of those potential pitfalls, so that we can maybe temper the way that we talk about things, or at least put them in more of a realistic light, where if someone were to read it and to say, "Okay, this person achieved this with that dog in this situation."
And maybe myself and my dog will not be able to achieve that, but that doesn't make us lesser than. That doesn't mean that we're failures, but we are going to achieve X, Y, and Z, which are our goals. Like it's an important thing to realize that when you have the title instructor people are going to listen to you more, your words carry more weight. You are important within the community as a whole, so we just have to be really careful about those kinds of things.
So I'm gonna break this up into a couple of sections, I'm going to try to keep this so it doesn't go on forever. This is a very large and whole encompassing kind of subject matter, but I want to try to focus it to a couple of key things. The first is that in order to be a good Scent Work instructor, again, this is in my opinion, you have to know who your clientele is and you have to be really honest about that. The potential buckets of people that I could see it could be your potential clients are people who are just looking to have a good time with their dog, they're not looking to really achieve anything else as far as competition.
They're not doing it for any other reason than "I just liked to have some fun with my dog. Maybe, I want to give them a job so that they don't like destroy my house, but other than that, it's just this is an extra activity to do." So that's one bucket of people.
Another bucket of people are people who are interested in competition, they either just found out about it and maybe they're doing other dog sports, but they are seeing you because they want to achieve something. They want to achieve titles. They want to perfect certain skills. They want to be successful in competition. I don't know of many people who are interested in competition and want to pay money to an instructor so that they don't get results.
That's typically not how these things work. So that's bucket number two. Bucket number three are people who are doing Scent Work because they want to give an outlet to their dog, and oftentimes in the context of a behavior modification program. Someone who has a reactive dog, a shy dog, a dog who they need to help build confidence or a dog who has stranger danger or it could even be a dog that just used to be able to do a lot of things, but now they can no longer do them because of age or physical limitations. So may not even be a behavioral thing and maybe more of a life change because they had a physical injury for instance.
So these bucket of people have very specific wants and needs and desires and you are supposed to help them achieve those things. Now, with bucket number three, some of them may very well also wanted to compete and some of them very well may also want to just have fun with their dog. As an instructor, you have to know who it is that you are appealing to and who it is that you're helping and who it is that's reaching out to you for help and whether or not you can help them.
That's not to say that as an instructor that you would not have clients who fit in all three buckets, meaning that you have some clients who just want to have fun, some clients who want to be competitive, and some clients who are working on behavior mod or they're trying to give their dog a physical outlet in an activity that maybe they used to do agility but now they've retired.
Of course, I think that a lot of Scent Work instructors have a variety of clients from all three buckets, where the trouble lies is where you're trying to apply the same type of approach that you would for a competitive client that you are with a client who's just trying to have fun or even worse still, you're trying to put the same level of expectation on the client who has a behavior modification case, as you would for a client who is trying to be competitive.
When you know that that team will have to take a much longer period of time to potentially compete and you also know there's a really good possibility that they never will be able to compete. This is something that I see happen a lot, where people will contact me and say, "I've been working with a trainer for a while. I had a couple of questions," and they layout all these things that they want to do, say, okay, and why can't you do this with your trainer? Like, "Oh, my trainer is great. They like them, blah, blah, blah. I just don't feel like we're going where we need to."
Okay, but why? Because first of all, I don't want to obviously take someone else's client, that's not okay. But I also just wanted to figure out what the disconnect is. And the person is saying, "Well, my trainer has said that we need to do X, Y, and Z so that we can achieve said goal." More often than not when they are, there's trouble, it's because they want to trial. "And I just don't feel like we're getting there. We've been doing this for put in time a month, three months, six months, whatever. And I just don't feel like I'm getting any closer and I feel as though my trainer is getting frustrated with me."
I said, "Okay, well can you give me a little bit more background about your dog?" And then sure enough the dog has a slew of other issues behaviorally, which is not bad on the dog at all. But from the outset, from what I'm seeing and what I'm hearing, it doesn't sound as though competition would be on the priority track for this team. It would be more of, "Well, let's address some of these other behavioral things first and then maybe once all those things are figured out and the dog has the skills and you have the skills, maybe then we can talk about competition."
So I will send them back to the other trainer with that news and say, "Okay, well, you know, maybe you guys just need to readjust the way that you're approaching this. Maybe focus on this, this and this, and focus on having a good time and you make sure that you're jotting down your successes, and I'm sure you and your trainer will do a really great job with this. You guys sound like you're on the right path. You guys are doing great."
And I'm happy to report that the very few number of times that that's happened, the trainer will reach out to me saying, because I always CC and everything else because I'm not trying to steal anyone's clients, that's another big thing to be a good instructor, don't steal other people's clients. But I'll CC them on the email and they will respond to me, "Thank you very much. Appreciate it."
This happened two different times with one person, it was just a miscommunication between them and the client. So this helped them figure out, "Okay, we need to be on a better wavelength to figure out what you need and what I can offer you." For the other trainer it was just an eye opener of, "Oh, I had no idea. I thought that this is what they wanted." So it's trying to push them that way, but apparently they need to work on this other stuff first. And it's not that either of these instructors are bad, they're not, they're great people, they're accomplished, their students like them, they just were looking for clarification because things didn't seem to be working out.
Which as a good dog advocate, you should do, I mean, I don't care who you work with. If you're working with them for any period of time and you're not getting the results that you thought, then you should probably get a second opinion. It doesn't mean that that first person is bad. It's just being a good dog advocate.
So all of this to say that in order to be a good instructor, you have to know the client that's in front of you and how it is that you can help them. This can be really challenging when we're talking about in-person group training classes and I know there's some people rolling their eyes going, "Oh, you're just saying the only online works." And that's not true at all.
I think honestly that in-person group training classes are excellent training tools, if people could do a combination of these in-person group training classes, maybe even a couple of privates and online, I think that's actually the way to go because it just gives you the full picture. But where I see on an instructor side that it can be really challenging is when you have a class that's filled with all these variety of people and you haven't really thought of how it is you can address each of their needs without singling one out or without making another one feel as though they're being singled out, or without making another one feels as they're falling behind and all these.
It's a challenge, it's hard, it's difficult. There's no real good formula to it as far as do this and you're guaranteed to be successful, it's all about really how it is that you design your classes, the length, how they're run, what the expectation is for the class and how it is that you approach it with the people.
So when I used to do in-person group training classes, all the dogs are being crated and the expectation from the very, very baby class to even my most advanced classes was that the people obviously want to be checking-in on their dogs, make sure their dogs are fine, and after the first week or two of the dogs are either working or they're sleeping. But they are there to learn by watching the other dogs to figure out what's happening in this space to see why it is that we're setting things up certain ways.
It's a learning thing the entire time for the people and to almost celebrate the differences of dog-to-dog, and almost to celebrate the differences from team-to-team. We will be very transparent as far as who was interested in competing and who wasn't. And it wasn't a, "Wow, you're great at competing and I'm just this lowly little person who just wants to have fun. I'm not important and you are." It wasn't anything like that. But it was the highlight the differences and the differences are okay, but we want to make sure that everyone is getting something out of this.
Now I'm not saying that that's perfect, I'm not saying that someone couldn't improve upon that, but that format worked for my clients and it also created a level of partnership and a bond between all of them where they would root for each other's dogs, where they would root for each other. The ones who people knew were competing, they'd ask how they did during the weekend, and it was just a nice way of kind of building a little mini community within the class itself.
A good instructor should be cultivating that, of allowing these people to join the community of the dog. That should be the whole goal and not having these little tiny islands of individual people and dogs who never communicate with one another, and it's all very competitive and gross and yucky. That can happen a lot in group training classes where people are comparing, your students are comparing each other to one another and it just gets really gross really quickly, and that's across the board. That's not just in Scent Work, that's you see it in your basic obedience classes too.
"Well my dog didn't sit as fast as that dog", and so on and so forth. You want to try to avoid those kinds of things as best as you can, so as an instructor you have to know how to cultivate a good atmosphere within your class and even if you're working with someone one-on-one, you want to be able to do that too. You have to build up that relationship, particularly for working with a dog who has any kind of behavioral issues or physical issues. You're going to have to make adjustments so that that dog can be successful. Somehow manipulating the space, manipulating the search, manipulating the exercise, maybe breaking it down to further pieces, whatever the case may be so that they can be successful.
And particularly in a group training class that has to be done in such a way that that person doesn't feel as though your "dumbing things down for their dog", which you aren't, but that can be the perception. And you also want to make sure the other people in the class like, "Oh, now they're going, everything's going to be really boring now." I mean, again, you just have to think how can this go wrong and how can I avoid that?
So that's the biggest thing that I see with people who are teaching Scent Work is obviously you want to keep things safe and everything else will go into a little bit about that in this podcast, but it's just designing it so that you're fulfilling the needs of the people who you're working with.
This is where you have to be honest with yourself. For me personally, I am not the type of instructor who cares about having people shaving off seconds off of their total search time. I prefer to focus on the dog doing well as far as being able to complete the task, being an independent hunter and having that relationship with the person where the person is listening to the dog as far as what is the dog is saying as they're hunting.
I don't care about placements, like that's not a gauge for me personally as a competitor, but it's also not a gauge for me for my students, I don't care, I just don't. So if I had someone come to me as a student who wanted me to solely focus on that, I'm not that instructor. That's not who I am, and I've had two people, not in Scent Work but for Barn Hunt when I used to teach Barn Hunt, that's what they wanted to do. They wanted to get High in Trial every single time. And I'm like, "I'm not the person to work with, sorry."
And they were both shocked and they were like, "What?" They were friends. It's just not what I focus on, like it's I care more about your dog doing well as far as doing the activity, as far as completing the task. I don't care if you get High in Trial, "But we do!" like, "I know, but what I'm saying is that, I can't provide you with those guarantees."
Number one, I don't think anyone can, but number two, if things start going down the rabbit hole of your dog isn't getting High in Trial. I'm uncomfortable as far as how it is that I would then fix that, I don't want to get into any of that because it's just not what I do. There are instructors who can absolutely zero in on, we can figure out the exact skills that you and your dog would need to help better ensure that you could be closer to the high in trial rankings. I mean, no one can guarantee you that you're going to get High in Trial every single time.
And if they do, then maybe you should look elsewhere, but it's just understanding who you are as an individual. So for those two people, they had every intention of paying me as much as I wanted to charge them and just guarantee us. I'm like, "That's not what I do, I'm sorry," and they worked with someone else and that's totally fine, but what we need to realize just as instructors is who we are as people and what it is that we're providing, and making sure that we can indeed provide what it is that our students are asking us to provide.
That also goes into making sure you're being careful with how you advertise yourself and evaluating. I mean, if you find yourself, you have a booked schedule hopefully and you have lots of classes and you have privates and consultations and everything else, and you find yourself dreading anything where you're like, "Ugh, I live in the east and I really hope it snows today so I can cancel my class." If that happens, then something's wrong.
You may want to reevaluate things so that it can be something that you don't dread. And that leads us into how it's important in being a good instructor of doing good self-care, of making certain that you are balancing all these different things you have to do. I think that it is false that to be a good instructor you have to have achieved the highest titles and if you were doing a dog sports-specific instructing like Scent Work. You must have gotten or you must have earned X title in order to teach. I don't think that's true. There are people who are excellent instructors which means that in from my terminology, so just so we're clear on this, an instructor in my estimation means someone who is very good at teaching people and training dogs and both together to where the dog and the person can actually understand what is being taught to them. There are people who are very good at teaching the people, but not very good at training the dogs. There's people who are very good at training dogs, but terrible teaching people.
In my estimation to be a good instructor, you have to be a total package. You have to be able to do both and it's difficult, it's very hard, don't get me wrong. So now that we have a better understanding what my definition of instructor is, there are instructors who do not like to compete, there are instructors who maybe competed before but don't feel like competing anymore. There are instructors who just don't have the time to compete or the resources to do so.
That doesn't mean that they're bad instructors, that's not a disqualifier. So I know that it's very alluring to say, "Well, if I receive, if I earned the highest title, then that will just be a guarantee that people will want to work with me." Then let's be blunt, the higher the title that you have, the more people are gonna say, "Well, you achieve that. You must know what you're doing." Sure. But that's not a guarantee, there are plenty of people who have achieved the highest titles across the board, not just instructors just anyone, and you would actually watch them work a dog and be like, "Wow, really?" "Okay. I mean that's fine, but I don't feel like I can learn anything from you."
So what I'm hoping that people understand is if you want to be a good instructor you have to know who you are as a person and not put yourself into situations where you're going to be burning yourself out, where you're going to be making it so that it is so impossible for you to do what you need to do to serve your clients best.
This is speaking from experience of being someone who's pretty much on the fence about competing. There are times I like it, there are times I don't and I really couldn't take it or leave it. It's just there. I think it's a good test for training but it's not like a need, it's not like, "Oh, I have to go and do this." It's just like, "Okay, well if I get around to it then I'll go and do a trial and we'll see where things are."
It doesn't make me a lesser than instructor than someone who's out every single weekend campaigning, it's just different. The other thing that I really want to nail down in this podcast is that there shouldn't, even though there is a perceived but there shouldn't be different tiers of instructors depending on who it is that you work with or who it is that you're focusing on.
What I mean is, is that I had a colleague come up to me during a workshop that I was speaking at, and it was during a break and she was asking me a question about the organization that I worked with and she's like, "I don't really understand why it is that they offer this high champion award." So I was explaining it, whatever. And she said, "Well, I just think that it's odd that they would already be pointing out dogs that are already champions." I was like, "Well, there's a lot of work that goes into it and it's celebrating people who putting the time and the training and everything else. It's still a dog has to do well at that trial in order to earn it. And it's just basically any dogs who have already earned a championship would be eligible for that award, to figure out depending on how they did it, that particular trial."
What she said next has always stuck with me, "Well, I guess I should just stick to the type of trainer that I am. I focus on people and dogs who just may need help, and not those champion types", and she walked away and I just looked after her and it's stuck with me all these years later because there really is at the heart in the community this delineation between "pet people" and "dog sport people" and I just don't think that's true.
I mean, we talked about earlier in the podcast, those buckets of people, but that doesn't mean that as an instructor you can only work with one of them. Like that's the misnomer of, if you're going to be working with people who care about competition, then you are not allowed to work with people who just want to have fun with their dogs.
"Clearly, you would have no idea what those people would want." Well, that's not true and it also doesn't apply the other way. If you were focusing solely on people who just wanted to have fun with their dogs, or as you were focusing on people who just wanted to do competition, that somehow you're better or worse than another instructor.
That's not true either, so this is something that I think is. It's an ugly underbelly of our industry of instead of celebrating your achievements up to a point when I get to that in a second, and also what you could provide, a lot of it is trying to say, "Well at least I don't do that." It's like, "Well, who cares? I'm not trying to work with whatever that is. I'm trying to work with you, and I want to work with people who are inclusive."
So in my opinion, because Scent Work is such a broad community as far as the types of people who may be interested in hiring you for your services if you are an instructor. You're going to be limiting yourself, if you put on those different hats of "pet people only", "competitor person only", whatever else. It doesn't mean that you shouldn't know your clientele, you should.
If you don't have any idea how it is you be able to help that person, then please don't advertise to them. But don't look down on people who aren't in the camp that you're working with, I hope that makes sense because it's a huge problem and all it does it perpetuate more of the cliquiness that's within just the dog community overall, which would be really nice if that went away.
So I want to talk about some of the things that I found have been helpful when I was teaching in-person group training classes when I was doing Scent Work. I touched upon some of these things already, but the big thing was to really think through what it is that I wanted the class as a whole to achieve within a given session.
So a session would be like a six-week class where they're starting and where I wanted them to go as a group, and then how individually their goals may line up with that. So as an example, I had a class of, I believe it was eight or nine dogs and it was a beginner class. So the goal overall is for the dogs and the people to have a basic understanding of what Scent Work is all about. Hopefully getting them to the point where I follow the training.
We go from having food in boxes, so hopefully going from that point to where now they are finding food that's placed on top of little tins, throughout an interior space. Hopefully, you know that's the goal anyway. With this individual class, there was one dog who had a severe level of fear, a severe level of timidity and shyness and no confidence mean crawling on the belly to come into the class. I mean, just really bad. The goal for this dog is just to have them comfortable in the space and explaining all of that to the other students and incorporating them in that process by having the person who had that shy dog, go out and just, we would have maybe two or three boxes in the room.
And the treats would be in front of the boxes because the dog was so worried if the treat was inside the box, they would just fall apart. So to have the person come in, let the dog take the lead, and if the tried, they ate the tree off the floor, then they give them a jackpot and everybody else would do very quiet, "Yay!" I mean we're talking super quiet. But by having them be involved, meaning the other human students, they breathe more because the first run they all held our breath which made the dog like, "Oh my God, no one's breathing." So that doesn't help.
It offered them a level of empathy for this team, they were all genuinely rooting for this team. It provided support for the handler of the dog that was working and it also ignited in the dog the joy of having other people cheer for her. By the end of that six weeks, she was confidently working the space with multiple boxes, we have confidence problems where a box of had treats in it, had an empty box on top of it and she would move the empty box out of the way.
She was a little too worried about it, she'd go for it and then she would have it her mother and say, "Can you just change this a little bit for me?" In the beginning, we may and then we would just wait her out and she was able to do it and she would just light up when people could now clap for her and go, "Yay. You're great," like it would be a little bit more boisterous as far as the crowd was concerned. She loved it. She was fantastic and it helped all the other students understand the power of the activity itself.
This dog handler down the line may very well be interested in competition. Her goal right now was to get it so her dog wasn't terrified with life, that's all she cared about and they achieved that and she saw the changes at home, she saw how the dog would actually asked to play. She would go up at home and she would boink the boxes that were up on the table and she'd be like, "I would like to play my nose game now."
All of that helped all the students and because she was starting at one level which was several stages below where their dogs were starting, just because of the confidence issues. It almost took off some of the pressure from them, if their dogs happen to be struggling with something, like even the confidence problems, they'd be like, "Wow, you know, my dog did so well with this that, but they're really having a hard time with this. I'm just going to wait them out, if that dog can do it, so can I."
And it just provided them more patience, which everyone needs and it was this really great bonding experience with all these students. There was different levels of handling ability as far as their ability to just walk within the space of staying focused during the search of being able to handle at leash or a long line, and being a good instructor is knowing what it is you want to focus on and to not destroy your student, particularly in front of everybody else. By always pointing out when something is wrong, but you have to use those positive reinforcement kind of approaches.
So that you're building them up to, you don't have to address everything in every single run, there may just be certain things that you focus on. Again, these are people, they have lives, they have work, they have other things going on. If you're bombarding them during a one and a half minute run of 30 things that they need to do, they're not going to do any of them, they're just going to feel really defeated and gross, and they're going to go back to their seat and they're just going to be really gloomy.
Being a good instructor is being able to tick off all those boxes of, "I see what they're doing, I see that these five things are going really well, I see these five things have improved, and I see these five things need improvement. What's one from each of those columns that I can bring up?" So they can have one thing that they check off is great, one thing that's improving and they should be proud of, and one thing they can work on. What's the most important thing in that run right then that they can do when they can walk away with and they can practice outside of class?
The other thing that I find personally has helped as an instructor is trying to take some of the pressure off of people as far as it comes to being perfect in class. So again, for that very shy dog, there would be exercises that we will be talking about and she would only be able do half of them. She'd be able to do part of the setup and then you would see her kind of unravel and be like, "Oh no, you're fine, we do a recovery searching, it should be all set."
The expectation was as long as she tries, that's all I care about. You can then work on this at home for the next seven days until I see you again. We don't have to jam this all into one hour. So to be a good Scent Work instructor, in my opinion, you have to be able to be that flexible, you have to set your client's expectations so they're not sitting their dog up to fail and they're not seeing themselves up to fail.
You have to outline what it is exactly that they're supposed to be doing when they're not with you, they have all those days and hours that they could be doing stuff. You can't get everything done in one class. So being able to juggle all that is really important.
So one of the big pitfalls that I see as far as being a Scent Work instructor is not understanding the clout that you have with what it is that you say or do. What I mean by this is, if you are constantly posting, particularly on social media about all of your accomplishments in competition for instance. And you have current, former or perspective clients who are seeing that, but they're just seeing it in a bubble where you're not explaining, "Oh by the way, this dog and I worked on these things for a year and a half, was really super intensive. It wasn't just a straight line, there was a lot of hills and valleys and we took some detours and whatever else and we're still working on X, Y, and Z, and then we also achieve this stuff."
If you don't have all those qualifiers in there, you're putting out to the world, "I have achieved all of this by pure magic and I am the best thing since slice bread and if you want to be as good as I am, then you better achieve this as well." That's problematic because again, understand specifically with Scent Work, it is open to a wide swath of people. For a dog sport, it is almost a gateway dog sport where you can have people who've never even heard the term "dog sport" before but they may fall into Scent Work for any number of reasons.
And if they see on social media that you're just buried in ribbons and titles and trophies and everything else and you have a very young dog. They go, "Well then my dog should be able to do that too," and they rush off the trial and then they fail, and they get really frustrated and they get angry and they get demoralized, and they don't understand because all that lead up wasn't included.
It wasn't included that you work with that dog almost like a campaign like it is an insane amount of work that you've put in to achieve that. Maybe it was the dogs breeding, maybe it was a combination of all these things. On top of that, you also do this for a living. I'm not saying that you have to have an asterix behind what you do, but understand the clout that you're carrying when you post stuff, because I can tell you as a fellow instructor, as one of your colleagues, it is heartbreaking to try to piece together the relationship of a handler and a dog who have completely fallen apart because they didn't understand all that other stuff that would into it.
They rushed into trial, they failed and now they think that there's something wrong with them and their dog, and it takes forever. If you ever can to try to piece it all back together again and it's totally avoidable, if we just focus on this is an innate instinct, absolutely. But it's still a skill and there are absolutely dogs out there who need to learn how to learn, who need to learn the skills so that they can work at the most basic problems.
There are other dogs who can fly through foundation competition, and they get stuck in the middle levels because they don't have those skills yet. And that's okay, you can work on it. There's no rush. So I'm just hoping that people who are instructors just realize who's listening to them, and when they see all the dazzle and the wonderful posts that those people are the ones who then run into the room, they grabbed their odor kit that they haven't practiced with in a year.
They throw some hides around and they say, "Okay dog, go find it." And when it doesn't find them all, all 20 hides in 10 seconds, they get frustrated. You just have to be careful. So for me personally, I am very good at self-deprecating, I don't have much of an ego. Actually, I don't think very highly of myself at all. So if things don't go well, I'm more than happy to post about them. If I'm doing some training with my dog and he's struggling with something, I'm happy to post that too. I'm happy to post about, "Oh, you know we're working on this, we're working on that."
If we compete, yeah, sure, great, we did this. Oh, but we didn't get this and this and this and this is why. It just helps people realize that I'm a human being and it also reduces some of the expectations for me because what happens if you go on this big blitz, right? Everything is perfect and awesome and now all of a sudden you know you're up against even better competition than maybe you were and now you're not.
You still get your titles, but now all of a sudden you're not getting every single ribbon under the sun. It's just you have to be thoughtful about these things, just be careful. Lastly, just to round this out, in my estimation to be a good Scent Work instructor, you have to have a very distinctive view on how to keep things safe.
Particularly, when we're talking about group classes. You're asking dogs to use hunting and for a very high valued resource that you are only building value in. There are lots of opportunities for things to go wrong, there's lots of opportunity if you're not careful for a dog to be placed into conflict. There's a lot of opportunity for a dog to be put into conflict not only with other dogs, but even with the instructor, with their handler, things can get really icky really quick. But even outside of that, the way that you design your searches can absolutely break a dog, and I'm not overstating this.
Depending on the type of dog that you're working with. Like for instance, that very shy dog. If I had presented her with a horrendously difficult problem for her. Because I was concerned about the rest of the class and I wanted all of them to progress at a certain rate. She could have shut down and could have turned off to the entire activity, and then also could have ruined the relationship she had with her owner.
You have to be able to recognize those things and obviously avoid them. And as an instructor, if you're a good instructor, you know how to help guide your students so they are not inadvertently doing that with their dogs and they're practicing. And that's where capping off those expectations are really important. Harping on those expectations, helping them break things down into small attainable goals, pacing themselves, being just very fort right at the very beginning.
"This is why we're doing it this way, all will be well. The journey is the important part and this is what we're trying to avoid. We don't want X, Y, and Z to happen. We don't want your dog to shut down, we don't want them to hate odor, we don't want them to not trust you, we don't want them to lessen their confidence, we want the opposite of all those things."
So to be a good instructor, you have to know how it is that you're designing your searches in your classes, in your sessions, as well as if you're handing out homework, what they should be doing at home. To achieve those things, to ensure that you're not setting people up to fail. Knowing the difference between offering a learning problem and offering a trick question, in my opinion, trick questions have no place in dog training period.
A learning problem is allowing the dog to develop a skill, a trick question is just what it sounds like. You're setting something up going, "Aha, there's no way you're ever going to get that!" What's the point? There's no point to that.
The last thing that I would say that someone would need to be a good instructor is knowing when you don't have the answer, is being humble to refer out to someone else if you need to or to consult with someone else or to work with someone else. You don't have to know everything. That's okay. You're not expected to know everything.
If you did, then you probably wouldn't be a dog training instructor. You would be some celestial being that would fix a universe and all will be well. There's always going to be someone else who knows more than you, which is fine. But if you come across something that you just don't know how to deal with, be honest with yourself and be comfortable doing one of those three things.
I've done all three throughout my career on a variety of different things, not just with Scent Work, but just dog training overall. And also understanding that there may be times when you just may not mesh well with a client just personality wise, but it could also be expectations, it could be any number of things. That's when you need to have good relationships with your fellow colleagues, your fellow instructors. So you can let that person go somewhere else and obviously have a really bad client, I'm not saying that you should, you'll be like, "Oh, hey, Sally and Sue, here's this terrible client. Enjoy." I'm not saying that, but if you have someone that is perfectly fine, they pay their bills, they try hard, but the two of you are just missing one another.
Having those relationships with fellow instructors will allow you to refer this client to them which helps you in the end. I know that doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense because you're losing that business, but that person will like you for it because you didn't just leave them high and dry. You're cultivating this relationship with this other instructor, which is great. And it's a really good possibility that instructor is going to run into the same situation and maybe they have someone they think will be good for you.
Also, the person that you referred, I doubt they live on an island. So they probably know people, friends or family, they may refer those people to you so it's just having a little bit of foresight. I think that is the big underlying thing as far as what it takes to be a good Scent Work instructor, foresight of who it is that you're working with, who it is that you're advertising to, who it is that you can best help, how it is that you can actually have them achieve the goals that they're setting, how it is you can help them set those goals, what ways you're going to help cap off their expectations or set them so that they are realistic.
How is it that you're going to present yourself so that you are portraying the right information and you are setting the right expectations for even people who may not work with you yet? How is it you can prevent problems from happening down the line, and how is it that you can conduct yourself so that you are good within the community of fellow instructors, competitors, and just dog owners?
So those are the big things that I think a lot of us just don't think about when we're instructing. It's hard being an instructor when you actually get going, it's a hustle and then all of a sudden it's a day and you're running from thing to thing to thing, you're almost on autopilot but sometimes you just need to take a step back and just evaluate everything and making sure that we're checking off all of our boxes, that we're doing what we need to do and that we are meeting our clients expectations and needs and we're doing it in the right way, and we're doing it for the right reasons.
So I hope you found this podcast helpful, happy training, and we'll look forward to seeing you soon.
Have you ever considered hosting a Scent Work trial, but wasn't sure what was involved? Perhaps you have some reservations or thought it may not be for you. In this episode, we speak to two Scent Work University instructors, Lori Coventry and Kristina Sveinson, to see what goes into hosting NACSW and SDDA Scent Work trials respectfully, as well as pitfalls to avoid and tips for success.
Learn more about Lori here and Kristina here.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competiton, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport, or looking for help getting your dog to learn some manners? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the Scent Work University All About Scent Work Podcast. In this podcast, we'll be talking about all things Scent Work. We'll be giving you a behind-the-scenes look, as far as what your instructor or trial officials may be going through, we'll be giving you training tips, and we'll just be discussing everything that goes along with doing Scent Work with your dog, whether you're interested in competition or not.
In this episode, we're going to be speaking with Scent Work University Instructors Lori Coventry and Kristina Svenison, in order to discuss what it takes to host a successful Scent Work trial. All right, without further ado, let's dive in.
For our first interview, we're going to be speaking with Lori Coventry, an Instructor with Scent Work University and Dog Sport University.
Hi, my name is Lori Coventry, I own Do Over Dog Training in Buffalo, New York. I am also an Instructor for both Scent Work University and Dog Sport University. With Do Over Dog Training, we offer trials, seminars, coaching days, sniff and go's, teach classes for all levels of Scent Work. I am also an AKC Scent Work Judge, and a UKC Nose Work Certified Official. I'm available for seminars, coaching, consulting, video reviews, you name it. And also as part of our business, we do regular dog training, so we offer private lessons for manners and behavior, and have a couple seminars that we do related to that.
We asked Lori some of the most common questions that we received from individuals who were interested in hosting a Scent Work trial.
How many Scent Work trails have you hosted?
I have hosted six weekends of NACSW trails.
How many levels have you offered in a given day of trial?
With NACSW, it's usually one level per day, unless we do elements, and that would normally be two elements per day. And I've done regular trials and element trials.
How many officials did you need to hire?
So with NACSW, it's typical to have a CO, a Certifying Official, and then two judges for the day.
How many volunteers have you needed?
We could always need more, but typically, 15 to 20 good volunteers a day runs a great trial.
What is one hosting nightmare story you would like to share?
So a few years ago, we rented a fire hall for a trail, NW1-NW2. It was planned ahead of time, way in advance, had contract signed, everything was cool, and then you really don't talk to the trial site until before the trial. So I called a few days before the trial to confirm our walkthrough time with the CO, and when I was talking to the guy in charge, he said, "Hmm, I don't know if we can do that this weekend. We have our Fireman's Picnic, everyone will be here."
I think I started crying instantly. So I got a hold of, it was a student that helped set this up for me. She had contacts at the fire hall, so I got a hold of her, and she talked to the fire chief. He's like, "Don't worry, we can do this. We'll block the parking lot off, so that your people are separate from our people, and there's going to be some going in and out." They were cooking food and stuff inside, and for the competitors, I think it went okay. I don't think they really noticed that there were like 500 firemen there, but for me, it was very stressful.
It was just awful, and then just a whole bunch of other weird things happened that weekend. A dog that wasn't entered that weekend was in an RV got out, and got loose, and was running all over town, and half my volunteers left to try to find the dog. I think a dog's leash snapped in the parking lot during that trial. And there was just so many minor things there and there, that I'm sure the competitors had no idea was even happening, but that goes down in my history as, like I almost wasn't going to do trials after that trial. It was really bad.
What is one heartwarming hosting story you would like to share?
So I don't know. I'm sure if I really thought about it, I could of a good story. But things that jump to my mind are the Harry Award stories. Those are always just so wonderful to hear. People that truly enjoy the trial, and come up, and thank you. "This was great and I loved it." That just makes me so happy. And of course, just having volunteers that love to come, that love to watch, that love to learn, always things just, that's what makes me continue to want to have trials.
What is a tip you could offer to anyone interested in hosting a Scent Work trial?
Organization. You have to be organized. I have room full of totes that is all trial-related. I unpack after each trial, repack, kind of make a note of any supplies we were low on, so we'd have it for next time. And everything, at least at the start of the day, is very organized. Things might go downhill a little bit, as everybody's running, and grabbing this, and grabbing that. But even with emails and all of that, organization is key.
Also, there is a, I don't know if it's a program or what you want to call it, but it's Yet Another Mail Merge, Y-A-M-M. It's through Google or Gmail, and it's a great way to send all of those emails, those bulk emails you need to send out because you could do it all at once. It's a mail merge program. I'm sure there's others out there that are great, too. This one costs $25 a year, but if you're hosting several trials, it is so worth it.
What is a common pitfall you would urge people to avoid when hosting a Scent Work trial?
My biggest pitfall, the thing that I try to do too much myself. I try to do it all. You need volunteer coordinators, you need, it's great to have someone that could do hospitality for you. I tend to do all that myself. Recently, I've been putting my mother in charge, since she just retired. So she can run and grab food, and set everything up, and do all that so that I'm not doing it, or trying to find a volunteer to do it. So having someone for hospitality, as minor as that seems, is a huge time saver. And just putting good people in charge of different things so that you're not working so hard.
Any other information you want to provide? So I hope this wasn't supposed to be a one-answer question. I have a few things here.
I would say, if you're new to hosting NACSW trials, find several people you can train to be score room leads. It is a very important job and it is required that leads be approved by NACSW. You'll want to have several people trained so that the same people don't get stuck in the score room all the time, because everyone would like to watch some searches.
Or, on the other hand, you may have somebody all trained, and ready to roll, and maybe they can't do it the day of your trial, or maybe they got into your trial. You don't want them to have to pull out just so they can do score room. So try to get a few people trained.
If you have students who are willing to travel, offer to pay their travel expenses so they can gain score room experience at other trials. This is still something we're working on in our area. We just don't have enough score room leads for all levels, so it's a pretty stressful part of planning a trial.
Another tip, visit the parking lot as a host. I really try to make time to go out to the lot, say hello to the competitors. We have a lot of duty, so we can't stay out there all day, but make a few passes, say hello. Make sure everybody's doing okay, especially if it's really warm, or really cold, or whatever. I mean, just go out there visit, know who's coming to you trial. They're supporting you, so you should support them. I think that goes a long way.
And then my biggest pet peeve, but I'm trying to get over it is, and I think this is a complaint of a lot of trial hosts, is try not to let the emails get to you. Do your best to educate when people are asking questions that can easily be found in premium or the rule book. If they're asking for directions or hotel information, make sure you have that on your website, or in the premium, and then just direct them there. If the hotels are full, they can go to Google. They can try Airbnb. It's not your job to find a hotel for the competitors, that can be quite time consuming.
So I try to be polite, but I don't stop everything I'm doing to answer these kinds of questions. But I do try to answer them, I don't want to be rude. These people are, they're paying to come to your trial, so you have to be polite. But sometimes, if you just give them a little bit of time, they find the answers on their own, and they respond back to you that, "Okay, I'm good. No worries." So that's what I've been doing a little bit lately, is just holding off on answering those kinds of questions. Other things, you have to respond to right away if it's something more specific, or drops, or adds, or things like that, I try to be pretty quick about. The silly ones, I tend to wait a little bit.
So as we can see from listening to Lori, is that there are several things that we can do if we were interested in hosting specifically an NACSW trial, but also it applies to all Scent Work trials, in general. So that we could be more successful, so that we can enjoy the process ourselves.
So it's not quite so stressful, and it doesn't make it so that we don't want to host trials ever again. But also, to ensure that it's a successful event for both our competitors, our volunteers, our trial officials, and also for us.
So I want to shift gears a little bit, and I want to bring in our second instructor, Kristina, who has experience in working with the Canadian Scent Work organization, SDDA.
My name is Kristina Sveinson, and I am with the Little Nose That Knows in Alberta, Canada. I've discovered a passion for sport scent detection in 2014, when I was looking for something fun to do with my Chihuahua, Bolt. Bolt is a passionate puppy, and I am lucky to work with him. In addition to scent detection, he loves to do rally obedience and do really anything with me. He has achieved both his SDDA Started and Advanced titles, and was the first Chihuahua in Canada to achieve those titles. So that makes him special, too, of course.
My love for the sport began in 2014, when I attended the first SDDA trial in western Canada and I was hooked. I began taking as many seminars and courses that I could to become involved in the sport. I read the rule books passionately and really got involved with the sport of scent detection. And then I noticed that, we were looking for the same kind of outlet. And so I started teaching it.
In my day-to-day life, I have an interest in adult education, and I work in human resources for a large organization. So I have some familiarity with teaching, but no experience with training dogs. So that was my step outside of the box. I've trained a lot of my own dogs, but never others. And yet, it came super easy for me, and I have a really great relationship with my students.
Over the years, I have developed curriculum that seems to work for each individual. I work with a games curriculum, as well, and I offer trial prep lessons, as well as distance learning, so that I can work with students who can't come to the classroom on a day-to-day basis. I also work with reactive and rescue dogs to help them enjoy the sport, as well. And I'm an Ambassador for the SDDA, the Sporting Detection Dog Association. I believe in their mission statement, and I host scent detection trials for them, as you're about to hear more about.
I just want to keep the game fun for everyone involved. I love to see people smiling and laughing at my trails and at my classes. So that is what I strive for.
So as with Lori, we polled the same questions to Kristina, to see how there may be some differences in hosting an SDDA trail from an NACSW one.
How many Scent Work trials have you hosted?
I began as a host with the SDDA, which is the Sporting Detection Dog Association in Canada in 2015, where I hosted my first trial in September of that year.
I have since been a host or co-host for over 10 different trials. Most of which, being two-day weekends, with some three-day events thrown in there. And a total of over 21 single trial days.
How many levels have you offered in a given day of trial?
In SDDA, we typically offer all four levels in a trial day. When I started hosting in 2015, trials were happening only once a year. So I wanted to accommodate the demand and make sure I was offering all levels. One judge can host up to 75 runs in a day, so I would bring in two judges, for a total of 150 runs, and four SDDA levels, Started, Advanced, Excellent, and Elite.
I continue to offer trials that have all four levels, but I have done a couple now that are only a couple of levels. It's been a change, as we've moved to having more local judges, we can offer target trials that meet the need of certain small groups.
How many officials did you need to hire?
SDDA scent detection is unique, in the fact that you don't have to hire trial officials. You hire one judge, and that person serves as the SDDA representative on-site for the duration of the trial. And then you have the trial host, who is in charge of coordinating pretty much everything else. The host is approved by the SDDA, as having a venue available, and has coordinated with a judge, who is willing to attend the event, and agrees to the levels offered.
We hosts are working hard. We have to decide which search areas will be used for which levels, if there will be reused space, and how we will make sure that we add extra items so the judges can reuse the space fairly. And we are also coordinating competitors, and the score sheets, and the score room, and the ribbons, and prizes, and making sure those started competitors get that great first feeling when they come on-site, as well as pairing everybody with fair and fun judge to work with.
On average, how many dog and handler teams have come to your trials?
For a single judge trial, we usually see 25 to 30 handler and dog teams. If we have multiple judges, that number doubles. However, we also have many teams that are pursing one and two components, as opposed to trying for all three components in one run. So we see as many as 40 or even 50 teams under the two judges in a day of a weekend trial. Of course, that takes immense management on the part of the host, and timing on the part of the competitors, to make sure that they're running their excellent containers over on this end of the grounds. And then 15 minutes later, maybe they're running their advanced interior on the opposite end of the field. So that takes time to coordinate and a good experienced competitor, or else a competitor that's being well-mentored by us.
What is one hosting nightmare you would like to share?
In the summer of 2017, I hosted the worst trial of my career. I had many trials under my belt and this one shouldn't have been any different. But it started with score sheets arriving late, and many of them having to be photocopied because of a shortage, and it spiraled from there.
One of the judge's flights was delayed, to the point of almost missing a Friday event. We had a shadow judge and a new judge, as well as an experienced judge. The venue that we were using Friday was under new, well, temporary management, I should say. And they didn't want us there, so they closed the main building to us, where the only bathrooms were.
Thankfully, we moved to our other venue for the weekend. And this was a new venue to us, an 11-acre farm, nestled in the center of the city. We hadn't planned for the size of this venue properly, and so the distance between search areas took much more time than we were expecting, and therefore, our days were very long. We had an issue with an incorrect hide that was supposed to be on a vehicle. We had a level of elite that was run incorrectly and had to be reimbursed. And I spent basically, the whole weekend on edge, just waiting for the next thing to happen.
Every time somebody came up to me, I was sure that it was with more bad news. And I was close to tears many times. I thought my attendees would be so disappointed. And I did not feel the event was up to my usual standard. But at the end of it all, I kept getting kudos. People had little or no clue that there were any issues, they were happy still. It was after this event that I cried, knowing I had still given the competitors the experience that they came for, that they knew and they loved, even if my experience was far from my normal, and something I don't ever wish to repeat.
What is one heartwarming hosting story you would like to share?
Every trial seems to be special to me, and I racked my brain trying to decide which heartwarming story was the one. But in the end, I decided to go with what happened to me just a few weeks ago, in September of 2018, when I returned to my big venue, the 11-acre farm from my last story, where my worst trial had happened. So this year we came back, we put some new techniques in place. We hashed out our timelines, rigorously planned our searches back-to-back in adjacent areas, as opposed to from one end of the farm to the next.
And this time, we had a super trial. We finished on time every day. The site owners were able to leave at a decent hour to lock up after us. The competitors still had an excellent experience, despite it being a bit wet, rainy weekend. And my team, me and my volunteers, we had a blast, too. Everything just seemed to flow. And it just felt like a great big success. It was the first time that I felt like things had gone pretty good. Most trials, I can feel regrets, and this one, those weren't the first things that came to mind. And that's what makes this my heartwarming trial story.
What is a tip you could offer anyone interested in hosting a Scent Work trial?
I would say, ask a lot of questions. And better yet, allow yourself to have a mentor. If you apply to be a host in the organization of the SDDA, we have a Facebook group for people who are, or who are interested in being hosts, and even a general Facebook group, as well.
But ask. Say, "I'm looking for help, I want to host my first trial." Reach out to the community and you'd be surprised the overwhelming support you'll get back. If it wasn't for my mentor, I don't think I ever would have hosted. They gave me so many resources and kudos of encouragement, that made me go onto mentor others, as well.
To prepare to be a host though, I would say, volunteer at a trial first. And if you can get into more than one position, do that as well. It's different going from being a timer to being a gatekeeper, being a judge's assistant or working in the score room, but I think that experience of volunteering in all the positions helps you have a well-rounded view of what it takes to make a trial happen.
That and competing in the trial, and I think those are the components that a new host needs in order to be successful. Because at the end of the day, we're here for the competitors. We want to give them that experience, where they can just come, and work with their dog, and hopefully be successful. And it takes a lot of effort on our part to make that happen.
What is a common pitfall you would urge people to avoid when hosting a Scent Work trial?
Avoid picking a venue that is too small or too restrictive. It's easy to say, "Oh, I'll just use my training space." But it takes a lot of coordination in order to do that. And your first step is to coordinate with your judge, make sure that they're willing to use a smaller space, and reuse spaces for the different levels. Smaller venues can work, separating rooms with curtains, or fencing can work, but you have to be ready to coordinate a team of volunteers to make those switches. Coordinate with your judge, and plan, plan, plan. The bigger the venue, obviously, that you can have, the better. But I think that when we dream too big, that can be a pitfall, as well, which makes venue selection a really tough point.
The other thing I would say to hosts when it comes to venues, is look at the venue that you're selecting, and look closely at it. And then take tons of pictures and videos, so that you can relive the venue afterwards, and be successful in your planning. We take our venue for granted. We think that we can just make it be what we need it to be, but sometimes certain places just aren't right for a trial, and it's okay to admit that.
When you're using a smaller space, plan on bringing in lots of items so that when your judge has to reuse space, they're able to place hides on items that can be removed, and clearly marked as hot. This is critical, as you don't want a hot item to accidentally end up back in the search area.
I will say another pitfall that hosts really need to be cautious of, is filling your trial too full, and then having to juggle time. You can't make more hours in the day and you can't predict when contamination's going to happen, like someone eliminating in the search area, which takes time to clean. So if you fill your trial too full, and you haven't left yourself any extra time, you end up cutting into your judge's lunch break, or having a really long day, which is very exhausting on your whole team.
So think about what kind of limitations you might encounter, and especially as a first time judge, maybe plan to under-fill instead of going right to the limit.
Is there any other information you'd like to provide?
I just want to talk briefly about competitor etiquette. It's not that we have a whole lot of expectation as hosts on our competitors, but there are a few things you can do to help a trial run smoothly. Such as being on time for your check-in and walk through, being polite and courteous to the volunteers, the gate stewards, et cetera. For example, you need to try to remember that sometimes it's easier for a host to convey quickly to the gate stewards a change in the flow, than it is to try to track down every competitor in that level to tell them about a change. So don't be frustrated with those people, but listen to their direction.
Other basic competitor etiquette things you can do, would be to make sure that you are pottying your dog in the designated areas and cleaning up after your dog. Make sure that you're patient and courteous. Remember that it takes a lot of effort for hosts to put on the event. And while you might be ready to get your score sheets, and your ribbons, and just get out of there, there are things that the host has to do on their end before they can just wrap it up, and send you packing. And they are doing their utmost best to make it happen quickly and efficiently for you.
Lastly, just remember that everybody who's there is there for the same reason and wants to have a good time. So respect other peoples' space, respect their dogs' space, and remember that we are still all sharing a common space, particularly in the parking lot. So while you might want to hang out and talk with a buddy with your dog out, sometimes that might not be appropriate for the next dog. So try to be courteous of that, as well, and put your dog away after your run, before you're visiting with your friends.
I want to thank both Lori and Kristina for bringing up such wonderful information and tips on what it takes to really host a successful Scent Work trial. And again, this is regardless of the organization that you are going to be hosting for. But it's helpful to see how specifically for NACSW and for SDDA what has worked for both Lori and Kristina, some of the things that may have gone awry, and then also the things that they have suggested in order to ensure that everyone can be successful.
I hope you found this podcast helpful. Happy training and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Are you an official with a Scent Work competition organization or have you considered applying to be one? Do you realize just how crucial you really are to whether a trial is a success, or a complete and total failure?! Are you aware that competitors, trial hosts and organizations have lists of things they WISHED officials would do, and not do? In this episode, we will discuss all of that, to help YOU be the best official you can be...and not end up on the "do not hire" or "do not trial under" list.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competiton, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport, or looking for help getting your dog to learn some manners? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the Scent Work University All About Scent Work Podcast. In this podcast, we'll be talking about all things Scent Work. We'll be giving you behind-the-scenes look as far as what your instructor or trial officials may be going through. We'll be giving you training tips, and we'll just be discussing everything that goes along with doing Scent Work with your dog, whether you're interested in competition or not.
In this episode, we're going to be talking about what it would mean to be an ideal official at a Scent Work trial. In other words, what you would be able to do if you were officiating your trial to ensure everything went well. All right, let's get started.
Before we get started, I just want to take a really quick moment to introduce myself. My name is Dianna Santos. I am the Owner and Lead Instructor for both Scent Work University and Dog Sport University. These are online dog training platforms that are designed to connect outstanding trainers with as many dog owners as possible.
Both SWU and DSU are designed to provide quality, convenience, and flexibility. We hope that you'll check them out to see if there are any online programs that may be suitable for both you and your dog. Without further ado, let's dive into the podcast.
When it comes to Scent Work trials, there are many people who are responsible and can contribute to the overall success or failure of that trial. One of the most important elements of a Scent Work trial are the actual people who are working as officials at that trial. Now, depending on the organization you're competing with, there can be a variety of different officials, or there may just be one. It really depends on the organization.
But across the board, there are some things that almost every single competitor can say, "Uh, it's going to be that kind of official." It just ruins the entire experience. In our prior podcast, we were talking about what officials would consider an ideal competitor to be. In this podcast, I want to flip that on its head, and to talk about what competitors would consider an ideal official.
Likewise, I also want to do this from a standpoint of an organization overall, so that everyone can kind of have a better understanding of what it is that officials should be expected to do, what they're expected not to do, and what the thinking is behind it, not only from a competitor perspective, but from an organization perspective as well.
Now again, this podcast is not meant to demoralize anyone or to make anyone feel lesser than, or anything like that. This is simply supposed to be something that we can sit back, listen to, and analyze, "Am I approaching this the right way? Am I doing what I need to do?" Also, if you are an official, something you should always ask yourself is, "Do I enjoy officiating? Am I doing it for the right reasons?" If the answers to either of those questions is, "No," then you are going to negatively affect a trial, and you're also just going to make yourself miserable.
Officiating is extraordinarily difficult. It is not an easy job. It's very trying, it's tiring, and it really does take a lot out of you at the end of the day. I don't know of many officials who can officiate all day or even better, a weekend or a multi-day trial, and come out of it afterwards and just feel completely refreshed and everything is great. A lot of us need at least a day to recover, if not more, because you're giving so much of yourself when you're officiating.
If things aren't put together properly, or if it's not going well, that's going to amplify the negative effects, and you could also be potentially ruining the experience for a whole slew of people with their dogs. It could also look badly on the trial host, and of course, it can look badly on the organization itself.
These are the kinds of things that we want to try to avoid as best as we can. The purpose of this podcast, again, is not to try to make anyone feel bad, it's just to point out some of the pitfalls that you want to try to avoid, and also just to have an open and honest conversation that maybe you just need to take a break from officiating for a while if you've been doing it consistently, non-stop for months or years. Maybe officiating may not be for you, or maybe this will reinvigorate you to say, "I really like officiating, and now I'll make sure that I really step it up, and I am the best official I could possibly be."
Those are kind of the things that I'm going for as far as a theme for this podcast. I am an official. I also oversee officials. I understand how difficult this is, so I'm coming at this with a lot of empathy and understanding, but there are things that we need to talk about as a community within a community, to ensure that we're doing the best that we can.
As we did with our prior podcast, I just want to start off with some things that competitors, when they encounter something at a trial in regards to an official, they go, "Uh, it's going to be one of those days," so that we can discuss them, and so that we can avoid doing that in the future.
The first is officials who come across as extraordinarily robotic. What I mean by this is you have a competitor, and they've gotten themselves all together, they have the routine, they're all organized, and they're pretty excited, albeit they're probably nervous and a little jittery, but you know, they have done their homework. They know the rules, their dog has the training, everything is perfect.
They come up to the start line, and they have that nervous energy, but they're still kind of excited, and they're getting ready for their search, and maybe there's a gate steward. Maybe the judge isn't the person who is giving them the information, and this person is warm, and welcoming, and everything is fabulous. They're asking, "Is the competitor okay? Do they have any questions? Make sure you have fun." Everything is fabulous so far.
This little person goes waddling up to the start line, and they're so excited, and they look up, and they see the stone-faced, stiff, broad-shouldered, intimidating person standing in the corner who says, "Go when ready." All of that fun and joy just leaves them, because this robotic, angry looking person is the one who holds all of their Scent Work dreams and hopes in their hands, and it looks as though they are not happy that you are even in their search area at all.
This is something that officials have to work on, in that you can still be a judge, you can still be objective, you can still do your job without coming across as though you are this completely inhuman, robotic, even worse yet, angry and judgmental person. That's not the goal.
Again, we have to remember that we are officiating sports. This is a game. We are not trying to determine if these teams can go out and search a disaster site to find survivors. That's not what this is. We are not certifying teams to go out and search for dead bodies, or bombs, or drugs, or fugitives. That's not what this is.
They're finding birch, anise, or clover, or other target odors. This is a game, and these are civilians with civilian dogs. This is not the same as certifying a professional team who very well could be doing life or death searches. That's not what this sport is.
As an official, we have to have the same standards that are put forward by the organization of you need to have a certain amount of training, we need to ensure the way we set up the search area is correct. All that is fine, but that doesn't mean that we should be looking at these people as though, "And you are lesser than ... Don't you dare make a mistake." That's not how this should go.
I have to say, having certified and worked with a number of officials for a couple years now, I would say the mass majority of them are coming at it from the right approach at least on the outset, but as soon as you put that clipboard in their hand, the smiles goes away, they get really tense, and I think a lot of people it's just concentrating. They're trying to make sure that they don't miss anything, that they're doing their job properly, but it does affect the competitor.
We need to try to avoid that, because we could be effecting the search in ways that we didn't intend, so that the result at the end isn't accurate, and that doesn't help anybody. Again, from a competitor perspective, and I've had this happen to me, where I've come to a search area, again, being an official, being a known official, being someone who oversees officials, and I've had officials just completely bark at me. It's like, "Really? Are you sure that's the best thing to do right now? I'm being pleasant as pie, there's no reason for you to be snarky, or snappy, or just mean or angry. What is the problem?"
You have to be really careful about that as an official. I understand completely that it can be very difficult as the day goes on to keep that super friendly, professional, not snarky or snipey thing going. Let's just be blunt. There are going to be competitors that are just unpleasant, and I get it. I've had them.
I've had people who have for all intents and purposes, ruined my day, and what I've had to do is just stop the search for just a couple of minutes, maybe one, two, three minutes, go take a walk, breathe, maybe eat a donut or something, collect myself, and then come back, because it's no one else's fault. That competitor was unpleasant. These other competitors haven't done anything, and it's my responsibility to be professional from the moment I get out of my car, to the moment I get back into my car.
There are no time in between those two events that I can just throw professionalism out the window and just be a jerk and say like, "Well, the world has wronged me, I shall wrong everyone else as well." That doesn't work, because not only will it negatively affect the trial, you're making the organization look bad, you're making the trial host look bad, and you're also making yourself look bad.
The first thing that I would say that competitors dread for officials are officials who are very robotic, and then that can also be construed as officials that are very mean. Now, I'm going to be covering when we are actually mean a little bit, but just know that if you don't take that time to create that human connection, that you can come across as being mean, even though you're not trying to be.
So just be careful about that. A smile, a ... anything. I'm not asking you to be their therapist, I'm not asking you to be their friend, and no, you shouldn't show any preferential treatment or anything like that, but just letting them know that you are actually a person, and that you recognize that they are actually a person, and not just a sack of meat that's going not be walking through your area, and you're going to be dinging them for everything they do wrong.
Just let them know that with how you carry yourself that this is a game, and that you are a person and a human being who is going to be judging them fairly. That does wonders for a trial if you can do that. I've seen trials where officials struggle with that, and just the whole atmosphere is just gross. I've seen trials where officials are amazing at making that connection with competitors, and the atmosphere is so much better.
So again, I would just urge all of my fellow officials to just think about your approach, and see if there are ways that you can maybe tweak things if you happen to know that you get really stiff, and robotic, and you kind of shut off when you're trying to do officiating.
The other thing that competitors dread when they are talking about officials, are officials who don't know the rules. This is a huge problem, and this isn't just something from a competitor's side, there's a huge problem for the trial host, there's a huge problem for the organization, and it's also just a problem for you as the official. Where this comes up is where you're in the middle of doing a search, and something happens, and as a competitor, you know, "Well, because this happened, then so-and-so is supposed to happen," or, "This is supposed to happen over here," or whatever.
You have an expectation, because you know the rules, and suddenly the official is saying, "Oh no, you're done. Goodbye." You're like, "Well, wait a minute. That's not the way the rules read." Then when you try to follow up, the official is adamant, like, "No, that's not correct. Off you go."
Now you as a competitor are now deemed as a complainer. You have to go talk to the trial chair, and if they happen to pull up the rules and the competitor is now correct, now you have to go into this whole kind of scenario of a competitor of, "Do I really stick to my guns and ask for a re-run? What is it that I do?"
Now the trial host is in a really sticky situation of, "How do I make my competitor, who's paying me, happy so they actually want to come back, and they're not complaining? How do I also do this so that it's in the confines of the actual overall rules for the organization? Because if I don't do it well as the host, the organization may not want me to host trials anymore."
All because this official didn't understand the rules for what it is that they're officiating, there is now this huge problem. I say this because many officials are officiating in multiple venues, which is wonderful, I am not saying that's bad, it's not, but it's also really super confusing. Many of the organizations have rules that are similar, but also slightly different, and there are other things that are just completely and totally different.
If you are officiating at a trial, I urge you, regardless of how long you've been officiating, regardless of how long you've been an instructor, a professional, what have you, literally read up on the rules for what it is that you are officiating, what you're responsible for, the day before the trial, ideally even the week before, so if you have questions, you can ask whoever it is that you have to ask.
Don't just go off of memory, don't just assume, because there are slight enough differences that can get you into serious trouble when you are just going off of memory in the heat of the moment. I'll give you an example.
I was working in the score room for a trial, and I get a score sheet back for one of the games, which allows for multiple false alerts. You can call two false alerts in one of these games, and on the third, you would then as a competitor be disqualified.
But I get the score sheet back, and it says, "One false alert," and then a time, and that's it. If you were to look at this, it looks as though the competitor called a false alert, the judge said, "Sorry, no," and then they just ended the search, which is incorrect.
I then had to bring this up with the overseeing official, which is in USCSS the Chief Search Designer, or CSD, and pointed this out, and she said, "Oh no." She went and talked to the judge who did not realize that this was the case. They then had to go and talk to the competitor, who had to talk to the trial chair person, and they all handled it very professionally.
They were very kind, and worked well with this competitor, who decided that they were just going to just take the end cue. They were like, "That's fine. My dog is tired. I know for next time, it's no big deal." The trial host refunded that competitor for the run, and they were like, "Look, we're even going to refund you your money. Don't worry about it."
Even though this was handled about as well as it could have, considering, it could have been completely avoided if that judge had read up on the rules for that game. Now, does that mean that this judge is a terrible person? Of course not. Mistakes happen, that's fine, but you have to take your responsibility as an official very seriously, and that means that even if you're officiating for a organization for a certain period of time, if you are doing officiating in other organizations, do yourself the favor and read up on the rules before you actually go to that trial. It just helps.
There are significant enough differences and similarities that can get you into a lot of trouble, and depending on the organization, they may not be so understanding if you do make that mistake, because it can have such big blow back on the organization itself. So again, from a competitor's standpoint, it is super frustrating when the person who's there as the professional, as the face of the organization, they don't seem to know what the rules are for the actual trial itself. That is really frustrating.
It can have a lot of negative connotations and results. I mean, you could have a competitor lose out on cues that they actually earned, and depending on the organization, if they had entered in subsequent trials assuming that they would have had those cues, that could be a really huge problem. They could be out a lot of money, where they wouldn't be able to change their entries or anything else. That's a nightmare.
You have to really be careful about this. Please, please, please, make certain as an official that you are reading up on the rules for the organization actually officiating for, before you actually go to that trial.
The other thing that competitors dread as far as officials overall are officials who are coming at this from the standpoint of, "I am the best thing since sliced bread." Now, this is going to rub some people the wrong way, and I'm going to apologize in advance. Whatever you have achieved in your training, and in your competition, or even in your professional career is commendable, and it does deserve respect, and for us to tip our hat to you, but it ends there.
You being an official is not an opportunity for you to toot your own horn. You being an official is not an opportunity for you to then project to everyone just how amazing you and/or your dogs are. That's not the point. Just know that when you do that, you're going to be turning off about 95% of the people who are listening to you, and that doesn't just include competitors, that includes other officials, trial hosts, and quite frankly, I think even trial staff, like trial organization staff.
It's just something I know for me personally, it really irks me when someone is taking the time when they're actually on the clock as an official, to go on, and on, and on about how they've achieved this, and they've achieved that, and they've achieved the other thing. It doesn't matter. It really doesn't.
We are assuming that you have the expertise for this organization to have approved you as an official. Does that mean that's guaranteed? No, let's just be blunt. It depends on the organization, and it depends on the individual, and it depends on how much digging that organization does, and people can lie and whatever else. There's only so much an organization can do, but more often than not, they've done their due diligence, they've checked, they know that you have a certain level of expertise. That's assumed, otherwise you shouldn't be an official.
You don't need to project that. You don't need to tell the world, "I am the best ever." Because at a trial, I can pretty much guarantee you that first of all, there are other officials who are probably pretty well accomplished as well, and you may actually have some competitors who are really super accomplished too.
Worse still, you have baby competitors who are just starting out, that can take all that projection that you're doing in a way that deflates them horribly, where now they think, "There's no way that I can do this. Look at a lot this stuff that this person has achieved. I'm never going to get there. You know what? This is too stressful, I'm just not even going to do this anymore."
That would be horrible, and I can tell you, it's happened. I've had to talk people back into playing because they heard someone go on, and on, and on about how great they are. They're like, "I don't have any of those skills. I wouldn't be able to be where they are." It's like, "It doesn't matter. Are you having fun with your dog?" "Yeah, I guess."
"Well, then great. Keep focusing on having the fun, and you can go as far as you want to. You don't have to go to nationals, you don't have to have every title under the sun if you don't want to. Do this for what is good for you and your dog." They're like, "Oh, so that means I don't have to stress myself out to get the highest title, even though I would be miserable the whole way?" "Of course not. Of course you don't. It's your dog, it's your journey. You can do whatever you like."
Just realize that as an official, you are being hired to do a job. It is nothing more, it is nothing less. You are there as an employee. You are there to do something. You are not there to tell everyone about yourself. It's not a marketing opportunity. That's not to say that there aren't people who maybe at the end of the trial who say, "You know what? I was really impressed with the hides you set today. Do you do workshops? Do you teach classes? I would love to work with you."
That's happened to me a lot, and that's happened to other officials too, particularly judges that make that human connection. My god, I've seen more competitors walk up to judges at the end of trials going, "I really liked you. Do you do classes or seminars? Would you be able to come out to our place? We would love to have you." That's great, and they didn't do that by saying, "I'm the best." They were just professional, and doing their job, and doing it well. That's all you have to do.
I say this because it can really make everything really gross, and it's really super stressful as someone who works on the organization side to get those kinds of complaints from trials, because it shouldn't be happening. It has no place, so it's a fire that really should never have existed in the first place.
So again, if you are an official, make certain that you're not even inadvertently walking into the territory where you're talking about, "Well, I did this, and my dog did that, and we're just the best." It has no place, just make sure that you don't do that.
Now, I want to make a little bit of a shift from the competitor standpoint of, "Oh god, the official is doing that, oh no," to what trial hosts may be dreading with their officials. The first is the lack of communication. This should not be happening. If a trial host has contacted you asking if you're available to officiate, please be courteous and respond to them no later than seven days after they've contacted you.
Ideally, it's a lot faster. Now, I get that many of us are so incredibly busy. We have classes, we have seminars, we're trialing, we're competing, we may actually have lives outside of Scent Work. Who would have thought? That's fine. That's why most organizations will give you that seven days, but please respond to them, and do yourself a favor and respond in writing.
You can absolutely talk to them on the phone, but follow it up with an email. A little bit of CYA goes a long way when a host goes, "I never heard from blah, blah, blah," and you could say, "Oh, well here's my follow up email to our phone conversation. I won't be able to officiate, I'm so sorry." Or, "Oh no, I said I would, and we had talked about it. Here it is. This is not starting off on a good foot, but maybe we can fix it."
There's courtesy, and then there's also just making sure that you are making your life as easy as possible. Even after that initial communication, you need to be in a communication with these people consistently leading up to the trial, as well as the trial itself, and then even after the trial if there's any other paperwork, or issues, or any other loose ends that need to be tied up.
Please don't fall off the grid. Don't just disappear, and don't not answer emails or phone calls. Again, this is a job. This is not just something like, "Oh well, you know, I guess I'll get to it when I can." No, you are being paid or compensated in some way to do this. You have to act professionally, and again, I'm saying this being someone who is incredibly busy, but if someone contacts me, I do everything in my power to get back to them as quickly as I can, at the very least at the end of that day if I'm really completely swamped.
Also just make sure that you are prioritizing what it is that you need to respond to. For instance, if you have a trial coming up and you get a message from your trial host, and it's like, "Help, we need help," and then you get another message from a friend that you just saw yesterday, and they're like, "Oh, look at this cute cat video," maybe you reach out to the trial host that needs the help. It's just like you have to know how to handle yourself so that they don't feel lost and they don't have the support that they need.
On the same lines as having good communication is making certain that everyone is on the same page as far as what it is that you're doing, so whether or not you're just doing judging, if there are different officials for judging and actually setting hides. If for the organization that this trial is for, maybe you have to do both. Maybe there are going to be multiple officials at that trial, so maybe you're only going to be responsible for certain things, for working in certain search areas, for instance.
Make certain all that is really laid out in detail, in writing, in a contract, that you and this host sign. This is not just frivolous paperwork, this is to ensure that everyone is on the same page, because if you just go off of verbal, first of all, one of you may forget, which would be a problem when you get to the trial and suddenly everything is different.
It also ensures that for the trial host, that they have it in writing of, "Okay, I'm going to have Sally Sue, and she's going to be doing these five things, and oh, we're going to be adding on this and this. Wow, she looks a little overwhelmed. Let me get another official." It just helps everyone realize what it is that each person has to do, and whether or not they need to bring in more people.
You can also say, "Hey, by the way, you have me trying to be in two different places at once. I'm not going to be able to do that. You need to bring somebody else on." The more transparency that you can have, the better it is for everyone.
The other big thing about trial hosts, one of the more common complaints that we get, is in addition to the lack of communication, is a lack of organization, meaning that this official seems very frazzled, disorganized, and kind of all over the place. That's a problem.
Even if you are quote unquote, "Just a judge," and there is no such thing in my opinion as, "Just a judge," judges are really super important, even if they're not setting hides, you still have responsibilities as an official, and one of those is to be organized. I think anyone who has been an official for any period of time can have a good understanding of just how complex a Scent Work trial really is.
The fact that any of them go well is actually pretty amazing. It's a really complex moving system of parts. If there's a problem with one of those moving parts, it effects everything. As a judge, you have to try to be as organized as possible, so if you happen to know an issue, it doesn't snowball out of control, which can happen pretty quickly.
This is even magnified when you are placing hides. You have to absolutely be organized when you're placing hides, because you have to be organized not only in how you actually set your odor, but also with how you plan. Do you know that your searches are going to be set up in such a way that allows for efficient and safe flow? What happens if a competitor had the option of not entering everything, and they're only entering into the second search? How are they going to get there? Is that going to cause any issues?
You have to think through all this stuff, which requires organization. You can't just show up at the trial site and say, "Okay, we're just going to wing it." That doesn't work. You have to think these things through.
In the same vein of being organized, making certain that you know what you're responsible for, and not just assuming that someone else is going to take care of it. What I mean by that, is particularly for people who are setting hides. Are you the one who's applying the odor? Nine times out of 10, I would say that that should be the official's responsibility. They should be the one providing the odor. That way you know that you've prepared it correctly, it's by the rules, all that good stuff.
But in addition to that, who is providing the warm up containers? Who's providing the search containers? Who's providing the backup containers? And are those all in compliance with the rules? If you have to go out and purchase them, who's paying for that? If you're paying for it, are you being reimbursed for it? If you're being reimbursed for it, is there a cap that the trial host has put on for how much you can spend, and are you comfortable, if you go over that cap, covering the difference?
I mean, these are all important details that all goes down to being organized, but if you just show up and go like, "I'm here. Let's slap some odor on, hope for the best," no. That's naughty to do that.
The other thing that trial hosts really dread with their officials are people who are only interested in doing the absolute bare minimum. Now, I would say that this is a bad thing across the board. I think that anyone could say, "Yeah, if you're just skating by, that's not good."
What I mean by this, is officials who come in, maybe they're totally pleasant with all the competitors, they are organized as far as getting themselves all set up, they've officiated their search. We'll say that this is an organization or a set up where you can just be a judge, where you're also setting hides, but in this trial, you are only responsible for one search.
If you are doing all this officiating, everything is great, this search is now wrapped up, and you just leave, that's a big problem, because first of all, no one else is supposed to be touching the odor. Second of all, this area may be used another day for a different search, or even later on that day. Depending on the organization, maybe they allow for nested searches, so now they're going to be adding in another hide.
Even if it's something that you personally are not responsible for, you are still on the clock. Help. Help these people get everything wrapped up so that they can all leave. Remember that trial hosts more often than not are renting space when they're doing trials, which means that every hour that they go over what they agreed to rent the space for is costing them a lot of money. As the trial goes on, less and less volunteers are going to be there. There's just going to be less bodies available.
As the official, you are responsible for your trial search area. That is your responsibility. Even after your last competitor is done, you should still be prepared to go in there and clean up. I have to say that for all the trials that I have overseen, or participated in, or worked at for a variety of different organizations, this isn't that big of a thing, in that it's not a big issue. More often than not, trial officials just automatically do this, but there have been some times where we go through and the search area is the exactly the same, and it's hours later.
I'm like, "Well, where are you?" And the person's just sitting in their car. It's like, "What are you doing?" "Oh, well it's hot." "I don't care. This is your job, come out and help us." Just make sure that as an official, that you are not doing that. You have to follow through, again, that timeframe. You are on the clock from the moment you get out of your car, to the moment you get back in your car, not to just sit in it in the parking lot, but like to drive away. That's when you're on the clock to be an official.
I now want to make another shift from the dreads of a trial host to the dreads of an organization, of the types of things and feedback that we get back from officials that just makes our hair stand on end and our skin crawl. The first is we'll get complaints both from trial hosts and from competitors, "I don't think your official has any idea what they're doing." That's not good feedback. That's not helpful at all.
There can be a number of different reasons why this can happen, and some of it may just be completely out of the control of the trial official. Let's all be blunt. Mother Nature sometimes is just impossible to work with. No matter how hard you try, no matter how much effort you put in, things just don't go the way that they should.
Even in those situations, it's your responsibility as an official to explain that to the competitors as well as the trial host as best as you can without making excuses. Just explain what happened in the space, and maybe even what adjustments you tried to make to accommodate that. That's best case scenario.
Worst case scenario is where as an official, you are not making the delineation between setting hides that are for trial, where again we are testing training. A standard has been set by the organization, regardless of what organization it is, and they have said, "Competitor and dog must be able to do A, B, C, and D in order to pass this search." You, official, go and design that search to meet that standard. That's your job. That's all you're doing.
That is entirely different from setting up a training hide where you are teaching someone and their dog how to develop those skills. Those are two entirely different things. More often than not, when searches don't go well, it's because it's not a trial hide, it is a training hide. That's not appropriate.
As an organization, that is extraordinarily frustrating, because I know for myself, we have these discussions when we are first certifying our officials, when they go through our course, when they do our official mock trial with the United States Canine Sense Sports. We do all this stuff, and then still, we'll end up with a complaint from someone. It's like, "Guys, you're killing me."
Look, it doesn't happen often, but it happens sometimes, and it can't. I know first-hand how difficult that can be to walk that line. I personally have a very hard time taking off my trainer hat and putting on my official hat, which is why I don't officiate that much anymore, in addition to the fact that I can't move, and I can't stand, and I can't do all the physical stuff.
I know that as a hide setter, I can have a lot of difficulty not just setting a training hide, particularly for upper levels. You have to know how you can meet the requirements while not over-facing the team, and this bleeds into something else, that as an official, it is not your job to try to fail people. That is not why you are officiating.
For the organizations, and at the level that I know of them, and I'm not an expert in all of them by any means, from my understanding, none of them have been designed with the premise of taking cues away from people that they otherwise should have earned, that an official should walk into a space expecting to take points away from people. That's not the way that I understand any of the organizations in the United States have been designed.
As an organization, when we receive results for trials, and the cue rate is abysmal just across the board, that's a problem, because especially at this point in this stage of the sport, there are a lot of really experienced people and dogs, and for those organizations that require everyone to start at the bottom level and work their way up, if you have 40 dogs at a trial, and 25 of them are elite level dogs, and they're entering at a novice level trial, I am assuming that most of those dogs are going to be getting that cue.
I mean, that's just simple math. That's just assuming that unless everything went left, they have the training, they have the background, they should be able to get that. If those dogs can't get that hide for a novice level search, that's a huge problem.
Now, there is a way that you would be able to work on this, and this is something that again, feeds into what I think frustrates organizations, is as an official, you have to hone your craft. You have to practice. This isn't something that just means that you have to just go out and officiate non-stop. The same thing that I try to tell people, don't just trial non-stop as a competitor, you have to train.
You have to train yourself as an official too, and that means holding those mock trials are super important. Figure out what works, and what doesn't in a safe environment that's safe for everybody. You get to hone your craft, and the competitors get to practice, which they desperately need, and everybody wins. If you're just constantly putting yourself out there to officiate and you're never taking the opportunity to improve yourself, it's not going to go well.
It's just something that I would urge any official to do, that if you are officiating on any kind of regular basis, please take the time to go and schedule some mock trials for people. It'll make a world of difference. First of all, it will really help your clients and these competitors. They'll help you too, to see what works, and to see what doesn't, and to hone your craft.
The other thing as far as an organization side that can be very problematic is officials who are constantly questioning the rules. Now, I want to say this carefully. I don't mean someone who reads the rules and says, "That doesn't make any sense," or, "I have a question about the rules," or even, "I am playing devil's advocate about the rules," or, "I want clarification about the rules." That's fine. Bring that up to the organization, and then see what the reasoning is, and then see if they'll be able to fix stuff.
I'm talking about officials who in the middle of a trial are bashing the rules, or are bashing the way that an organization is set up, or saying anything negative even about not maybe that organization, but another organization. Oh, don't do that. Please don't.
The dog world can already be gossipy enough, and it can be very cliquey. That's not the place to do it at a trial, particularly as an official, because you are speaking for the organization. On the one hand, it wouldn't make any sense for you to be speaking on behalf of the organization and then in the same breath be taking down that organization. It's like, "Well, why are you officiating then?"
It's even worse if you're then standing up as the official and saying, "Well, I'm officiating for organization A, but organization B, C, and D are terrible, and this is why." That has no place at a trial, and as an organization, that is a ton of blow back that the organization gets from people who play at those other organizations, and they should. There's no reason why everyone should be in their own little box.
We want more dogs playing, that's the whole point. We want to play more. If there are people who want to participate in the trial that you're officiating for organization A, but they also compete in organization B, C, and D, that's not bad, that's okay. That's a good thing. It's not like a team thing or a loyalty thing for you to say that those organizations have no idea what they're doing, because they probably do.
Maybe you don't agree with them, and that's fine, but it doesn't have any place in a trial. Again, just from an organization's standpoint, know that if you are to do that as an official, it causes a ton of problems, and it can also cause problems for you personally, so just try not to do that.
Okay, once again, we've reached that point in the episode that you're saying, "Fantastic, you've made me feel terrible." I hope I didn't. Again, these are just pointing out some of the extremes, some of the largest issues that can happen, but I have to say, and I'm very happy about this, that for the organization that I work with, we have upwards of 107 judges, I think, nationally right now. We have something like 20 CSDs, something around there, so there are a lot of officials for this organization, and I have to tell you that I don't get that many complaints, which is nice. I have to say, I don't mind. It's not like I'm waiting for more.
The vast majority of people who are entering and applying to be an official are doing it for the right reasons. They have the expertise, they have the background, and they're going about it completely fine. The point of this episode, and the point of this podcast, is to point out to you what you should try not to do, and things you should try to avoid, or things you can do to try to improve, and things you can do to try to help yourself.
Just to reiterate, be organized, know the rules, communicate with your trial host, communicate with your competitors as far as creating that human bond, the human connection. That really does make a difference. Make sure that you're not just walking in there as though you have solved all the world's problems. People will respect you on how you carry yourself. You don't have to go in there with a resume.
Make certain that you are keeping up on your own craft. Give yourself the opportunity to do those mock trials, to officiate outside of a sanctioned trial environment. It will help you. It will also help the competitors and the community at large.
The other thing that I would urge you to do if you're an official is to do everything that you can to remember what it feels like to be a competitor, so make sure that you are competing with your dog, even if you just run them in mock trials. Remember what that feels like. Try to put yourself in the shoes of what these people are going through. Remember what it feels like to go through your very first trial, so that you can be empathetic, because that will help you.
It will also help prevent burnout, that if you're able to really view every single search with enthusiasm, and joy, and even, "Oh, they didn't get it, but they were trying really hard." That can help you as an official not feel so overwhelmed, and not be so exhausted at the end, and also, it prevents burnout. I have to tell you, that if you're approaching this the wrong way, you can absolutely begin to dread officiating. It will just turn into a real chore. Not even a job, it's something that you dread, which is terrible.
Always re-evaluate things. If you are getting requests to officiate, and you're kind of sitting on responding to them, you're like, "Well, you know, I don't know," maybe you need to take a break, and you're allowed to take breaks. You are a person, and a human being who has a life, you have your own dogs, you have things that you want to do. It's okay.
I would rather as an organization, an official contact me and say, "You know what? I've done a bunch of trials lately, and I really need to take like six months off. I just need to focus on some other stuff." I would so much rather that they do that than to keep signing up for trials because someone asked, and then not handling themselves well. I also want to make sure that they're happy.
Lastly, just know that at any point in this process, you may determine that, "You know what? I liked officiating to begin with. I took a break and I went back to, and you know what? I just don't think I enjoy it." That's okay too. You're allowed to change your mind.
If you decide that you don't want to be an official anymore, just let the organization know. That's okay. This is a job, but it should be one that you enjoy, because you have such a huge influence on the trial. This is something that you're passionate about as far as Scent Work, which most of us are. I would hate for you to sour your passion because you're doing something that maybe wasn't a good match for you to begin with.
These are just some things to keep in mind. Again, I'm hoping that I didn't leave anyone in the fetal position crying. That wasn't the point. I have a lot of empathy, and I have a lot of understanding, and I have a lot of respect for people who step up to be officials, because this is a very difficult job. It requires a lot of you, and without officials, we can't have trials, so you are so incredibly important, and you are appreciated.
Competitors who see a official who is professional, and trying, and earnest, and organized, and is just a good person to work with and be around, they love those officials, and when they see their name on the premium and they go, "Yes, I'm going to have a great trial."
If you don't do those things, and they see your name on the premium and they go, "Uh, this is the only one coming up. I guess I'll give it a whirl," or they won't enter that trial. When you're doing those things, you're hitting all those bases, it really is a gift that you are giving these people.
I hope that helps to understand just how important you are, and the things that you can do to make things successful for yourself, for the competitors, for the host, and for the organization. Thank you so much for listening. I hope you found this podcast helpful. Happy training, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Have you ever been to a Scent Work trial, and the atmosphere was just...wrong? Everyone seemed stressed and miserable, and a dark cloud hung over everyone and everything? There are plenty of reasons why this can happen, but you as a competitor can help prevent it!
In this episode, we discuss what Scent Work trial officials dread, and in so doing, showcasing what they would deem the "ideal competitor", the competitor who refrains from doing some of the very things that can drag a trial down. Now, that is not to say all the blame or responsibility lies at the feet of the competitors. Nothing could be further from the truth! But, this is a topic not many competitors think about, or give enough credence to. You, as the competitor, are a crucial part of the puzzle to ensure your Scent Work trial goes well! So let's figure what you should do, and pitfalls to avoid.
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Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. SWU courses and webinars are not only for those who are interested in competiton, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!
Interested in another dog sport, or looking for help getting your dog to learn some manners? Dog Sport University is sister online dog training platform, give it a peek and see what it has to offer you and your dog.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the Scent Work University All About Scent Work podcast. In this podcast we'll be talking about all things Scent Work. We'll be giving you behind the scenes look as far as what your instructor or trial officials may be going through, we'll be giving you training tips, and we'll just be discussing everything that goes along with doing Scent Work with your dog, whether you're interested in competition or not.
In this episode we're going to be talking about what officials would consider an ideal competitor at a Scent Work trial, and how you may be able to work towards becoming one of those ideal competitors. All right, let's get started.
Before we get started, I just want to take a really quick moment to introduce myself. My name is Dianna Santos. I'm the Owner and Lead Instructor for both Scent Work University and Dog Sport University. These are online dog training platforms that are designed to connect outstanding trainers with as many dog owners as possible. Both SWU and DSU are designed to provide quality, convenience, and flexibility. We hope that you'll check them out to see if there are any online programs that may be suitable for both you and your dog. Without further ado, let's dive into the podcast.
If you're competing in Scent Work, more often than not you've been at a trial where things just didn't seem to go all that well. Things went left. Everyone seemed stressed. The atmosphere wasn't all that great. Maybe there was some toxic people in the parking lot. Maybe there were just some other competitors who just didn't seem as though they were in this for the right reasons.
With this podcast what I want to talk about is from an official's perspective what it is that competitors can do in order to ensure that the trials don't ever get to that point. Now that's not say that all the responsibility lies in the shoulders of the competitors. That's not true. It is absolutely true that the competitors can be there in the right frame of mind, that officials could be there in the right frame of mind, and maybe the host isn't. Or maybe the host and the competitors are, but the officials aren't. It is definitely a group effort. If one of those elements is not working the way that it should, then it can affect the entire experience.
But what I'm hoping in this podcast to achieve is an understanding of just how important the competitors are to this whole formula, and that there are things that you can do to help improve the experience for everyone, and also it can help your overall performance because depending how it is you conduct yourself not only during the search but also in between the searches, could also affect the way that the official, be it your judge and even your hide placer, then conducts themselves throughout the day but also how they're approaching everything that they have to do. Because here's a little bit of a hint. They're just people too.
Again, the purpose of this podcast is to talk about some things that, again, I just don't think that enough people are thinking about or considering, and just to give you a behind the scenes look, if you've only done competing and you haven't been an official before, just some of the things that officials may be considering or even going through when they're actually officiating these trials.
Right out of the gate what I would like to do is to talk about some of the things that officials dread. This is again a general statement. This is not supposed to be covering everything under the sun, but just some things for you to keep in mind that as an official if they see these things happen, their skin starts to crawl, the hair goes up on the back of their neck, or they just go, "Oh, it's going to be one of those trials."
The reason why I want to start off with this is so we can kind of see just how unhelpful these things are in the first place. But you also may listen going, "I never do any of those things." And that's a good pat on the back for you. There really isn't that many people who do these things. I mean, just to be perfectly blunt. With the majority of trials that I've either officiated, overseen, or worked at, I would say the very mass majority of the competitors are very pleasant, they have a lot of sportsmanship, they are there to have a good time with their dogs, they're there for the right reasons, and they're doing it the right way, which is fabulous. There are going to be a few people who are just not doing any of those things.
The purpose of starting with this first section is to just talk about when officials see something and they go, "Oh no." If you happen to catch yourself doing those things, just know that that is something that usually puts off alarm bells for an official and that could also affect your performance overall. It could also affect the way that you're experiencing the trial as well as everybody else.
The first thing that as a judge, what I've noticed, what I've officiated that makes my alarm bells go off is when someone comes up to the start line and I say, "Oh, hi. Welcome to your so and so search. This is your start line. Here are your search area boundaries. You have this amount of time in order to find this many hides," if it's possibly known. "Do you have any questions?" And the person just stands there and goes, "Of course not." It's like, "Okay then. You may start when ready."
This is a tough one because as an official you may just say, "Well, maybe they're nervous." But we also see you walking up the start line. So if you're talking under your breath really angrily at your dog or at yourself or just life and then you're futzing with all of your stuff at the start line, we're trying to give you some information and then you bark at us, we're like, "Well then. Okay. You can go whenever you're ready and we'll just hope for the best." It just puts everyone's guard up and it gets everyone really super defensive.
The competitors that officials really dread are the ones who are very snarky, who bark a lot, who are very short, who don't want to even acknowledge the fact that you as an official may be taking extra time out to make certain that they don't have any questions, that you can set them at ease, that you can let them know like, "This is your search area. You don't have to go over there." Like, "If your dog wants to go over there for a little bit, maybe that's where odor is going, but there isn't a hide there."
And then lo and behold, those typically speaking are the competitors who end up going off into osh gosh because they weren't really paying attention, and then they're all angry when their dog either times out or they false alert and you're like, "I told you that that wasn't part of the search area to begin with."
The first big category that I would say for things that officials dread are competitors who are very short and they just seem angry. I mean, they just seem angry and nasty and just unpleasant. I think that's something that everyone can relate to, that trying to deal with someone who's like that is not fun. But as officials it's our responsibility to always be professional and to just take a deep breath and be like, "Okay, well start when ready," and to just let them do what they need to do during their search, and to also be understanding that for some people when they do get stressed or nervous, they do kind of sound really short and curt and just unpleasant. It's not that they have any malice behind it. It's just because they're nervous.
But understand that your official is not a robot. So if you were to do that and you were competitor number 30 and already 15 other people did the same exact thing to this official who's been out there in the elements for hours on end, working their butt off trying to make sure that this trial goes well, and now you come in and you start snapping at them, there is nothing to say that this person is not going to be like, "Okay, well, I just, I give up. Go on and search and you had better hope that you don't drop any treats." All of the empathy and the connection as a human being is lost and then it truly does become you are just in there as a sack of meat doing stuff with your dog and they are just this very judgmental person on the outside, and that's not ideal on any level.
If you do happen to find yourself getting really stressed and worked up about something, I would urge you to take a nice deep breath before you go to your search. That'll help you and your dog anyway. But definitely try to make certain that you aren't being really super negative to your official. It's just not a good idea just generally speaking. But just know that these are people too. It just can affect the entire atmosphere of the whole trial, but it really could negatively affect your search.
The other thing that officials dread overall are competitors who do not seem to know the rules at all. Now it's very confusing right now in the world of Scent Work, particularly in the United States, in that Scent Work has exploded in popularity which is wonderful, and there are now eight, count them, eight titling organizations in the United States alone, which is great. That means that there's more opportunities for everyone to play, there's lots of different things that maybe I prefer to go over here and do this thing, but now I can go over there and I can do that thing as well. All that is great.
The only problem is is that there are differences from organization to organization. Some organizations are newer than others and they're still figuring out what it is that they want to be able to do within their organization to meet their standards. Maybe they wanted to try something, it looked great on paper, but now it doesn't look so great in practice. They may also be updating their rules.
Regardless, when you sign up for a trial as a competitor, it is your responsibility to know the rules that are effective for that trial forwards and backwards and sideways and underneath. It's just you have to understand the rules.
As an official it is extraordinarily stressful when you have competitors throughout various stages of the trial clearly showing that they have no idea what the rules are. There's a big difference between someone who just doesn't know what the rules are but just kind of goes with the flow. And it's a whole other situation where a competitor hasn't taken the time to understand the rules, they don't know the rules. They also don't care to know the rules, oh and by the way, they're really upset because they wanted to be able to do what they want to do and it doesn't matter if it's in complete contradiction to what the rules are. It's everyone else's fault but this person.
That is something that just makes the officials hair catch on fire because you want to be able to help someone so that they could be successful. Because here's another little secret. Most officials who are very good, vast majority of them, want you to succeed. They want your dog to succeed as well. If you do happen to seem a little lost, they will be happy to help you. But that's really complicated if you don't even know the bare basics of what the rules are for the trial they are entered in and that you don't seem to care to want to know and that you now want to be able to do what you want to do, even though that's not what the rules allow you to do.
I'll give you an example. There was a trial that I ... for an organization that I work with. An official contacted me and they told me, "I was officiating this search. I gave my little run down for the search before the person went in to do the search. They were doing their search and not even 10 seconds in they called alert. It was a false alert. That wasn't where the hide was. So I told them, "I'm sorry no, but you can reward your dog over here." The person said, "Oh okay," and they just keep walking and kept searching in the search area.
So the official went up to them and said, "Oh I'm sorry, the search is done. But if you want to reward your dog where the hide is, this is where the hide is." And the person said, "This isn't what we do in class. If I call false alert in class, I get to keep searching." It's like, "But this isn't class. This is a trial, so if you want to bring your dog back over to the hide to reward them that'll be great."
This person, the competitor lost it. I mean yelling and screaming and turned into hysterical crying. It was bad. It was just bad. This official, and I give them a lot of credit, calmed them down, explained to them the difference between trialing and training, and by the end of it the person was fine. But now this official was completely flustered for the rest of the trial because this had happened. Whereas if the competitor had simply read the rules and maybe even asked a question during the briefing, then all of this could have been avoided.
As an official, it is super stressful when it's clear that people have no idea what the rules are. Now, I want to stress that being confused it's not something that you should be ashamed of or you should be worried about. If you are confused about something the day before the trial, make some notes and there's often times a lot of Facebook groups or other social media or even just contact information for the actual organization itself. Contact those people, reach out, and ask those questions. Try to get clarification. If you don't get clarification or it doesn't answer all of your questions, then bring them up during the briefing.
Please have your questions answered before you actually start running. Now that doesn't mean you get to not read any of the rules and just show up at the briefing and just start asking, "So, what is it that we have to do?" Like you do have to actually read the rules and understand them, but if you have a question, ask as early in this process as you possibly can because if you're trying to ask those kinds of questions while you're trying to search, your official isn't going to be able to answer you. It's just not a good thing for you or your dog to be doing. You should be concentrating on searching, you should be concentrating on reading your dog and figuring out what are they doing, not trying to say, "Oh, I don't know what the rule is for such and such."
Again, as far as officials, something that happens almost at every single trial is there are people who aren't reading the rules, who aren't familiar with the rules, and they are not taking the steps to actually familiarize themselves with the rules ahead of time, and they're almost expecting everyone to pick up the slack around them. That's not how it works. So please, if you are competing in any venue, particularly if you're competing in multiple venues, read upon the rules the week before you go to the trial. And then if you have questions, post them to some of those Facebook groups. Contact the organization directly. You can even contact the person who's hosting the trial, and if they don't have the answers, then they can reach out to someone who does. But it's your responsibility to really know what the rules are so that you and your dog can be successful.
Something else that officials dread, typically judges because they're the ones who see this more often than not, are the competitors who are really super disorganized. Now, I want to say this with a caveat, that things happen where maybe you were keeping track of your spot in the run order and suddenly three dogs just flew through and you thought you had 10 minutes and now you have one minute. I mean, you were watching it like a hawk and everything was great and then all of a sudden it's your turn to go into the staging area. You have your whole routine all set out, but now it's all befuddled. So you're all frazzled yourself, you're trying to get yourself all together, and you rush to the staging area because you don't want to make anyone wait and you're all just out of sorts.
What you want to do is you want to breathe and just take your time. As an official, personally I can usually tell the difference between someone who something like that happened where it was something completely out of their control, they were trying to do the right thing and now they're suddenly in the area going, "I guess it's my turn," and they're trying to get themselves together, and someone who wasn't paying attention to the run order, who didn't have a routine down, who doesn't really have any kind of consideration for themselves, their dogs, or the other people around them, there's a big difference between the two.
Regardless, if you are all befuddled, try your best to breathe and just collect yourself as much as you can. When this starts turning into something that an official dreads is when you are stressing up and up and up and up and then it starts turning into this little cyclone of stress and just chaos.
An official would be a lot more understanding from you if you are trying to breathe and you just say, "Oh, just give me just one second," and you're trying to get your long line together, whatever the case may be, but you're breathing and you're trying as opposed to, "Oh, well, everyone must do this for me now, and can you go get my treats and can you go get this and can you go get the other thing." I was like, "No, that's not going to work."
You want to try to be as organized as you can. You also want to try to be as calm as you can. Now officials should notice when someone is a little stressed and they should be able to step in and offer some reassurance, maybe remind you to breathe, we don't want you passing out in the middle of the search area, but that's not necessarily their responsibility. Their responsibility is not to make sure that all the responsibility it taken off of your shoulders and they have to set you up to succeed. They should be there to support you, but you've got to do some of the work as well.
As an official, if I see someone coming up and it is just a whirlwind behind them, and they have no care in the world and they're just assuming everyone will pick it up after them, that's not going to go well for me. It's not that I'm going to score them any differently. They find the hide, they find the hide. But it just, it creates a very different atmosphere, and it doesn't happen a lot. This is something I will say, is that people who are purposefully disorganized and just completely inconsiderate of others, is very rare, it doesn't happen all that often, but when it does, it's really, it's just kind of gross. It leaves everyone with a bad taste in their mouth. So try to avoid that as best as you can.
If something happens outside of your control where suddenly you're pushed up in the run order and you feel like you have to rush a little bit, just breathe in between, do the best that you can, and just show that you're trying. That's all you have to do. But if it's simply, "Well, now everyone else has to figure this out for me," well, that's a little bit different.
Probably the biggest thing that causes officials to dread what it is that they do are people who are not trusting their dogs when they're searching. Now, there's a variety of different reasons why you could be doing this and it's actually a really common thing to happen. The reason being is that having an official saying no is really stressful for the person, and I could understand that. But as a judge, you can see because you are at a different vantage point than the handler more often than not, so you oftentimes can see the dog saying one, two, three, four, 10 times, "Here it is. I don't know how else to say this, but here it is," and that can be frustrating within itself, but I think a lot of officials can recognize the fact that where they're standing is offering a different vantage point than where the handler may be.
That's an entirely different scenario than when the dog has said one, two, three, four, five, 10 times, "Here it is," and then the handler also recognizes it, doesn't believe the dog or doesn't accept it and says, "Show me," over and over and over and over again. The show me thing is the worst. It is something that I think across the board every official who hears it, their jaws get tight and their shoulders get all tense and they're just like, "Oh, why are they saying show me?" It's so frustrating.
I would urge any competitor if you have the urge to say show me, do something else, anything else. Maybe you just call alert. That'd be nice too. But if you really don't, if you're really not sure, then maybe just move off a little bit, see if the dog leaves with you, try anything else but don't say show me. It is just, it's the bane of almost every judge's existence. If that was one thing that would just go away from Scent Work, officials would be so much happier.
Now really quickly I wanted to go over some of the ways that a trial can go from really fun and exciting and enjoyable for everyone to really super stressful. The first is when competitors start second guessing the searches. What I mean by this is you go in, you do a search with your dog, your dog has found, let's say there's two hides, your dog has found one hide and they're working and working and working trying to find the second, and you see them do a change of behavior in one corner but then they get drawn over to something else and you can't really tell and you're not really sure, so you bring them back to the corner and you call alert and the judge says, "Sorry no, that's actually here, which is near the corner but it's not in the right corner."
Long story short you walk out of that search not feeling all that great. Your dog found their first hide. They clearly struggled with the second. You aren't really sure what was happening in the space. Maybe they got distracted. Maybe there was some pulling of odor. You called away from the hide. You are not really happy. That's understandable. That's totally fine.
If your immediate response is they set a really bad hide, it's very difficult to keep that within you as a person for the next couple of hours, because you're not supposed to be talking about the searches at all regardless of what organization you're competing with. You're not supposed to be saying, "Hey, did you struggle in that search?" It's just supposed to be a thumbs up or thumbs down, and then when the trial is all over, then you're supposed to be talking about details.
When things start getting really stressful is when people don't follow that rule and they start saying, "Hey, did your dog have any difficulty in the interior search?" And if someone else says, "Yeah, we only found one hide," which again these conversations should not be happening, but they do, that spreads like wildfire and by the time the trial is over and you're having the debriefing, you have a very big swath of the trial competitors are furious because they have all these theories about why the search didn't go well and they think that the person who set the hide had no idea what they're doing, the judge was being unfair, whatever the case may be.
Then sure enough during the debriefing, the person who set hide, be it the Co for NACSW or PSD for USCSS, judges for AKC or UKC, whatever the case may be, they then explain to you what it is that their thought process was when they set the hide, what they thought would be happening in that space, what actually happened in that space, and then what they saw for the handling.
Suddenly everyone has answers to all their questions. Suddenly it makes all kinds of sense. It wasn't this grand conspiracy to make everybody fail and everyone goes home and they're fine. The only problem was is that for all those hours in between the entire atmosphere of the whole trial went down in the dumps. It's just everyone's angry, everyone's stressed, everyone's upset.
I've seen this firsthand. It's happened to trials where I was actually the hide setter. If the competitors had just waited and if they hadn't talked about the hides, which again you're not supposed to, and if they didn't get themselves worked up in such a lather, I could've explained to them what was happening because once I did, they were fine.
This is something that I see a lot, and again, I cannot stress this enough. Please don't talk about the searches at trials. It's against the rules and depending on the organization you could actually be written off for a written warning, you could lose your cues for the search that you're talking about, and anyone you're talking to could lose their cues for that search. And if you continue to do it, depending on the organization, you might just be kicked out completely because the whole point of trials is that you don't know what's going on in the search. If you knew all the details about the search, then you wouldn't have to have trails at all. You could just keep practicing at home.
Now I understand that as competitors it can be very stressful when clearly you saw that your dog was struggling, clearly you saw that your dog had picked up odor somewhere but they couldn't get to it and you didn't call it correctly. I get it. I've been there. Wait till the end when the person who sets the hike and actually explained what happened, it makes a difference.
The other way that I notice the trials go from good and fun and enjoyable trials to trials that are more stressful, are people who are constantly looking at the clock. Let me just let you all know, just as a general rule, your officials don't want to the trail to be going on any longer than it absolutely has to. Your officials want your trial to be smooth and efficient and they would like to get home a little early as well. They are exhausted by the end of the day. I mean, they are mentally tired, they're physically tired, it's a really hard job to be an official.
That is exacerbated when you hear the mutterings like let's say for lunch and you'll hear people saying, "Oh, I can't believe how long this is taking. Oh, can't they speed things up," and, "Oh, I was hoping to do something later on today," and et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. You want to try to avoid that stuff as much as possible. Know that your officials are doing their very best.
Now are there officials who are slower than others? Yes. Typically speaking the people who are posting the trials will know that and they'll talk with the officials and be like, "Okay, look, even if you're giving information to the competitor, it should be over a series of seconds, not minutes, and if you're going to provide them a quick, little feedback thing as they're leaving the search area, it's got to be quick." We're not trying to rush anybody out, we're not trying to make this into like a production line, but we do have to get through a lot of people in a short period of time.
The main thing is just as competitors just know that the apparatus behind the trial, their goal is to have it be efficient, and also everyone's goal is for you to be happy. Everyone's goal is for you and your dog to have a good time. If at every single turn it's complaining here about how long it's taking, complaining here about how you thought the hides were unfair, complaining here about the weather, complaining there about the time of the day, it just goes on and on and on. Suddenly this really, happy, fun, awesome thing we should all do be doing together turns into this just sludgy, gross, depressing, stressful, yucky thing, and on top of that your officials are mentally and physically exhausted. And it can really burn them out.
I would just urge you that as competitors, please know that everyone at trials 9 times out of 10 who are working or volunteering, really do want everyone to be done sooner rather than later. They want it to be efficient, they want it to run smoothly, and they want you to have a good time. If there is a bottleneck, because it does happen, things happen, they're trying their best to fix it. Just know that, and if you start going like, "Oh my god. I can't believe it's whatever time," take that time to just hang out with your dog, read a book, take a nap, talk with friends, whatever the case may be. You're there. You're fine. You are always free to leave. I mean, you could if you absolutely had to. But more often than not, if you just take the stress out of it and just go, "Okay, I have this whole day to spend time with my dog and with friends and with other people who love Scent Work," then it's not that big of a deal.
The other thing to try to keep in mind is that for your officials, I know I've mentioned this a couple of times already, but it is a very difficult job. The people who are being approved for these positions more often than not, again, they have the expertise necessary and they also want you to be successful as a team with your dog. They don't want to say no. They don't want you to fail. If an official really is out there going, "Ha, ha, I didn't get any cues. This is a great day," then I agree with you, they shouldn't be an official. That's not the point. I hope you'll keep that in mind when you are going to your next trial.
At this point you're thinking, "Great. Now you made me feel really bad about being a competitor. You made me think that I am just this terrible, awful person. I'm never going to a trial again." I don't want you to think that. Again, the things that I'm pointing out do happen at trials, but it's a very small percentage of people that do them. The purpose of this podcast is just for you to see what not to do and that it not only negatively affects the officials, it negatively affects the overall trial, which means that it's negatively affecting your experience as well. If you do happen to notice yourself doing any of these things, you want to catch yourself and see if you can change course.
And then you're also saying, "But you titled this podcast The Ideal Competitor. What am I supposed to be doing?" Let me just give you a really quick rundown of what an official would love for you to do in order to be an ideal competitor. Number one, know the rules. Know the rules forwards and backwards. Ask questions ahead of time, but be familiar with them by the time that you get to the trial. Number two, be considerate and kind and just nice. That goes a really long way, and do that with everyone and anyone at the trial.
Make sure that you're breathing. This can help you and your dog actually do better when you are competing because it takes some of the nerves off of you, it takes some of the stress out of your leash, it can help set your dog at ease. It gets oxygen into your brain, which is good. We want you to be able to think, and again, not pass out in the middle of the search, but that will also open you up to be more receptive when your official is giving you directions or when they're asking you questions or they're seeing if you have any questions. You also doing those things can then let us know that you're trying. Again, this is that reciprocal relationship back and forth, it's a give and take.
Please know that the majority of the people who are working at trials, be it officials, be it trial hosts, be it volunteers, are there to ensure that you and your dog have a good time. They have your best interest at heart and odor is something that we honestly and truly are guessing at. Even people who have an incredible amount of experience can never guarantee what is going to happen in a space and they can never guarantee that is going to be the same the very first time they set the hide, to when the dog goes, to when the first competitor goes, to competitor number 15, to competitor number 30, to competitor number 50. All those dogs may actually experience a different odor picture by the time they get into the search area.
That doesn't mean that we shouldn't hold our officials to a high standard. We should. That doesn't mean that our officials shouldn't be experienced. They must be. It would be better for you to go into a situation thinking at least as a default, "This person is not trying to set me up to fail. This person has done their best. Now let me figure out during the debriefing what it is that may have happened."
And also know that there may not been anything with the search at all. It could've been an off day for you, it could've been an off day for your dog, or there may just been a gap in your training. That's okay too. All trials are supposed to be as a test of your training and to provide you with information. Sometimes the information is, "I'm not going to show under that judge again," and that's okay too. But it's a completely different outlook and approach than, "Those people are terrible and they're trying to ruin me and my dog and I hate them." Like that is an entirely different approach.
An ideal competitor would be going in thinking these people are having my best interest at heart, they're trying their best, they have the expertise and the background necessary. I'm going to go into the search. I know that my dog and I have the training and background to do it. We're not just winging it. And if something goes awry, then I'm going to be open minded to figure out why that happened. And it could very well be something that I did. It could very well be my training. Or it could've just been the Scent Work gods decided, "No, thank you. We're not going to let anyone find the hide today."
The other thing as an ideal competitor, you will really toe the line when it comes to talking about the searches in that you won't have something else to talk about. Generally speaking an even better rule is to just not talk about Scent Work at all. Don't talk about class, don't talk about the trial last week or last year. Talk about anything else but Scent Work.
I know that sounds counter-intuitive. We're at a Scent Work trial. Why shouldn't we talk about Scent Work? Not only does it defeat the whole purpose of the trail, not only can it get people all lathered and all worked up, but it can also impart undue stress and burden onto other people who may not really know that when you are going on and on about this terrible experience that you had, it was really the very first time you ever tried to do Scent Work with odor at a class ages ago, they may think that that's that very same trial and now you've put all this baggage and stress onto them and their dog. That's just not fair. Try to avoid that as best as you can.
The last part of being an ideal competitor is that you're there for the right reasons and that will bleed over into all these other aspects. You're there to have fun with your dog. You know that this is a game. You absolutely can have respect and admiration for the amount of training and time and effort that you and your dog have put into this activity, but that you are not finding dead bodies or bombs. You are finding birch, anise, or clove, or some other target odor. This is a game and an opportunity to bond and have a good time with our dogs and to be around like minded people.
If you go into a trial with that mindset and you are opening yourself to having a good time, then you're the perfect competitor and officials will love you from now until the end of time. It makes a huge difference.
I hope this podcast helped a little bit so that you can see from the official standpoint just how important everything that you're bringing into the trial as a competitor really is. You are a very important part of the puzzle, and the entire apparatus of a trial is designed with the sole purpose of both you and your dog having a good time. A lot of these newer organizations were started up with the very basis of we want more dogs out playing and having fun. That's the whole purpose of this. If we all can do our part, then we can ensure that that happens.
Thank you so much for listening. I hope you found this podcast helpful. Happy training and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Scent Work is one of the few dog sport activities that can be held in all types of weather. Regardless of the season or what Mother Nature throws at competitors, as long as it is safe, the trial will go on. Do you find yourself dreading a weather report for an upcoming trial? Thinking to yourself, "It will be too (enter weather condition)...we will never succeed!". Then you need to listen to this podcast, where we will discuss some tips on how you can help your dog overcome some of these stumbling blocks, and what you should keep in mind when you are implementing your training plan.
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Looking to build some skills that will help you become a better Scent Work handler? Take a look at our Handler Scent Work Skills courses.
Know your dog needs to work on a particular skill or aspect of their Scent Work training? Our Advanced Scent Work courses have what you need.
Need tips on how to succeed in a particular Scent Work competition organization? Find what you are looking for with our Competition Venue courses.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the Scent Work University, All About Scent Work Podcast. In this podcast we'll be talking about all things Scent Work. We'll be giving you behind the scenes look as far as what your instructor or trial officials may be going through. We'll be giving you training tips, and we'll just be discussing everything that goes along with doing Scent Work with your dog, whether you're interested in competition or not.
In this particular episode, we're gonna be talking about the effect of weather, and how it is you'd be able to train your dog to be able to work within a variety of different conditions. Alright, let's get started.
Before we get started, I just wanna take a really quick moment to introduce myself. My name is Dianna Santos. I am the Owner and Lead Instructor for both Scent Work University and Dog Sport University. These are online dog training platforms that are designed to connect outstanding trainers with as many dog owners as possible. Both SWU and DSU are designed to provide quality, convenience, and flexibility. So we hope that you'll check them out to see if there are any online programs that may be suitable for both you and your dog. Without further ado, let's dive into the podcast.
If you're currently competing in Scent Work, it's more likely than not that you've come across a situation where you thought that the weather was going to negatively effect your performance. You may have told yourself, it's too hot, or it's too cold, or it's too rainy, or it's too snowy. There's something going on weather wise that's going to prevent your dog from being able to be successful at that trial, but the real question is, is that true? And what we wanna talk about in this podcast is, while you should always put the weather into consideration, it shouldn't be a block or a preventative for your dog actually being successful.
So one of the first things that we have to discuss is that weather absolutely will effect odor. It will change your odor picture. With that in mind, it's important that your dog actually understands what those odor pictures look like when the weather is in those different conditions. In other words, if you were to only practice when your dog was searching in ideal conditions, low humidity, nice low 70's, perfect weather, no clouds, no rain, no snow, not too hot, not too cold, but if that's the only time they ever got to play, then if you were to bring them to a trial that did offer one of those different weather conditions, your dog simply may have never seen that picture before. They may never have seen what the odor looks like in those conditions, and therefore, they may very well say I have no idea what to do.
So with that in mind, we as trainers, want to be able to expose our dog to as many of these different conditions as possible, as long as it's safe, but there's another element to this. We'll take the example of a very hot day. When the weather is very warm, it not only will effect the odor picture in that it will cause the odor to plume out more, it can spread out more throughout the search area, but it can also obviously effect your dog. Your dog will obviously be warmer, but that's also gonna be promoting them to pant more which will cause them to dry up both their mouth and their nose and could also cause dehydration.
The reason why that's a issue, particularly when we're talking about Scent Work, is that their nose actually has to stay moist in order for them to efficiently and effectively scent. They will not be able to actually sniff well if their nose is dried out. So when it's very warm outside and your dog is prompted to pant more, they are quite literally drying out their nose as they're going along. So what we need to do is, we need to keep that in mind and put in steps in place in our routine to ensure that our dog is still remaining hydrated, but there's another fact to this.
You and I have both gone out on some summer day and had all types of plans what it was that we were going to do, and as the day goes on and it's still very warm, you feel tired. You feel worn down. The heat just kind of zaps the energy right out of you. That happens to your dog as well, and then that effect is exacerbated when the dog also is having difficulty sniffing because their nose is dried out.
What all this means is that we have to take into account the effect that the weather can have on our dog physically, but we also have to ask, "What is our dog's baseline endurance for what it is we're asking them to do?" For instance, if you're dog has only practiced at home in finding one or two hides in a search area and they maybe do one or two searches within your practice session, and they're not even necessarily back-to-back, and you then try to take them to a trial that's very warm, they haven't practiced in that before, and they're now going to have to find potentially two or three hides in each search area, and they're going to have to do searches one, two, or three back-to-back-to-back, and then have a bunch of hours to wait, and then do that again, that's an entirely different endurance test or endurance ability then what they've been doing in practice.
Though a lot of people will just say, "Well, it was because of the weather." And it's not that the weather didn't have an effect. It probably did, but what you also have to ask yourself is what is your dog's baseline endurance level for searching just overall? And has your practice sessions properly prepared your dog for what they may actually see at trial?
Basically, the way that I tell my students on how it is they should approach this is, your practice session should be preparing your dog for more than what they'll see at trial. So as an example, if you were just getting started in Scent Work, more likely than not, there's only going to be one hide within each of the search areas. There's some organizations that provide game searches or things of that sort where they're not level dependent, meaning that depending on the type of the game that's offered, or the skill that's being tested, there may actually be more than one hide within the search area, and any dog of any level would be able to enter them.
Generally speaking, when you're entering into a trial, you have to start off at the lowest level, and the lowest level, there's only going to be one hide in the search area. But, you're also going to have to do, more likely than not, multiple searches back-to-back just so that the trial can run efficiently. If you had 40, 50, 60, 70 dogs, and they all can only do one search at a time, you're gonna be there a while.
So in order for things to run efficiently, they have teams come up and they have them do these searches. They'll do, for instance, an interior search to a container search to maybe even an exterior search, just as an example. So when we're talking about building up our dogs endurance, as far as how we should be doing their practice sessions, we have to then prepare our dogs to do even more than what they'll see at trial. Therefore, when they go into the trial itself, it's easy because they've been practicing for a level even higher than what they're actually entered in.
So I hope that makes sense that the whole purpose behind your training sessions and your practice sessions is to build up your dog's skills so when they go to trial, it's not hard at all. And how this plays into the effect of weather is that if your dog is already struggling, just to keep their ability to sniff up because it's very hot, as an example, that's going to be exacerbated if they also do not have the endurance to just do the searches even if it was a perfectly weather related day, even if it was nice and cool and only 70 and their nose was nice and moist anyway.
So it's something that we have to always ask ourselves when we are getting ready to trial and we start thinking about things such as weather, what is my dogs baseline endurance for doing these searches? And are there ways that I can build up their endurance so that the weather isn't already exacerbating a bad situation?
The other thing that we wanna ask ourselves when we start concerning ourselves with the weather and how that may be impacting our dog's ability to perform, is does your dog have any medical issues that would be able to effect their ability to work in that given weather condition? And that could be very hot conditions. That could be very cold conditions. That could be when it's raining. That could be when it's snowing. That could be high altitude, low altitude, all these different things. Is there something that your dog has going on medically that would be negatively effecting their ability to perform?
So in and of itself, the weather condition may actually not be that big of a deal, but if your dog has something medically going on, then the weather condition could exacerbate that significantly to where they wouldn't be able to perform as you would have expected. If that's the case, is there a way that you can get them over that hump? Is there a way you'd be able to help them so that this wasn't such a big issue? So as an example, if your dog is of a breed with a very short snout, such as a bulldog or a pug or something like that, you want to ensure, particularly in very hot weather, that there is a way to help keep them cool and also a way to prevent them from overheating and also losing their breath because they're panting so much trying to stay cool. That could also cause them to overheat. That could be a very serious medical condition.
So you have to keep that in mind when you have that particular type of dog. What is it that I have to do to ensure that my dog will stay cool, not get overheated, just because they, quite frankly, have to work that much harder to cool themselves down because of the way that they breath? So things such as cooling mats, fans, using a lot of water, being very mindful of maybe you carry them from search area to search instead of making them walk. You may even, in that situation, if there's a medical, very serious medical, physical issue that would be even dangerous for the dog to really push them in that situation, you may just say, "Hey, for any trial that's going to be over 90 degrees, I just can't keep my dog safe. We're just not going to be entering those trials."
And that is an absolute possibility, particularly when we're talking about things that are medical. There are ways that you can bridge that gap, but the safety and security and the well being of your dog is far more important than any titles that you could ever get. So if you're ever really questioning, you're looking at the weather report, or you're looking even at the time of year, and you're looking at where this trial is going to be. You're saying, "I don't know if I can keep my dog safe." Then just simply don't enter that trial.
That's not a training issue. That's more of a I need to keep it so that my dog doesn't get sick or worse. That's an entirely different situation. So always make certain that you're just looking at this as objectively as possible and going from there. Outside of a medical issue, the other question that you wanna ask yourself when you're trying to make these decisions is, are there certain weather conditions that your dog currently struggles with right now? And that could be even outside of the context of Scent Work.
So I'll give you an example. I have a Doberman, and as a breed quirk, they melt in the rain. I don't really understand it, but it's across the breed norm that Dobermans just do not like the rain. If I'm gonna be entering a trial and it's forecast to be raining, that could be a problem if I haven't trained for it. So in that situation, I then have to say, okay, this isn't necessarily, it's not a medical issue. It's not just simply, it's going to be effecting his ability to scent because of the way the odor's working or how it's effecting him physically. It's more of a, I really don't like this, and he goes out into the rain even when he has to go potty. And he gets airplane ears, and he squints. And he just kinda stands there and sulks. It's very sad, but when we're talking about in the context of Scent Work, well that would be a problem at a trial.
So what do you do in that situation? I know that rain is an issue, and I live in a part of the country now where we just don't get that much rain. But when we do, often times it's a drizzle. Often times, it's just a mist. Sometimes it can be pretty substantial, but it's very rare. What we did is in those misting days, we would go out, and we would do container searches that were paired. And we would make it really super fun. High value treats for rewards, lots of play afterwards, making it so that it was really super fun. Rain searches are the best, and I have to tell you that with time, he determined that searching in rain for Scent Work was awesome. Did that really carry over to him liking rain overall? I would say he's a little bit better than what he used to be, but if there's no Scent Work involved, he'll go out and be like, "Oh, are we searching? Oh, we're not. We're just pottying. Oh, gross. Rain."
But I have to say that taking that consorted effort of saying my dog doesn't like the rain. It's not effecting him medically or anything like that. How is it that I can make this so that it is not as icky to him so that he can actually work in this condition? Made all the difference in the world. So that's a prime example of what a lot of people would just say, "Well, my dog doesn't like the rain. Oh, we're just never gonna enter a trial that has rainy conditions." Well, that's a training thing that you could be working on. You could just finding a way of where working in rain is actually a good thing. Working in the rain is fun. Working in the rain is special.
Keeping your sessions really super short, having them really super successful, building up all that drive and enthusiasm for working in the rain, and then once they are okay with that, then you can start incorporating some of the more complicated problems as far as maybe harder hide settings, more complicated search areas. Maybe working in the rain a little bit more. Maybe working in conditions that are a little bit more raining. Maybe not just a mist, but you know, substantial rain.
And the key is just to realize what it is that you're trying to do. You're tying to get it so the dog actually enjoys doing this thing. So the shorter and the more successful it can be and always ending on a good note is what you should be doing, and I would say just for my dog, we would do, maybe at most, two searches out in the rain, back-to-back, one hide each, really super successful. And then we would do a recovery search inside, where he was then able to really have a big party, a very big celebration. "Aren't you the smartest dog in the whole world?" He said, "Yes, I am," and then he would get a really special chew afterwards to really, as an exclamation point, this was the best session ever. Why aren't all of our sessions this great?
And again, for him personally, it worked out really well. If he gets on his Scent Work equipment and we are heading out when it is raining, he's totally fine. So it's just something to think about if you know there's a particular type of weather condition your dog goes, "Ew, I couldn't possibly." Then there's a way that you can use training to change their mind, to make it so that that's actually a fun thing to do, not something to dread.
The other thing to think about when you are looking at the calendar, when your trials may be coming up, and you're saying, "Ugh, it's gonna be so hot here. It's gonna be really cold there. Ugh, we could be getting rain over here. Ugh, it's gonna be snowing there. I have like one weekend I can do trialing." Instead of dreading all of those things, again if your dog doesn't have a medical issue or something like that, you should be looking at those things as opportunities. Now again, training is entirely different from trialing. Those are two different things.
So what I mean by that as far as looking at opportunities is, if you're trying to get ready for trial, you should be doing lots of practices and lots of training sessions. If mother nature provides you with an opportunity such as a snowy day, that should not be looked as a, "Ugh, I have to hibernate today, and ugh, I hate it." I'm not a big fan of the snow, but when I was traveling across country with my dog, if we were driving through an area that had snow, we would stop, put out a hide really quick, I stick on his equipment, and we would go search in the snow. And he would say, "Wow, that was really fun. That was really cool." He actually really likes the snow, and that worked out well.
Those are the types of things that you wanna do with yourself, is that if Mother Nature has provided you with an opportunity with a different type of weather condition then what you would normally practice in, jump on that and practice in it. Be mindful where you set your hides. Don't make them really super complicated. Just expose your dog to what that looks like because the very same hide position that you may have done on that beautiful 70 degree day, if you do it when it's raining or you're doing it when it's cold or you're doing it when it's snowing, the odor picture is going to look completely different. So even though your dog may have found that very same hide on that beautiful day, when you bring them out in the different condition, they may actually have to work it a little bit to actually find it because the odor looks different. The picture looks different, but that's learning for them.
And saying, "Oh, when it's snowing, the odor does this. And oh, when it's raining, the odor does that. And oh, when it's cold, the odor does this other thing." That's exactly what it is you want them to know and to understand. So if you do enter into a trial, and lo and behold the weather is doing such and such, your dog is actually seeing what that looks like already. This isn't going to happen overnight though. You will have to do this with a number of repetitions, but the more that you can practice, the better that it will be.
Now I'm hoping that you're able to see the underlying theme for all of this. It's looking at what it is you're actually going to be experiencing at trial, and determining how it is you can weave that into your training and your practice sessions so that it's not so brand new when you walk into the trial site. With that in mind, you wanna try and create a training plan on how it is that your dog would be able to do these things. So it's not just simply throwing a hide out and hoping for the best. When you are starting to enter trials, in theory, you should already have an idea of what your dogs strengths are and what their weaknesses are.
When you're trying to work on a particular element, such as working within different weather conditions, you should be leaning towards their strengths so that you're only working on one element at a time, meaning that you're only trying to work on exposing the dog to I have to now work in this weather condition as opposed to I have to work in this weather condition, and learn this brand new type of hide, and deal with this brand new type of handling. And we're also using different rewards, and ugh, there's so much being thrown at me at once.
You wanna be really mindful of how it is that you do this. In the same vein, you wanna make sure that you're progressing incrementally. Don't just throw your dog into the deep end of the pool. Don't just expect them to go from I always work in the most pristine and awesome weather conditions to now I'm working in the middle of a blizzard. You expect me to do well, and that goes for any kind of weather extreme. Make sure that you are incrementally progressing with your dog. Make sure that you're videotaping as much as you can so you can review how it is your dog is actually doing, and if there's anything that you still need to work on, or maybe you're going a little bit too fast in some ways, and you can actually push them a little bit more in others.
Our goal with all of this is to keep your dogs enthusiasm super high, even though they're working in these different weather conditions. It shouldn't be that you get dog ready to go to a trial, and you open the door and they go, "Oh, it's doing that outside. I hate it." If they see you getting all their stuff together to go to the trial for Scent Work, they probably have their special equipment. You probably have stuff that you bring with you that's specific to going to trial. They should be really excited about that, and when you get to the trial and you actually get on all their equipment to actually go search, they should be really super excited about that.
All that excitement and enthusiasm and drive will be able to overcome any of the baseline issues that they may have, whether it be physical, such as now I have to make sure that I'm keeping my dog really super cool because it's really hot outside. Or something that I was talking about with my dog where as a default, he's not particularly fond of the rain. All that practicing and training, where the goal is to make this really super, awesome fun will help the dog overcome all of that. So you wanna be careful with how it is that you're approaching this training wise that it doesn't turn into a drill. It's not a, "We will go, and we will search in rain."
That's just, it's not gonna be as fun for the dog. You wanna make certain that this is something that they think is a really fun game. That they have a lot of rewards associated with it, and that means that you may have to act a little bit too. So know that you absolutely have an effect on this. If you go out to do a training session in, pick your weather condition, and you're like, "Oh, I hate this so much." It's going to translate to the dog, and they're gonna say, "Well, you know, you can try to give me hotdogs, whatever else, but I know that you know that this isn't fun." So we have to be mindful about our effect on our dog as well.
The last thing I wanna point out when it comes to weather is something that we touched upon really briefly, the early part of this podcast. This may seem like a century ago already, is something that I don't think people give enough credence to, is actually elevation changes. So we can be very mindful that when things are hot, when things are cold, or when it's raining, or when it's snowing, but the change in elevation to where your dog normally lives and resides and practices makes an enormous difference on how the dog feels. And depending on your dog, it could actually have a really medical effect on them. There are some dogs where if they're changing elevation, it can pop their ears and make it really painful, and then if you do that consistently going to a trial. They're like, "Every single time we go to a trial, I'm in pain. I don't like trialing."
That would be really bad, but there can also a physical effect just how the difference in elevation effects them physically, how they feel. There's also the effect of the change of how the odor moves. It can look completely different. The other big thing that I don't think that people who travel a lot keep in mind is a level of humidity in the air. So for myself, I currently live in southern California. I'm originally from out east. Two completely different types of humidity levels as you could possibly get. In southern California, humidity is always pretty low, which is fabulous. In the northeast, humidity is pretty high, which particularly in the summer, is unbearable.
When I did my cross-country trip with my boy, of course it was in the summer, and we were doing some Scent Work practices. And he struggled with some of these hides because we had not been practicing in humid conditions leading up to that point, and he just went, "Ooph, I can't find this thing to save my life." And the reason being is that, when things are humid, the odor stays really close to the hide itself. It doesn't spread out as much as when it's not humid. So the dog has to work a little bit harder in order to find the hide. So as the owner and handler and trainer of your dog, those are the types of things you wanna keep in mind. Again, not only when you're doing your practice sessions, but also when you're going into your trial.
Remember that every single time that you get a "yes" at a trial and every single time that you get a "sorry, no" at a trial, those are effecting as the handler and the trainer. You are basically doing, learning, and training yourself subconsciously. Every single time you walk up to that line, you are as much the learner as your dog. That situation is going to be effecting you as much as it effects your dog, and that could subconsciously then follow you around, how it is you approach later training sessions and later trials.
The reason why this is important is that if you go through a string of trials that have a variety of different weather conditions that your dog doesn't do particularly well with, you could then start becoming adverse yourself, to that particular type of trial setup. You could start avoiding entering those trials. You can start second guessing yourself or your dog, even in trials that don't have those conditions, and it could really snowball badly from there.
So what's crucially important is that we understand all the different ways that weather can be effecting the hide and the odor situation and our dog, but also, really asking ourselves honestly, before we step up to the line, "Has my dog actually ever practiced this before? Is there any real good reason for them to do well? And if they don't, do I know why? Is there something that I did as the handler that maybe caused them to false alert somewhere? Was there something else outside of my control that happened? Could the dog just not be feeling well? What is it that caused that?" And try to avoid having it become this big cloud that just kind of hangs over you where now you're gonna start making some bad decisions for both yourself and your dog going forward.
It's a very fine line to cross, and it can be pretty challenging. But it's something that we wanna be mindful of because we are a very important part to the team when we're talking about Scent Work, and we could start steering our dog astray if we are concentrating on the wrong things. So I'm hoping this podcast showed you how it is that, simply because there is a particular weather condition doesn't necessarily mean that you wouldn't be able to be successful at a trial. You just wanna know what your dog's baseline endurance is, how it is that they would be able to handle that condition, even outside of the realm of Scent Work, whether or not there may be a medical issue that could be effecting their ability to work in that condition, and maybe it would be better for them to just not trial at trials that offer that type of weather condition.
How it is you'd be able to practice with your dog to give them the skills they need so that they would be able to succeed regardless of what the situation is, and also understanding how it is that those conditions can effect the odor picture itself and to prepare yourself on how it is you should be approaching these types of situations to ensure that both you and your dog are successful and you're not inadvertently carrying baggage along with you.
If you are interested in learning a little bit more about how odor pictures can change within a given environment and what actual trial officials consider when they're setting hides at a trial, I would urge you to check out the Hide Placement For Trial course that we have through Scent Work University. It is taught specifically for officials with the organization, United States Canine Scent Sports, to give them ideas of what it is they should be considering when they're setting hides at trial, but it can be extraordinarily helpful for competitors to understand what those officials are thinking. But also to have an idea and understanding of all the different factors that effect how the odor will be acting within a given space.
I urge you to check out that course. I think you'd be really happy that you did. Thank you so much for listening to this podcast. I hope you found it helpful. Happy training, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
In this podcast, we will discuss the battle many dog trainers, instructors, handlers and owners will encounter at some point: keeping their ego in check when it comes to training and competing with their dog. We will discuss how this applies specifically to Scent Work, some of the common pitfalls and how you can set your dog and YOURSELF up to succeed.
Be certain to also check out the Scent Work University blog.
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Looking to build some skills that will help you become a better Scent Work handler? Take a look at our Handler Scent Work Skills courses.
Know your dog needs to work on a particular skill or aspect of their Scent Work training? Our Advanced Scent Work courses have what you need.
Need tips on how to succeed in a particular Scent Work competition organization? Find what you are looking for with our Competition Venue courses.
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the Scent Work University all about Scent Work Podcast. We're so delighted that you're here. The purpose of this podcast is to discuss what the title says all things Scent Work. We're hoping that you'll find this podcast helpful. We'll answer some of the questions you may have about the activity of Scent Work.
In some of our series, we're also going to be giving you a behind-the-curtain look as far as what happens at trials, what your instructor may be going through, as well as some tips that you may have as both a competitor as well as an owner of a dog where you just want to broaden their horizons. All right. Let's get started.
I wanted to take a quick second just to introduce myself. My name is Dianna Santos. I am the Owner and the Lead Instructor for Scent Work University as well as Dog Sport University. I've been training dogs professionally since 2011. I am certified through the Karen Pryor Academy of dog training. I'm also a certified Nose Work instructor through NACSW.
In addition to training dogs professionally for a number of years, I am also privileged to be the judge and CSD coordinator with United States Canine Scent Sports which is a Scent Work competition organization that was started in 2016. We are growing very rapidly in the United States and looking to grow internationally as well.
In addition to that, I am also an AKC fully approved judge for Scent Work. I also participate in a AKC Scent Work trials as a score room person as well as a competitor. I come at this from a variety of different standpoints as not only an instructor and a professional trainer, but also as an official and a coordinator of officials and also one of the backstage people for competitions. I view Scent Work from a variety of different viewpoints. I think that it can help me in helping you have a very well-rounded approach to Scent Work. It's just a really quick rundown for me. All right. Let's get started with our podcast.
In today's podcast, we're going to be talking about a very important topic. That relates to battling your ego. This will be in the context of Scent Work and Scent Work competitions. We're coming at this from the standpoint of not only a competitor but also an instructor and even an official. This is, hopefully, going to be helpful to all those different categories of people who may be involved in the activity of Scent Work and the competition element as well.
The first thing that I wanted to really underline when we're talking about this really important topic that's almost an elephant in the room is it's crucially important for us as handlers to understand that when we are doing Scent Work competitions, we are doing this on behalf of our dogs meaning that we are the ones who sign the checks, we are the ones who bring them to the trial site, we are the ones who signed them up. Your dog isn't the one making these decisions. You are.
As such, it's really important for us to understand that we hold a lot of responsibility as the teammate in how we conduct ourselves and how we hold ourselves together mentally and how we cope with the competition stressors overall. This is why battling your ego is a really important thing that I don't think too many people give enough credence to. The fact of the matter is almost everyone is going to reach this point at some point in their competition career where you may have been very lucky in the beginning parts of your training.
This is pretty common where in the lower levels, you're getting guesses left and right, you're getting lots of cues and lots of pretty ribbons and everything is fabulous. Then, suddenly, it all comes to a screeching halt. You get your first no or maybe you get a couple of no's. Now, you're not getting cues. Particularly, if you're working with a group of friends or if you're working with classmates who may also be trialing at the same time, maybe they got a yes where you got a no or you happen to see colleagues or friends going out and saying like, "Oh, I got this awesome title and, oh, we did this." Then, you see other posts like I got the first ever yada-yada.
This is where the human brain starts getting involved in really negative ways. It starts weaving in all these insecurities, self-worth issues, and questions about, well, now, I need to get this cue not because I'm trying to make memories with my dog, not because I'm trying to test my training, not because I'm trying to have a good time with my dog because I need this because this shows that I'm a good person. This shows that I'm a good trainer. This shows that I'm a good competitor. This shows that I'm a good dog honor.
That shift is something that almost everyone will go through in some point of their competition career. It's crucial that you recognize it as early as you can. Then, get the car back on the road because if you stay on that path, it's going to diminish the quality and the fun of the activity. You are going to diminish your ability to be a very good teammate to your dog. You could actually be putting both of you into situations that you're not ready for.
You could be discounting the importance of actually training and practicing. You could just be taking away all the fun. You could actually be making it miserable for both yourself and dog. The point of this podcast is to touch upon some of these hot topic issues that can be really uncomfortable for some of us to talk about, but is very crucial for us to realize and to understand that if you're going through this, I've been through it. Almost every competitor at some point has. You just have to recognize it and then figure out how you can get back on track.
One of the ways that we can help ourselves as competitors is we can have a really honest discussion as to why it is that we're competing in the first place. For me, personally, I am a horrible sore loser. It's really bad. When I was a child, I would play a lot of card games with my family. I was very young. They were all experienced and more often than not, I would lose. In the beginning, I would throw fits. I mean it was terrible. It's really bad. I didn't like the way that felt. I completely swapped it. I put it on its head. I would throw games on purpose because I felt like I had a little element of control. Then, it didn't make me feel so bad. That's not really a great coping mechanism for it. It would have just been better to learn not to be a sore loser, but that's how I dealt with it.
Knowing that when I came into the dog sport realm, I avoided it as long as I could. I really did. I was a professional trainer for a while. I would just say, "Oh, my dog isn't appropriate and whatever." My first Doberman was fairly ... he was dog aggressive. He was not dog reactive. He was dog aggressive. They're like, "Oh, we can have you. We could lend you our dog." I was like, "Oh, no. That's okay."
But in the back of my mind, I was like, "I don't want to do this, because I don't want to feel that way." I know at some point I'm not going to do well. I don't want to feel a little gross about it. It did fall into it with my new Dobie who is wonderful. He's extraordinarily talented. He makes me look like I know what I'm doing.
I remember our first real competition thing that we were doing consistently was Barn Hunt. He was fabulous. I mean he was just spectacular. As with most sports, the lower levels, it's not that they're easy, but you're able to go along. You're able to accrue a lot of Q's fairly quickly. We did that. It felt great. I was like, "Oh, look at the pretty little ribbon and oh look he gets a little couple letters after his name." How exciting.
But I was just thinking, "Oh it's not that big of a deal like, oh, we're just having fun." That's what I would try to convince myself where in the back of my mind, I was waiting for that ever-present this was all going to fall apart at some point. Sure enough, we entered into a senior class. It was the first time that we got it a "No". I came out of the ring. We held our party. Everything was fine. I was like, "Okay." Well, just no biggie. Whatever else, also realizing that senior for barn hunt is one of the hardest elements to go into from the lower levels.
It's a big jump from open to senior basically. Then we went back for our second run. We got another "No". I can honestly tell you that second run I was so stuck in my head about that first run. I wasn't reading my dog. I wasn't going along the ring the way that was supposed to. I was distracted. I was so stressed. It affected our ability to do it. Then, I just started making mistakes left and right. I wouldn't practice anymore. Then, we just show up for trial. Then, lo and behold, we would get another no.
It was a nightmare. It was just awful. The whole time I'm sitting there going I can't believe this. I teach barn hunt. I can't have "No's" which is a ridiculous statement because the last time I checked I'm not a robot. I am a person who has flaws, who makes mistakes. I am not perfect by any stretch.
It started snowballing from there. I finally caught myself when I wasn't going to practice anymore. I wasn't able to teach because my neck and my back issues acted up, but I wasn't even taking him just to have fun. We went for months, almost six months, without doing any Barn Hunt, one of his favorite activities ever, simply because I was all caught up in the, ,well, we don't have our senior title. I was like, "Who cares?" Last time I checked, like no one's knocking on my door saying, "Santos, why don't you have your senior title?" No one cares.
It was something I had to go through. I just had to really sit down and evaluate and say, "Okay. Look. My dog loves this activity." It's a very big jump from open to senior. You have to be more present as a teammate when you're doing this. I need to not be all hung up. The fact that we got some "No's", "No's" that we earned really. I earned. He did his job. He found all the rats. I just never called them.
While this isn't specifically for Scent Work, I'm hoping that I can demonstrate that this happens to everyone that at some point in your competition career, you're going to get a no. Particularly in the realm of Scent Work, a lot of times when we call false alerts, it's because of us. It's because of the handler. We convinced the dog of, "Oh, look, I'm staring at this chair." The dog is like, "Well, there's no odor there." But maybe when I play this of a game, I don't know, maybe you change your game, but you really like it when I sit. I'm going to sit here. I'm going to look for my cookie.
Then, we get all flustered and mad. Then, we try to blame the dog when actually they were just cuing off of us. It's really crucially important for us as handlers to understand the importance and the weight that we hold as a teammate. That means we have to have our head screwed on right when we are actually going in to compete.
Now, I can hear you saying, "Okay. Well, that's all fine and dandy." But what about what other people think? I don't want to readily admit it, but I really do care what other people think. Particularly all the instructors and the other officials out there raising their hands like, yeah, there's no way that I can show my face if my dog can't get X title. No one's going to want to learn with me anymore. No one's going to take my classes. No one's going to be at my business. I need to be up on my game. I need to be perfect at all times.
I understand the concern. I truly do. There were times where I was like, "Oh, I just …" It's a good thing that my neck and my back went out because I can't teach barn hunt anymore. One of my students are like, "What?" I'm like, "Well, I haven't gotten these titles. Clearly, I have no idea what I'm doing." She's like, "Of course. You do. What are you talking about?" We saw your run. He was having so much fun. He found the rats. Then, we learned from you that we need to not do that, that we need to understand our importance as handlers.
That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be an instructor anymore, but that's something that a lot of people go through where they're pushing themselves and they're pushing their dogs in this attempt to be perfect so that they can maintain their ability to hold on to their clients because they feel as though if I falter even a little bit, then, everyone's going to leave me.
A shout out to all of my fellow instructors and officials. Your students more often than not are not just with you because of what you achieve. That may have been how they found you, to be blunt, but it's really the connection that you make with them. By showing that you aren't perfect, you're actually helping them because it's setting realistic expectations. I cannot tell you how heartbreaking it is to see students come to me for brand-new, never had them before. They've been struggling and really falling apart as a team with them and themselves in their dog because they see all these posts.
They're always so lofty on social media. We've only been training for two seconds, but now, we have the highest title and blah-blah-blah-blah. They're trying to emulate that as much as they can. Sure enough, it doesn't work. Sure enough, there's a lot of problems that come along with it.
Now, they're just at their wit's end. They go, "I don't know what to do. I don't know what's wrong with me. I don't know what's wrong with my dog," which is heartbreaking. There's nothing wrong with either one of them. Everyone learns differently, and everyone has a different way of approaching things which is fine. There's nothing wrong with that.
For my fellow instructors and officials, if you have a student who's with you right now and they are showing progress, they actually can see that paying you their money and you are helping them and they're happy with that, it's the human connection that you're making with them. They're not just going to abandon you because you went to a trial and maybe didn't queue and everything.
It feels like that at the time, I understand, but it's not true. We need to as professionals remind ourselves of that because we're putting all the undue pressure on ourselves, but I can tell you that that does bleed over to our students that if we're putting that high almost unattainable expectation on ourselves, we are then transferring that to our students which is entirely unfair.
On the same wavelength is the idea of always wanting to be the first. Now that AKC Scent Work is available for people to enter into trials which is fabulous, more trialing opportunities, more opportunities people play is great, but now, there's this mad rush. I want to be the first to get this title. I want to be the first to get that title.
Personally, I think that is a fool's errand. It's not to talk down on people who do that. If you do that, but you do it consciously and you recognize that if something was happening in your training that you needed to address first. If it wasn't going along the way that you wanted to, then, it's not going to be the end of the world than I guess.
But, often times, none of those considerations are being made. I would urge people instead to always ask themselves why are you competing. Why are you doing this in the first place? Why are you spending your money? Why are you getting up so early on a weekend? Why are you calling around all this stuff in your car so you can have it set up at the trial site? Why are you doing all this training in preparation? Why are you travelling to the trial site? Why are you going through all the stress that just comes along with trialing? What is the purpose?
At the end of the day, you really should include I like doing this with my dog. If that's not part of the equation, then, maybe you want to re-evaluate things and figure out where things went awry, and how you might be able to fix it.
One of the biggest ways that the ego can really get in the way of you as a competitor is trying to keep up appearances that everything that you do is perfect. This is where you can get into a competition of keeping up with the Jones'. This is where you will see trends spread like a wildfire. It doesn't mean necessarily that that trend was good, but someone sees someone else do something. Then, they start doing it. It just goes from there. This is where we have the show-me thing went from coast to coast in record time.
It is the bane of almost every single official's existence like stop your dog has already told you where it is. Why are you saying show me? The same thing where you may have someone who is watching an official maybe do a debrief at a trial where they're going over, well, this was a particular owner problem. This is what we were expecting. This is what we saw. Here, I'll give you this small little tip that is extraordinarily contextual to this type of odor problem, but now the everyone is doing it for everything.
It's something that we really want to be mindful of that just because someone else does it doesn't mean that that applies to you and your dog. It doesn't mean that if you don't do it, that you're somehow wrong. In the same vein of trying to keep up appearance as an appearing as though everything is perfect.
All that's going to do is cause you to get really stressed out when things do go left. For anyone who has competed at any period of time at a summer trial, you know that things go left all the time. Our trials are notorious for having things happen. I give a lot of props to the people who host and the people who officiate and the people who volunteer who keep things running so smoothly for the competitors, but, oftentimes, in the back-end, there's a lot stuff going on that was not planned.
But even for yourself as a competitor, how many times have one of you walked up to the start line? You have this whole plan. Maybe, it's a venue where they allow walk first. You're like, "Okay. I know that this is the way this search area is all designed. We're going to come up to the start line. We're going to be there for X number of seconds. I'm going to check my little wind flag. I have taped to my belt. Then, we are going to go left. Then, we're going to do a pattern over here. Then, if he doesn't check this out of this, I'll make sure we go there."
That's your plan. You have it down to a science. You've read all the articles. You've listened to all the podcast. You're like, "This is what we're going to do. It's going to be great." You walk up to the start line. You look down. There is no flag on your belt. It's blown off in the wind. You didn't even realize. Great. You don't know where the wind is going. Okay. Fine. Well, we'll figure it out.
Then, you are getting yourself all ready. You realize that your long line is horrendously tangled. I mean it is a knot. Now, you're sitting there and you're scrambling and trying to get your long line all out of knots. You're all frazzled. Now, you don't remember was I going to go left or was I going to go right? That whole time your dog is standing there at the start line going, "Yeah, the height is right across from us, whenever you're ready." But you're not paying attention to your dog. You're thinking about how you can keep appearances. You can look like the awesome handler that you know that you are.
You get your long line all untangled. You give your cue for your dog to search. They try to go straight. You decide to go right. You're dragging your dog along with you. They're like, "Okay. Then, maybe we don't want to today." You're doing a pattern and the dog is like, "It's not here. I told you it's way over there."
You're asking them to check over and over again. They're like, "I'm telling you, man, it's not over here. Whenever you're ready for me to tell you where it is, you just let me know." You skip the whole part across from the start line because you want to do a pattern on the other side. You're doing your pattern over there. You're doing all these lovely Vanna White's. You're doing all these movements. You're giving your dog line. You're stepping back in. You're doing all this wonderful stuff.
The whole time, your dog is like, "I mean I can sniff this if you want, but there's nothing here." Then, finally, you get across from the start line and the dog gives you a beautiful alert. Now, you are circling behind them. You're checking their line. You're doing all this stuff. The dog as you're standing like, "I don't know how many times I need to tell you this." They walk off. They gave you this beautiful indication. Now, you're doing all this to check.
They leave. They're like, "Oh no." Today, you're going through your mind I don't know if they showed any interest anywhere else. They really showed interest there, but I wasn't done checking. Oh, maybe we didn’t check their thresholds. Now, you go over to the threshold. Now, you get your 30-second warning.
Now, you're really stressed out. It's like, "Oh my goodness." Your dog is really investigating in this corner. Lo and behold, that's where another dog had peed before. This is an exterior search. You're looking at it. You're like, "Oh wow. They're looking really hard at it. Okay. Okay." Then, you start seeing the back-end swinging, like oh that's not that kind of looking. You urge them back on. You have like 10 seconds to find this thing now.
You urge your dog to go back to where the hide really is. They go. They give it a very slight indication. They're like "Yeah. For the 15th time, here it is. Do you want to maybe give me a cookie now?" You go, "Alert." The judge who is like losing their mind on the inside goes, "Yes." You go in in your reward. That's best case scenario.
That whole time you are sitting there stuck in your head going, "Why is this so hard?" Then, you get the scoresheet back from the judge. It's ticked off trust your dog. Give your dog more space. Don't direct your dog so much. I mean I want to talk about how you being stuck in your head has negatively affected your search and on the feedback that you get which is totally fair is now only going to feed into your need to try to control the search even more.
This is really bad cycle that just goes on and on and on. Let's take the same exact scenario. You do a walk-through. You have an idea. Then, you just take a breath. You're like, "Okay." This is what I think that we should do if my dog has not shown any signs that they've actually found the odor yet. Then, we will need to do these things, but my dog is the lead dancer They're the ones with the no's.
You come up. You realize that your wind flag is gone. Don't worry. If it's windy enough, just hold out a part of your long line and see which way it goes. If you have longer hair, just take a piece of your hair out and see which way it goes. If you're really that worried about it, close your eyes and just try to figure out where the wind is going if you can.
Breathe through untangling your long line. Chitchat with the judge or yourself to actually talk because talking will actually force you to breathe which is a good thing. Once it's all untangled, take a nice deep breath. Hold your dog at the start line. Then, watch their head. See where their head is actually pointed. You may have thought, "Oh, well, this whole part of the search area looks really super interesting. They must have put a hide over there."
But the dog's head is pointing ahead of you, then, let them go straight. When your dog has actually shown an indication, know that even if you've trained a final alert response, it's very common for dogs to not give that final response behavior at a trial because you're stressed which they can detect which can cause them to be a little stressed, but if you know from reading your dog that they're in odor, don't ask them to confirm it 20 times because they're probably going to leave.
Then, what are you going to do? For me, personally, I would rather call alert and trust my dog and get the ever dreaded no than to not trust my dog and force them to fall somewhere else. It's just a consideration for people to keep in mind as far as a possibility. But I'm hoping that you can see the difference between those two examples. Their real-life examples, they happen all the time.
I've been in that situation where I walk up to a start line and everything is cool as a cucumber. I'm getting ready to switch my long way over. It is just a ball in my hand. I'm like, "Oh, it's like extension cord." You look at them wrong and they're tangled.
In that moment, I feel as an instructor, well, I'm just a complete failure as a human being because my line is tangled. Now, I'm holding up the whole trial and, oh, everyone's going to hate me. It's just terrible. None of that is true. My long line is tangled. Who cares? Just take two seconds and untangle it and go from there, but these are the kinds of things that we have to keep in mind as competitors.
There is a definite added stressor when you are either an instructor or an official. It just comes as a nature of the beast which means you have to be even more conscious of it. You have to work that much harder against it.
One of the things that I noticed with competitors, myself included, is they are getting wrapped up in trying to be perfect. They don't have to be. There is an absolute desire to meet all the requirements and a need to meet all the requirements for the level that you're competing in. As you go up the levels, there's an expectation that handlers are going to clean up their handling such as you won't be dropping treats in the search area, such as you won't drop your leash in the search area, such as you'll have good leash handling skills at that point.
You won't pull your dog inadvertently off of odor. Those sorts of things are tests of precision of being able to have some tact and skills under your belt. That's a whole purpose of having those in the upper levels of competition, but that doesn't mean that if you were to go feed your dog and little known to you, you fed one treat to their mouths, but there was another little piece stuck on your finger and you fell on the ground that you were now a failure as a person.
These things happen. For me, personally, I was at a trial recently with my dog, I think, the last couple of months. He was working his exterior space. Everything was great. He found his hide. Wonderful. I called alert. They said yes. Fabulous. I feed him. As I'm going to put my hand into the treat pouch and out, it flings the treat right at the hide.
I'm an official with this organization. I'm like just give me a, picked up my treat. I gave it to my dog. It happens. Being human and not being perfect is okay. Having a good sense of humor helps a lot. It's just something that I really had to improve my motor skills. I had to maybe look at the type of treats I was feeding. Maybe, the types of treats I was feeding were more prone to getting stuck on my hands and then falling out as I was trying to rush into feed.
That's where being truly prepared comes into play. I find it to be extraordinarily unfair to the dogs, a level of expectation on them when we are trying to reach a certain pinnacle of our training. If we haven't put in the preparation for ourselves, that's a really convoluted way of saying if I'm not putting in the time to improve my leash handling skills to ensure that my motor skills are good, to ensure that I could actually read my dog, to ensure that I can actually break down a search area to know, okay, we have gone here, here and here, but not there, to know that, okay, what is it that I need to do as the team meet of this partnership to help my dog if they need it?
When do I need to step in? When do we need to step out? All those different factors as far as being a handler is entirely unfair if I haven't practiced any of that. If I don't possess any of those skills and I'm putting 100% of the onus on the dog where I could actually be inhibiting their ability to do their job, that's just not fair. That's coupled with the fact that you're putting so much weight on your need to get this cue, need the title. Then, you have to put the time in. You have to put the preparation in.
I've talked about this in my blog previously where there needs to be a balance with how often you're competing and how much you're actually practicing. I know firsthand lives are crazy. There's so few hours in the day. All of us are doing a million things at once, but if you're going to be competing particularly regularly, that means that you should be practicing regularly. I'm not talking about hours a day, but you should be doing this fairly regularly. You should be honing your skills. It's not you can't then be upset if your dog doesn't perform well, if you're not putting in the time to improve yourself.
This is where having the realization that you don't have to be perfect, but that still means that you do have to practice. That's a hard thing for a lot of people to comprehend that if you realize that there are things that your dog is doing in their training that you need to work on, such as let's say that they are having difficulty with corner highs or they're having difficulty with threshold highs. We're very easy to go into dog trainer like, "Okay. Well, , we can do this and that and the other thing in order to practice for that. Perfect.
But, then, if you're also viewing your videos and you notice that you're crowding your dog or you're constantly fiddling with your leash or you're never getting to the entire search area because you're not covering the whole search area, that means that you also need to do things as the handler to improve your skills. I hope that makes sense that while you do not need to weave in your own self-worth with the fact of whether you cue or not because you shouldn't do that.
If you don't cue, it's simply information on what you need to do with your training going forward. That being said, that information more likely than not is going to apply not only to your dog but to yourself as a handler as well.
If you do notice that there's something you need to work on, that doesn't mean that you're terrible. It doesn’t mean that you're the worst. It doesn't mean you should give it up. It doesn't mean that you should quit if you're an instructor or an official. It just means you have to work on something which isn't bad. It's the practicing and the playing of the game at home which should be the most important part to the whole thing. You are having this opportunity to play this really great game with your dog.
If you can improve your relationship with them by improving your skills along the way, that's a win-win. That's not a bad thing. I hope that makes sense that while I don't want anyone wrapping up their self-worth as far as whether they get a cue or not at a trial, that doesn't mean that you then get to throw away your responsibility as the handler. You do still need to have your skills as fine-tuned as you can at the level that you're competing with. If you're brand-new as a novice, I do not expect you to have the same handling skills as someone who's competing at the elite level.
It's just not. The same thing goes for all dog sports. You're not expecting someone at rally novice A to do the same thing as someone who's doing their arch competition for competition obedience. It's just not the same, but that doesn't mean also that the person who's competing at the highest level then just gets to use an excuse why they shouldn't also hone their skills.
I hope that makes sense and understanding that if you're really hitting up a wall for your training where you're frustrated all the time, the dog seems really losing their enthusiasm for the game, everything seems just monumentally difficult, it very well could be that your ego is getting in the way that it is clouding your judgment as far as viewing what actually needs to be worked on both on the dog side and your own.
Then, it could be causing you to destroy the reason why you want to compete in the first place. I'll end by sharing a wonderful thought that a colleague shared with me which I can't take any credit for. This is not mine at any point, but it is brilliant. She said that she goes into every single trial when she goes into it and when she leaves. How am I going to have fun today is how she goes into it. Then, when she ends did I have fun today. How brilliant is that because that is the whole point of doing this.
This is a game. While earning titles and earning ribbons is fabulous and the accomplishments can be really quite amazing and really someone to be respected, that's not the end all and be all of everything. It's the fun that you're having with your dog. It's the memories that you're creating with them because they're not with us long enough. That's the more important piece to this.
Make sure that when you are doing any type of competition, but particularly with Scent Work that you are doing it for the right reasons and that you are having fun. How are you going to have fun at this trial? When the trial is over, did you actually have fun? Those are two really great tests that you can give yourself to make sure that you're just on the right track.
I hope you find this podcast helpful. It's touching upon some really hot button topics that I don't think are talked about enough, but I'm hoping that they can help you as you continue in your Scent Work career particularly if you're competing. Thank you so much for listening. Happy training. We look forward to seeing you soon.
In our very first podcast, we will answer the age-old question: why on Earth is Scent Work so popular?! We will also dive into answering some other intriguing questions that were posed by our students, as well as give you some ideas on how you can get started in this activity, if you haven't already. And yes, we will also go into how online dog training really DOES work. This is going to be fun, and we thank you for listening.
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Want to learn more about Scent Work University? Check out our website and look over the various Skills and Competition Venue Courses we offer. You may also find our Webinars to be interesting, as well as our Scent Work-specific Blog.
Looking to know more about dog sports in general, get tips on basic manners training or want to see if clicker training is for you? Check out our sister online dog training platform, Dog Sport University. You, and your dog, will be happy you did.
Happy Training!
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the Scent Work University All About Scent Work Podcast. We're so delighted that you're here. The purpose of this podcast is to discuss what the title says, all things that work. So we're hoping that you'll find this podcast helpful and we'll answer some of the questions that you may have about the activity of Scent Work. And in some of our series, we're also going to be giving you a behind the curtain look as far as what happens at trials, what your instructor may be going through, as well as some tips that you may have as both a competitor as well as an owner of a dog where you just want to broaden their horizons. All right, let's get started.
I want to take a quick second just to introduce myself. My name is Dianna Santos. I am the Owner and the Lead Instructor for Scent Work University, as well as Dog Sport University. I've been training dogs professionally since 2011. I am certified through the Karen Pryor Academy of dog training. I'm also a certified Nose Work Instructor through NACSW. In addition to training dogs professionally for a number of years, I am also privileged to be the judge and CSD coordinator with United States Canine Scent Sports, which is a Scent Work competition organization that was started in 2016 and we are growing very rapidly in the United States and looking to grow internationally as well.
In addition to that, I am also an AKC fully approved judge for Scent Work. and I also participate in AKC Scent Work trials as a scoring person as well as a competitor. So I come at this from a variety of different standpoints as not only an instructor and a professional trainer but also as an official and a coordinator of officials and also one of the backstage people for competitions. So I've used Scent Work from a variety of different viewpoints, and I think that it can help me in helping you have a very well rounded approach to Scent Work. So it's just a really quick rundown from me. All right, let's get started with our podcast.
So in our very first podcast, what I wanted to do was to put out a question to several of my students and just see what it is when they first got involved with Scent Work, what were some of the questions that they had? And the very first topic that came up was, why is it then I should choose Scent Work in the first place? And then we had a couple of derivative questions that came from that. So in this podcast, that's exactly what we're going to be talking about. Why is it that someone would want to choose Scent Work, in all the various things you now have available to you to choose to do with your dog? Well, the benefits of it, and why is it that you would want to continue playing the game maybe beyond the four walls of your home and maybe actually venturing out into competition? So that's the purpose of our podcast today. We're going to be diving right in.
So the first main question is, why is it that Scent Work is so popular? And there's actually several reasons for this. The first is the reason why Scent Work was created in the first place was to provide an outlet for dogs and for all dogs. So when it was first created as a sport by the National Association of Canine Scent Work, otherwise known as NACSW, it was started with the idea that all dogs would be able to do this activity. So right out of the gate you have an opening to dogs who may be reactive to other dogs, who may be environmentally sensitive, who may be blind, who may be deaf, who may have ambulatory limitations, whether they be amputees, whether they be using carts, and also that the handler themselves may have limitations, but they can actually still play in the sport.
So that within itself is a very big reason why Scent Work is so popular. It's oftentimes why people start getting involved in it in the first place, is they have a reactive dog for instance. And they find out, oh, there's this activity that I can do that actually welcomes my dog. Where there are some other activities, they're just for safety purposes and for the well-being of everyone, the reactive dogs are told, “You know what? This may not be the best activity for you. It could actually make the condition worse and it could just put everyone else in danger.” So that's one of the biggest reasons why Scent Work is so popular and why people start going into it in the first place.
From that jumping off point, as far as why you may get in the door, the ability to actually watch your dog be a dog is really addicting. Having our dogs actually tap into something that is so naturally innate to them, such as sniffing and hunting is an amazing thing and it can have such wonderful benefits on behalf of the dog, but it can also improve the relationship that the owner or the handler has with the dog as well. Again, just to reiterate, people oftentimes will come into Scent Work because they're looking for something for their dog to do, or it could just be that I have reactive dog and I'm looking for something, or it could just be I live in a state of the United States or wherever where I need to hibernate out of eight months of the year because the weather is really crappy. There's winter and all kinds of things. We can't go outside play ball at the time. My dog is bouncing off the walls, I need something to give them to do that will help work them out mentally and physically. And so, we can absolutely do that.
Once they realize how great the activity is, they stay in it and it stays so popular because you're tapping into something that your dog is very good at anyway. Which is very addicting on behalf of the dog, obviously, but also on behalf of the handler and the owner. Because you are improving your relationship with your dog, 'cause you're watching them be a dog. And it also is that shift of when your dog is actually doing hunting, they're the one who has to take the lead. They're the one with the nose, so they're the one who has to tell you, oh, the hide is over there. You could try to detail every single inch of your house or your search area. That's not going to work really well.
It's an amazing activity. There's so many reasons why it's popular, but again, people oftentimes get involved with it because they're looking for something for their doctor do. Specifically, they may be looking for something for the reactive dog, they're special needs dog, they're sensitive dog or just their dog who needs a job. And then they start really getting engaged in the activity because of all the benefits of it in addition to the fact that it allows your dog to be a dog, it helps improve your relationship with your dog and it gives you a better appreciation for just how brilliant they really are.
The next question that I got from one of my students was, why is it that I personally got involved in Scent Work? And is a question that I oftentimes will ask potential officials who were interested in becoming officials with United States Canine Scent Sports, where I will be doing interviews with them as the Judge and CSD Coordinator. Is one of the first questions that I ask, how is it that you got involved with Scent Work? But I can honestly say that very few people have ever asked me. So the reason why I got involved in Scent Work is quite honestly, I had my first Doberman, Zeus, who is the reason why I became a professional dog trainer in the first place, who was not dog reactive. He was dog aggressive. If he could go and murder every dog in the world, he would, and he was wonderful with me. He taught me so much and he was my baby boy and I left him.
However, I was looking for things to help improve his quality of life because our life was very sheltered. In order to keep everybody safe, he had to stay home a lot and we couldn't go for walks. We couldn't go for hikes. It just wasn't safe. And then I found out about Scent Work, so I started doing it on my own little bit. I was actually interning at a training facility, so we were involved in a class where he was in a crate surrounded by X pens and we were in literally a closet. That's where he stayed and it was very locked down and we let everybody know, don't let your dog anywhere near this area. And he would come and he had a great time.
I can tell you from a personal account that it made an enormous difference in his behavior modification program where you could see that this provided him with the mental and physical outlet that he desperately needed because he was a very smart dog that we weren't able to do in other ways just because it wasn't safe. And he was calmer, he was more relaxed, he was more fulfilled. It helped improve the quality of life that he had for the five years that I had him, and it was wonderful. It had such a huge impact on his life and I became addicted right away because being able to see him work out some really complicated problems and also to learn what not to do. He taught me lots. How not to set hides, how maybe not to do training and things like that. I made mistakes with him and he was very, very forgiving with me, and that's how I got started. I got started like many people, I was looking desperately for something for my dog to do and I fell into it. I fell in love with it and I never looked back.
The third question that I got from my students was, why is it that I should choose Scent Work over other dog sports? And this is a tricky question because there's two potential answers, right? The first answer is, well, why do you have to choose? You should be able to do as many dog sports as you like. And then there's reality, right? There is not only finances and time, but there's also how much head space and how many pressures you're trying to put on your own dog. I happen to have a second Doberman, Zeus passed, which was very, very sad and heartbreaking for me and at the very right time I brought in my new boy Valor who I have now. And he is bred and his whole lineage is filled with versatility dogs where they have been able to do a whole number and slew of dog sports and activities and do them very well. It's basically what they're bred to do.
We do a little bit of everything together and he's totally fine with that. He can do agility one day Scent Work the next, barn hunt the next, and he could do several in the same day and he's totally fine with that. There are other dogs where if you were to try to throw that many things at them, they would become very stressed. Because everything, it's just so much pressure on one little dog. So this question is a little tricky because you have to ascertain whether or not you and your dog want to do multiple things. And if you don't want to do multiple things then it gets right to the crux of it is like, well, if I can only choose one, why is it that I should choose Scent Work? And I don't want this to become a Scent Work is better than everything else and I despise a lot of the dog sports in blue to them cause that's not true.
I prefer Scent Work. I think that Scent Work is something that all dogs should participate in. Whether it just before the game or the activity itself or competition, either/or. But at the same point I do know that there are people who prefer to do other activities such as agility or obedience or dis dog or fly ball or any number of things, and that they want their dogs to do those other activities with them as well. My answer to the question basically would be, this is a very round about way of getting there. Is the thing about Scent Work that's so nice, is it can actually help improve your dog's performance in other dog sports. So if you're in a category where you could still do multiple things with your dogs and there are plenty of people who can. There are plenty of dogs would be able to do that as well. You may actually see that your dog's performance and abilities in those other sports will actually improve because they are doing Scent Work, which is a really great park.
If however you're in the category or if it's just the stage of your dog's life where you have to choose one thing to do, my argument for Scent Work would be that it can improve your dog's confidence because they are basically tapping into their own abilities to work out problems. It can improve your relationship with your dog because you learn to read your dog, trust your dog, and allow your dog to take the lead. It can also give your dog both the mental and the physical outlet that they need without overly stressing their bodies. So if they are extraordinarily young, they're very young puppy or if they're senior, this can still be a really great thing for them. So if they're very young, they're very young as young puppies where they're not physically able to do some of the other things yet without you potentially hurting their growth plates or anything like that, they can still do Scent Work and not hurt anything.
On the flip side, if you have a senior dog who may have done a number of different dog sports before, but now they physically cannot do those things anymore without hurting themselves. They never have to age out of Scent Work. They can do this for ever. So I'm hoping that makes a little bit of sense. I'm trying, I don't like dodging questions, but this is one word and really is tricky. It depends on what the situation is you have with your dog.
Personally, if I got to a point with my boy where it wasn't safe for him physically anymore to do agility, even if he jumps really well, or he wasn't enjoying competition obedience as much or lure coursing was out or anything like that, I would still always place at work. It just wouldn't be something that would always be in our repertoire of things that we did. And I think he would be very sad if we took it out because he gets so excited when we're about to play. I mean, granted, my dog is really excited about everything, but he really gets excited about Scent Work. And if I were to take that out, I think he would be really remiss. I think he would be very upset about it.
So when you're evaluating whether or not you're going to do a certain activity, personally, I would try to ascertain how long can I actually do this throughout my dog's life? Is there only a specific period of time I'd be able to do it before becomes too physically challenging for them, before it may become just too difficult, where it could actually be negatively affecting our relationship because everything is just so hard and challenging. Particularly if you're doing competition, where constantly getting harder as you go up the levels, that's when you can start seeing dogs losing their enthusiasm, losing their drive, losing their joy for it 'cause it's no longer a game, it's more of a job.
For me personally, I'm trying to figure that out with my dog when I'm trying to pick what it is that we're going to do. So it's a very personal answer to a question. For me from what I've seen as an instructor, but also as a dog owner myself, Scent Work is something that you can do forever throughout the entire life of the dog. So if I had only to choose one thing, I would pick Scent Work. But again that is really a personal thing and you just have to figure out whether or not that would fit into what the lifestyles that you and your dog have.
The next question I received was a really interesting one and it wasn't a question from a student myself. It was a question from one of their family members who had heard about Scent Work and had heard about the student like going on and on about it. And they just said a very typical question that I would hear when I was teaching basic obedience classes or family dog classes or things like that when I was teaching in-person classes. And the question was, I just want a well behaved dog, and you're going on and on about this whole sniffing thing. What the Scent Work do that's going to help my dog be well behaved? And it's a very fair question.
If you have someone who just lets say adopted a dog, just adopted it earlier this week, their view of having a dog is, I come home, the dog is there, they haven't destroyed my house, hopefully. I will maybe let them out to go potty, I was just working all day. Maybe we throw the ball a couple of times, maybe we take a walk. They're there for bats. They're there for companionship and that's about it. It's not that this dog's life is any less wonderful than anyone else's, but that's their view of what having a dog is. A very traditional view of a pet. They hear about all his other dog sport stuff that we're talking about and they're like, I have no idea what you mean? What's all this thing like you get together on weekends and have easy ups and there's tent cities and parking lots and you travel the country and what? They just don't understand what any of that it's about.
So in that view, the question is, all right, you seem to think this whole sniffing thing is great. How is that going to help my dog be better behaved? It's a very fair question. The answer is that it can help give your dog, once again, those mental and physical outlets they desperately need. Even if you are only looking for your dog to be a very well behaved pet and companion. You don't want to do all the competition stuff, you don't want to know about all the dog sports stuff, you don't want to have to study dog behavior forever in a day, you don't want this to become your entire life. You have other hobbies, you have other interests. You're looking for a companion and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. By playing very simple Scent Work games, where even you could just use food, you are allowing your dog to tap into one of the most innate instincts that they have, which is hunting.
In a controlled and safe way, you can spend 10 to 15 minutes a day doing this, just using some boxes. It's totally fine, and your dog will be satisfied. It will actually take the edge off. It could prevent them from doing other destructive behaviors and things you don't want them to do, such as destroying your house, chewing up your shoes, stealing stuff, trying to make other activities to entertain their little selves because they're just as smart. When I go out and I look at Doberman puppies, I'm looking for a sport prospect. That doesn't mean that the other puppies in that litter, if they were to go with a pet person who's just looking for our companion that those puppies or any dumber, they're not.
They are the same. They have the same needs. They want to be able to use their brain. They're problem solvers. They're very smart little beings, so you want to give them controlled outlets so that they don't do all the things you don't want them to do in the first place. Dog training overall can really help with that problem solving, teaching them how to learn, giving them little problems to solve that are good problems to solve. Things where they're not making up their own games such as, oh look, I steal a shoe and then I play keep away. It is really fun.
The great thing about Scent Work is, it's a really simple thing that you can do as the person that can also help the dog. So to answer the question, Scent Work can help your dog become more well behaved because it can provide them with their physical and mental outlet where they are no longer acting out because they don't feel as fulfilled. And you also will change the way that you look at your dog, where you'll notice when they may need something. So as an example, one of the things I would hear from clients was, okay, I come home from work, I let the dog outside. They have to go potty. No problem. They come in, we get all ready, I get their dinner ready, I get my dinner ready, they eat, I eat, fine. Now, I just want to vegetate. I just want to watch some TV or movie. I just want to relax and the dog is bouncing off of the walls, driving me crazy. What do I do?
And the great thing about Scent Work is that you could, before you start watching your TV show or your movie, you could do a really quick 10 to 15 minute Scent Work session with your dog. You could even get the kids involved. It's a safe activity for children to do as well. They could hide some things around, the dog does that then maybe end it by giving them a stuffed Kong or a bone and the dog is set, the dog is good. You can watch your movie. The dog is satisfied, everybody's happy. I just want everyone to understand even for people who have been involved in dog training for a very long time, even people who'd done competitions for a very long time, the value of Scent Work is the activity, is the game. Yes, the titles and the ribbons are fabulous. Yes, the competitions are really good. Yes, the competition organizations and the community at large for the most part is very supportive and wonderful and fabulous. All that is true.
However, the bigger, better, more important aspect is the activity itself. So if every single dog on the planet, and I do mean this literally, played the game of Scent Work, things will be a lot better. So again, just to answer the question again, Scent Work can help your dog become more well behaved if you're simply looking for your dog to be a good companion because it can provide them with those mental and physical outlets that they need so they're not acting out instead.
Another question I received was from a student and I thought it was a very honest question. I appreciate this question, and I think they were a little worried about submitting this question, but I think it's a good one. So the question is, I like the partnership that I experience in agility. Does Scent Work actually offer that same level of partnership? And this is something that dog trainers and dog competitors, I think I've been talking about for a while, for a number of years. Particularly, people who are coming from agility, which is an awesome activity where you really can feel a partnership with your dog. But it is entirely different from the animal that is Scent Work.
And the main reason is with agility, you are telling your dog where to go. That's the whole purpose. You know the course, your dog doesn't. You're going to tell them to take the jump and do the weaves and do the A frame and so on and so forth. With Scent Work that's entirely reversed where now it's your dog is taking the lead. That's a very difficult shift for some handlers to do because they're so used to leading to being the lead dancer. It's very difficult for them to take the backseat to allow the dog to go ahead, and they perceive that as a lack of partnership. And also the way that a lot of Scent Work is advertised is that you don't even have to be in the room. You just set the dog loose. You can go be on your computer and doing something else. The dog will figure it out. They don't even need you.
And that's not entirely true. Particularly as you continue going up the levels, if you are interested in competition or even if you're just interested in making things a little bit more challenging, it is a partnership sport. You do have to work together. The beauty of it is that as the handler, you actually can learn what it is that your dog has been saying all along. No longer are you requiring your dog to learn human, which they try really, really hard how to do. With Scent Work, if you want to be successful, you have to learn at least a little bit how to speak and read dog. That will only cause you to become a better handler. Any better trainer across the board, regardless of what it is you're trying to do.
Because of that, you can see your dog working a space once you understand what their signals are and what everything means. And see, okay, I know that they're in odor but they can't get to it, but I also know they haven't worked the corner on the opposite side of the room and there's a window of it. So I think the odor is getting trapped over where they are, but it may actually be coming from this other corner. How do I as the handler get them over there? That's the partnership piece, where your dog is the one painting the picture and you're there going, well, what about this and what about that and what about this other thing? You can marvel at the masterpiece, but you can also help fill in these little tiny details so that it is perfect. It really is a true partnership if you allow it, and that's the tricky part.
So particularly handlers who are coming from the world of agility or competition obedience or rally obedience where the whole point is for you to be the lead person. That is what's supposed to be, it's a test. Can the dog do as I direct them to do? That's the whole point of it. It's a very big shift to completely put that on it's head. Can you follow what your dog is telling you the odor is doing? Can you then read what they're reading as far as where they think the odor is going and what the odor picture may be. And can you then ascertain from a human standpoint all the different factors that could be affecting that and can you help your dog if they need it?
So there's long short of it is, in case you haven't realized. I'm very good at giving very long answers. There is indeed partnership in Scent Work. It's just different. That doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. It does. In my opinion, I think it is a higher level of partnership because it's more equal where you are listening to your dog and your dog also listens to you. It's not just a one way communication, which can be really nice.
So if I've kept your attention, what you may be asking yourself now if you aren't already involved in Scent Work is, how is it exactly that I would to get started in the sniffing thing that you speak of? And there's actually a number of different ways you can do that. Obviously, Scent Work University is an online dog training platform. So we have foundations at our courses that we offer that are completely online and the way that that works is you would choose an enrollment option that works best for you, either student auditor or watcher. We have them split up in those three categories so you get to decide what works best with your schedule. Students is going to be an intensive learning option that's closely resembling an in-person group class experience.
What that means is that you'll have homework assignments that you will have to submit on a weekly basis. Those will be reviewed by your instructor and you will have an interaction with them that is very similar to what you would have in an in-person course. You may also have scheduled chats or other types of online interactions with your instructor and just a more intensive experience. So if you're really gung-ho about it and you have a lot of time and you have a lot of interest, the Student option is for you. If you don't want to have to worry about all that stuff or your schedule simply won't allow it or you're just not too sure yet, a middle of the road option as the Auditor option. And with that, you have still access to all the course material as well as all the course forum. You can even post to the course forum, but you're not required to submit any homework assignments and you won't have the same level of interaction with the instructor. You can still ask questions and you will also receive not only feedback from the instructor but also from your fellow course participants, which can be really helpful.
The final category are Watchers and the whole purpose a watcher, why it is you'd want choose that option is if you want to have more of a self taught approach where you didn't have to worry about time at all. If you know that your life is really crazy and super hectic or if you just want a more laid back approach. Every single option has access to all the course material for a full year. Even if there are updates made to the lessons themselves or there's change to handouts or videos or anything else, you have access to all that stuff for a full year. As a Watcher you can come and go as you please. You can see everything including the forum, but you can post to it.
So if you're brand new to online dog training, I would urge you to maybe start as a watcher in a course that you're somewhat interested in to see if it's going to fit with your learning style. To see if it's something that you would actually be interested in. To see whether or not you'd be able to apply what we're showing you to, what you actually need to do with your dog.
Now that being said, we try our best with how we have designed Scent Work University to apply to every single learning style possible. So people who learn by seeing people who learn by doing, people who learn by a combination. We offer videos and schematics and handouts and text and narration and we try to really give our learners as much information as possible. So that's one option, is where you would be able to start with Scent Work by signing up for our introduction to Scent Work course as a student, an auditor, or a watcher.
Now, if you happen to have a Scent Work constructor in your area, you're absolutely more than welcome to take a look at an in-person group training course. The great thing about in-person group training courses is it gives your dog at opportunity to work in that kind of space. Now, personally, I prefer the courses that are set up where the dogs are all within crates and they all have their own turn in the space individually. I prefer that approach because again, this activity is open to reactive dogs. So if you have all the dogs visible to one another and they're all out waiting for their turn, it can get really stressful for the dogs. And I'm also a really big person. I'm all in to safety, so the more safe that we can set things up, the better it can be.
However, there are those people and dogs who just wouldn't do well in a group class environment and there's a whole slew of reasons why that can happen. You can be worried about self esteem issues, you can just be worried within the group, you could be coming at it from a totally different standpoint as far as your experience level and doing dog training. And your dog could just be like, yeah, no, I'm not going to work in this kind of space. Whether it is because they're reactive or they're environmentally sensitive or they just don't want to. They're like, yeah, no. There are other dogs here, I don't feel like playing today. So there's a bunch of different things that you can do. You can do online, you can do, in-group classes and if you happen to have instructor in your area, they may also be able to do in-person private classes with you as well where they can come to your house, show you how to set it up and then maybe they can come once a month or something just to see how you're doing.
There's a lot of different ways you can get started. What you want to figure out is what it is that you want to do at the end of the day. If you're just interested in figuring out the game, an introduction is that recourse really can be the end all and be all. You can just keep doing those types of exercises for now into ever and that's totally fine. If you wanted to branch out a little bit, you still weren't interested in competition but you wanted your dog to try some other things, they may be doing something like an introduction to set our course and then for Scent Work University, we offer exterior's and vehicles with primary. Meaning that we're still just using food or he can use a novel odor such as birch, anise or clove.
If you still wanted to go further than that, then for Scent Work University we offer our advanced skills just using primary, meaning food or you can start going into, well now my dog is going to find birch. Now my dog is going to find anise and now my daughter's is going to find clove. And we start introducing more complicated problems for them to try. It's all about what you want to do, what is your goals are and what is it that you want your dog to do? So there's a lot of different options and things that you can try.
Now I know that I talk a lot about Scent Work University because that is our business. That is the whole platform that we're trying to talk about and also promote. But with that, I think a common question that people ask is as soon as you tell them, “Oh yeah, no, all of our courses are online.” They kind of look at you and go, “Hmm, does online dog training really work?” And it's a really fair question, right? Because when you think about dog training, you think about someone either coming to your house or you going to a class and doing it.
The great thing about online dog training is that yes, it does indeed work. Anyone can have access to it. So for myself personally, I'm originally from the East Coast of the United States. I've recently, over the last couple of years, moved to the West Coast of the United States. That's thousands of miles apart from one another from the two places that I used to live in where I live now. There are really great trainers on both coasts. I obviously only have access to one group of those trainers at any given time and that's really super frustrating. There are days where I want to work with an east coast trainer and I'm on the west coast and vice versa. It's really super frustrating. With online dog training, I can tap into all those really great instructors and I can work with them at any given point. I can have them put together a course and I can tap into that amazing knowledge that they have and apply it right then and there, even if they're thousands of miles away, which is fabulous.
In regard to Scent Work itself, there aren't Scent Work instructors in every single town in every single state or in every single country. This is becoming an international activity, which is wonderful, but it is still growing and there's no instructors everywhere. So if you're in an area where there isn't an instructor online dog training gives you access to those people where they could actually get you started. As far as whether or not online dog training works at all, it all depends on how you approach it. With Scent Work University, our goal when I created it was to provide an opportunity to do as much learning with their dogs as possible. I no longer can teach in person because I have very serious neck and back issues. I literally had to retire from training, but I didn't want to give it up. That's why I started this.
I started this because I still want it to be able to teach and I still want to be able to have people learn and improve their relationship with their dogs, but it couldn't do it in person. There are days when I never can get out of bed, so that's where all of this is starting from. It's not starting from just, oh we'll give you a little bit of information, hope for the best. We're trying to quite literally transfer what we've done in-person and making that into a virtual experience.
Some of the advantages of online dog training is you're able to go through the material at your own pace. For things that I teach, as you can tell with this podcast, I'm pretty long winded. I try to give as much information as I can and I oftentimes will just go over. I will provide more information that anyone could ever want. The great thing about online training is that you can go through it once, you can go through a 20 times, you can pause it, think about it for a little bit and go back. You can watch a video 20 times if you have to. You'll have handouts, you'll have links to helpful resources. You can build off of the core lessons as much as you want to or as little as you want to.
The other great thing about online dog training is that it doesn't have the same kind of competitive nature that an in-person dog training class can sometimes cause. And this isn't something that happens on purpose, it's just human nature and I would see it in every single course that I would teach where people and dogs will progress at different rates. Just like with people, dogs learn differently. They all have strengths, they all have weaknesses. But in every single class there would be at least one or two people who'd be really upset because their dogs weren't doing as well as some other dog, even though that other dog wasn't doing as well in another completely different skill that their dog was. They wouldn't recognize that fact. They just all like, “Oh, my dog isn't doing it as fast that dog, what's wrong with us?” And then they would try to rush and then they would try to get into this whole competitive spirit that can really cause you a lot of trouble later on.
The great thing about online dog training is you don't have to fall into that trap. You can focus on you and your dog and what you both need and if you have to modify an exercise 20 different ways to Sunday to make it work, you can do that and not feel as though, oh no, I'm the only one doing that. I would still commend people for doing that in class. But there's a whole peer pressure thing, right? So there's a whole slew of advantages to using online dog training and it does indeed work. I have students who have improved tremendously in only taking one course. It's all about how much you put into it and what is you're looking to get out of it.
So I hope this inaugural podcast was a little helpful. I know we covered a lot of different topics in a really short period of time, but the whole purpose of this is just to teach everyone a little bit about what Scent Work is all about. And as we go forward, as I discussed before, we are going to be getting into the nitty gritty of tips on how you can tackle certain aspects of Scent Work. We'll also be giving you a behind the curtain look as far as what happens at trials, what happens as far as being an official at a trial. And then I'll also give you some feedback as far as being a instructor. And I just, I think it's helpful for everyone to see the activity of Scent Work from as many different perspectives as possible, just so that we can have a really well rounded view. Thank you so much for listening to us today. I really appreciate it. Happy training and we look forward to seeing you soon.