The First Ever NW3

Tarot's NW3 Trial

  Days and weeks speed by quickly when you are in a work crunch.  One day it is the beginning of September and the next it is near Halloween.  Going from one holiday to the next meant it was Tarot's turn to sniff stuff in trial.

  Up until now Niven has been the Nosework trail blazing dog for me.  Together we weathered the ORT, NW1 and NW2, allowing me to handle Torch and Tarot through those same levels.  It felt weird to be leaving her behind because Tarot was randomly selected to step up and play the part for the third level.  If losing a security blanket is hard, try replacing it with Tarot.

  There are a lot of 'horror' stories about the NW3 and Elite trials, centered on the behaviors of the uncertain dog, inexperienced handler, and the increased search challenge.  I was not sure how well Tarot and I would do, but figured the experience would help direct winter training.  I told myself not to panic, relax, stand back to let the dog work, have a blast watching, and learn.  It is not like we are searching for bomb parts and tomorrow will be another day if we miss something.

  We left the night before and enjoyed a warm night while exploring Hawley, Pennsylvania in the dark.  It was not until the next morning that I was able to pull over and view Lake Wallenpaupack from the roadside.  Perhaps it was the autumn calm that helped set my mood, but I really did feel relaxed.  I honestly thought this day would yield experience and direction only, I rarely thought about completing the title.

  Parking and check in were the normal organized chaos, so were the briefing and walk through.  I thought the search areas were large and would offer every challenge Tarot could think of, but my biggest concern was how much linoleum there was.  The trial was being held at the Wallenpaupack Area Middle School and every search began with traversing slick hallways.  I decided my biggest accomplishment of the day would be to get Tarot to walk instead of trying to scramble leg down every hallway because we have to get there, like now!  People laughed when I announced my goal, but they had no clue I was being serious.

  Tarot and I were listed as team number 2 and our group was to start with the Interior Search.  The other group would start with the Vehicle and Exterior search combination.  Once both groups completed the three searches, we were to work Containers in numeric order.  The hope was to get through the outdoor searches before a predicted storm rolled in.

  The great thing about being the second dog "on the line" is you do not have to wait for long.  This is good on the nerves when the walk to the ladies room is long.


Interior Search

  With each new level the Interior Search becomes more challenging.  For the first level you have to search only one room, the second level is two rooms, and the third level is three.  If duration is not taxing enough, each level requires a different number of hides to find.  The first level only has one hide, the second level can have up to two known number hides per room, and the third and Elite levels can have an unknown number of hides from zero to three or unlimited.

 Up until now, I have had the luxury of knowing how many hides we were searching for and have been able to confidently call the finish.  The NW3 and Elite levels require the handler to know the dog and identify when the search is complete.  Sometimes a hide is located in a place where the dog never alerts and the day is lost.  For the first time, I would be handling my first dog through this situation and I had Tarot to do it with.

  We have worked these situations in class to high success, but trials offer a different excitement that can never be replicated for training.  I was not sure if on a first try we would be able to efficiently pull off successful searches.  This would be a real test for how well I could read Chaos Creator as she tried to locate a potential next hide.

  Waiting in one of the school's vestibules, the door at the top of the short flight of steps suddenly opened.  Tarot immediately caught scent pooling in the hallway and nearly ripped me off my feet by bolting off.  The goal was to walk to the first door on the right in organized fashion, but this was a near complete failure.  If not for the handle on the harness, Tarot would have leg scrambled on her stomach to the first search.


Room One
  The first of three middle school classrooms to be searched, only three quarters of it was in play.  There were two groupings of student chairs to the right and a teacher's desk to the left.  I already had removed the lead from the harness and Tarot was a bit more compliant approaching the threshold line.  We waited for a few seconds and I tried to slowly let go, but she was waiting for this moment and attempted to tear off at speed.  Instead of focusing on odor, she had to get her 'linoleum legs' before starting to short step around the room.

  Still standing in place, I watched Tarot navigate around the two groups of chairs.  Normally she will head straight to a hide, but this time it seemed it was elusive or I had missed the signs.  Instead, she spent time cataloging the environment, never moving out to the far wall.  I wanted to step forward over the tape line and suddenly realized I was not running AKC FAST.  I was allowed to move any where in the room.  Feeling pretty dumb, I took a few steps and Tarot immediately went around the teacher's desk to alert on the lower right drawer.  I called the alert and was relieved to get a 'yes.  Tarot was off again to keep searching.

  Having broken my mental block, I wandered to the right side of the room.  Tarot was doing a fantastic job of covering the room on her own, but my hope was not to have to put her on lead.  My movement worked and Tarot started to work one grouping of chairs to a second hide. I called the alert and got another 'yes'.

  We continued to search, but the longer Tarot circled, I realized there was nothing left to cover.  I finally called the 'finish' and without fanfare everyone geared up to work the next room.


Room Two
  Our hallway navigation went better and Tarot seemed slightly zoned as we walked into the second room.  The approach to the start line went much better and we were able to pause a bit longer.  This room was laid out in similar fashion as the room before.  The teacher's desk was now in a corner on the left and there was a sink on the right wall.  Both areas were out of bounds, but could be used for information gathering.  In the center were two row groups of student chairs separated by an aisle.

  Two steps into her cast off, Tarot's head snapped quickly to the left and I knew something of interest caught her attention.  Whatever it was, it was not strong enough to make her turn back.  There was another head flick to the left as she moved down the aisle between the two sets of student chairs.  It was not enough of a pull and she continued to circle the room.

  I watched from near the start line as Tarot moved back and forth along the far wall with no indication of odor source.  I slow walked across the room and she started to work the teacher's desk area and along the side wall.  Following from near the chairs, Tarot suddenly whipped back to a chart and to started to nose trail down and underneath, stopping.  I called the alert, got a 'yes', and we continued on.

  Now back at the start line, I tried to get Tarot to go down the center aisle, but she would not follow me.  Instead she chose to focus on the side wall to make her way to the back wall with the blackboard.  She reared upward appearing to search at the top of the blackboard, but eventually caught source odor on a stool and nose trailed underneath.  I called the alert and got another 'yes'.

  From this point, Tarot paid more attention to the non-live area around the teacher's desk and I knew we were burning time.  If not focused there, she was trying to get odor from above the black board and I wondered if there was truly a third high hide.

  I decided to leave that potential high hide and check the center aisle, which meant I had to put her on lead.  Once done I had Tarot check the walls and center aisle where there was no interest appearance.  If I was leaving a hide behind, it was a good problem to work in class and not in trial.  At this time, we also received the thirty second warning on the three minute limit.  I continued for a few seconds and called the finish.

  Again, there was no fanfare as we got ready to complete our last search.  I was worried for Tarot as she was working hard and panting.  Navigating the slippery flooring was getting easier.


Room Three
  While the first two rooms were identical in layout and content, this third room was different.  Long computer tables cut the room into small areas and there was need to get the dog to go deep to the side walls.

  I could tell by the way Tarot stiffened as we walked to the threshold line there was odor in the room.  She was panting which meant she was not breathing efficiently and this search would be more difficult.  I wasted no time in getting to the line and once released she began to fast wander around the bench tables to find the first hide on the edge of the table frame.  I called the alert, got a 'yes', and we were off again.

  Like the second room, Tarot started to rear up along the back wall and near the black board. I pondered another high hide again, but all I could do is give opportunity to catching whatever may be up there.  She stopped at the first hide and I put my hands up, which is a cue to keep going because you found that one.  She was off searching with me now following.  I was able to get her down each narrow aisle with no indications and I thought there may be a hide in one of the closed laptops on top of the tables.  Eventually Tarot went out of the search area and behind the search crew, again showing no indication.

  When she returned to the first hide for a second time, I called the 'finish'.  If there was a second hide in this room, it was another hide placement to work in training and not at a trial with a time constraint of two and a half minutes.

  The only thing that frustrated me about working these hides is not having feedback for how we did.  How could I highly praise a dog if there were hides left behind?  What does that do for the next trial and a dog's willingness to continue searching?  I tried my best to quietly praised and on our way back to the van, party praise as we went.

 We had survived our first NW3 Interior search.
 I had no idea if we missed a hide, but I was thankful to have no "No"

  A dog like Tarot is high drive work ethic and starting a long morning with a three room search helped immensely.  The morning jitters were removed with back to back searches and pent up dog energy was greatly depleted.  It was time to get the Lab back into the crate for thought processing and water for cool down.  The rest of the day would be broken into shorter working time frames that would only enhance our performance.

  While our group started Interiors at dog number one, the Vehicle and Exterior searches were started at dog number eight.  It would be a long wait before we were up again and there was a storm expected to hit the area in the afternoon.

  There was supposed to be a lunch break after dog number thirty ran and at last minute this was changed.  I went from sitting down to have lunch to having to gear Tarot up for two searches before the storm rolled in.

  Both the Vehicle and Exterior searches were to run back to back and were located on the opposite side of the school building.  We had to traverse the school hallways to each of four stations before getting to the door that led us outside.  This gave us of practice with walking on slippery flooring, which I have to say was marginally respectable.  Waiting at each station needs work, though.



Vehicle Search
  When we reached the final station, the Steward kept me posted about the weather, as in it was starting to rain.  She disappeared and returned a few long minutes later to tell me they were going to continue on with our searches.  Walking to the Vehicle search I discovered the wind had picked up and it was blipping rain, but not enough to call a pause to the trial.

  There were three vehicles parked nose to rear in a tight driveway.  The first was a small pickup truck with two cars parked in front to form a turning line.  One the right were two buildings where the walls were a few feet away.  At the base were wood pallets and other debris that I knew would be attractive to a dog like Tarot.  On the left was a grass area that ended in a corner of the school building.  Beyond the last car and along the school building were a set of trash dumpsters and loading dock area.

  I was bound and determined Tarot would perform a real Vehicle search and not pass on what we have been known for.  Approaching the threshold, it was a short distance to the rear of the truck and I planned to crowd her onto frame body.  Once released, that immediately fell apart when Tarot pulled from the vehicle and wanted to sniff the grass and security poles lining the driveway.

  There was a long time spent trying to get Tarot to even acknowledge there were cars parked bumper to bumper.  Instead there was total interest in getting to the building walls, grass, poles, dumpsters, debris, or anything not resembling a car.  The only car part searched was the bumper of the third vehicle and its license plate where the first hide was alerted on.

 Completely frustrated, I decided to put Tarot on a vehicle and fast walk to crowd her to sticking to it.  Once we completed the perimeter, I called the finish.

Tarot did not make the Vehicle Search easy 

  My head still swimming from what I called a failed Vehicle Search, we were directed to stand under some trees to take cover from increasing rain.  For the moment it was not too bad and I had a Labrador who likes adverse weather conditions.  We waited while the search crew got into position for the Exterior search and finally we were called.

Exterior Search

  In less than a minute, the rain was now streaming down.  I watched the falling leaves get blown sideways while I grabbed the harness handle. Stronger wind gusts were blowing through and rain was falling harder.  I sighed.  This search was going to be whatever it was going to be.  If all those years of sitting through school soaked or running Agility with Crumpet during downpours did not provide for this moment, nothing would help.

  In May for our NW2 was predicted to rain and I had spent time driving to five different locations with Tarot to work in heavy rains.  I knew Tarot speeds up in wet conditions and was not worried rain would slow her down.  We would have to survive the wind gusts.

  We slow walked to the threshold line and paused for a moment before I let go of the harness.  We were searching a landscaped area in front of the main doors of the middle school.  Both sides of the island were concrete sidewalks with a grass center.  There was a boulder, a few young trees, a light post, and stop sign, plus a bench.  Limited in possibilities it would seem until crevices and ground hides are factored in.

  

  Tarot moved forward, stopping quickly to sniff the fire hydrant and continuing to the sidewalk.  Almost immediately she turned to work the bench area and finally settled on a spot under it.  I had to yell the alert and strain to hear the answer, which was a 'yes'.  We continued downwind to work to a light post where she stopped again.  I was fairly certain this was a hide, but I wondered if it might be crittering; male dog scent made more pungent by being wet.  Tarot looked at me for a second time and I yelled another alert.  I could barely hear the return 'yes' and after a fast reward, I headed toward the starting point.

  If it was possible, the wind was now blowing harder and Tarot seemed to be unfocused.  Either the weather was starting to affect the focus or she was not picking up another hide?  I figured there were only the two hides, but decided to check the hydrant and left side of the search area before calling the finish.  Tarot stopped at the hydrant and stuck her nose to the cap.  I delayed the alert again for the same reason as the pole and finally called it.  When there was a 'yes', I knew we had three hides with no more and called the finished.  

  I did not realize it was now a complete downpour and that I could barely hear anyone.  I just knew everyone was smiling while taking cover and we bolted off to the car. 

I love Exterior Searches, just not during driving rain and high winds

  I am very thankful someone had thrown a tarp over my open car window and closed my tailgate when the storm hit. I was lucky to have clean towels in the van to dry Tarot off and at least clean socks and dry shoes to put on.  So much for that new raincoat I just bought that was in the van dry.

  The hand warmer packs John, the Gate Steward gave me were perfect.  The longer we waited for the Container search, the warmer my jacket pockets became. 

Container Search

  We only needed to wait at one station before being being called in.  Our search was in the back right corner of a large gymnasium and it consisted of three rows of four boxes or luggage.  I was not sure what I was expecting from a level three search, but again the horror stories did not match what I had in front of me.  I was glad for the familiar pattern, but knew better to think this simple.

 By now, Tarot was negotiating the slippery flooring well and the super shiny laminated wood posed no problems.  If anything, she was short stepping and dragging me to the line where we paused.  Like her mother, Tarot surveyed the boxes and homed in on the box to the immediate left.  When released, she went straight to it, sniffed, and alerted.  I called the alert  and received a 'yes'.  For the first time ever, Tarot nailed a threshold box and I had to continue on.

  We wandered around and over the other boxes and luggage, while changing direction and patterns a few times.  There was a head flick here and there, but nothing definitive.  When Tarot hit the first hide box a second time, I gave her the hand cue to keep going, but on the third alert, I called the finish.

Container Searches were never our strong point, they were this day

  I had time to think through the day's events while the rest of the trial continued on.  All I could say to anyone was that I was happy with the way we worked together and with the end result of our performance.  We received no "no"s from the judges, so we were at least in running to qualify.  The big factor would be if we left any hides behind or if we ran over time.  We would need to wait until the Awards Ceremony to find that out.

  Having now run my first NW3, there were a few things different from the other level trials that I found I liked.

  The parking lot experience was different in that no one was trying to quietly over analyze their search performance.  Instead the conversations centered on the psychology of the trial environment and the humans that put themselves through this challenge.

  Since none of us know how well our dogs are doing, no one is down on themselves or on their dogs.  I am sure there are the exceptions to that observation, but it was nice to experience.

  One aspect I did not like is the silence and "thank you" issued by the judge after every search.  There is no excitement for the dog or the moan for the handler.  I think the dog benefits from the cheering crowd and now have to shift how I reinforce the search.

  The last dog was finally called and shortly afterward everyone made their way to the cafeteria.  The CO (Certifying Official) had posted the hide results on the wall and everyone was gathered around.  Without wearing my glasses, I had to strain to see that Interiors and Vehicles had the number of hides Tarot found.  I took a fast photo and sat down to read.

  There was a nice overview diagram of each search area and an X where each hide was placed.  There were also quick notes to go with each.  So far, Tarot found all of the hides and I know I called the finish to end time.  I had one search where I got the thirty second warning, but did I call finish before the three minute mark?

Interior
    Room #1 = 2 hides
    Room #2 = 2 hides
    Room #3 = 1 hide
Vehicles = 1 hide
Exterior = 3 hides
Containers = 1 hide

  The CO and each Judge stood up to talk about their observations of the hide placements and what they saw from each of the teams.  The judge for the Exterior gave Tarot and me the "Maple Syrup Award" for not giving up despite the adverse conditions.  We are supposed to go home and enjoy a hot breakfast. I had to hold back the tears for the compliments and cheers.

  Element Search placements were announced next and Tarot won second place in Containers, which I find hysterically funny.

   I was fairly certain Tarot had titled and it was confirmed when our names were called.  There were no pronounced titles for anyone, but we did get three pronounced searches in Vehicles, Exteriors, and Containers.

  Over the course of the week I had to share the maple syrup with everyone.  Mike and the dogs got pancakes and eggs for lunch and the Wednesday night crew got homemade salted caramel sauce with a syrup base. We all survive Tarot so everyone was sharing.


  Tarot
  NW3 Title
  3 Pronounced Searches - Vehicles, Exteriors, and Containers
  2nd Place Containers
  5th Place Overall Searches

Tarot had a fantastic day of NW3 Searches
Photographer: Michael Rickenback 

 Tarot got her NW3 and first leg toward the Elite title.  We need to qualify twice more before that happens and I look forward to the challenge.  For now, we go into the winter break where I can apply what I observed.  This was such a wild experience.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Joyce Smuda
www.foxglen.net

Torch's Third NW1 Trial

A Few Months Late, But Happy Birthday

  There were no plans to enter any more NoseWork trials until next year, but I threw a wrench into my own plan when a few NW1 and NW3 trials suddenly popped up.  I honestly thought Niven, Torch, and Tarot would be wait-listed, but the fates saw different.  Torch got into the Oxford, MD NW1 and Tarot got into the Hawley, PA NW3.  At least part of the plan worked and Niven is in holding at number 152.

  At the time I submitted trial entries I had been compiling a training log of my NoseWork experience.  Entering Torch's information, I started to catch a non-pattern, pattern.  He missed one Anise ORT and I labeled it as the dog fringing and the handler not being recognizing it.  To help remedy this issue, we worked ORT boxes to a pass.  Torch then failed Containers at his first NW1 and I figured the hot room conditions helped moved odor along the linoleum flooring to create a perfect odor storm.   Every available opportunity that came up to work odor on slick flooring, we were there.  I entered a second NW1 confident fringing was behind us and Torch misses the Interior search.  Where do we go from here, what will work to help iron the fringing issue out?

  I was willing to believe Torch had a sliding odor problem that led to fringing alerts, but using the three missed searches. there seemed to be a connection for two factors only.

• Anise ORT and Containers were both closed boxes on linoleum in a hot room, Interior was a stool in the center of a wood floored, cool room.
• Anise ORT and Containers were held during a dry day, Interiors had a rainy morning.
• Containers and Interior were 65F during Spring & Fall, while Anise ORT was 20F in the dead of Winter.

  As I thought through the different environments and conditions, it suddenly came to me.  There was a common thread after all.  All three rooms were heavy on the wet wood, musty, bunkhouse/church basement smell.  Being preoccupied with handling, my human nose worked my brain to dismissing this factor during the searches.

  To test the theory I would need access to this condition, but it is hard to replicate without building access.  During the summer months, I took advantage of a local park pavilion after a rain and found Torch had difficultly finding hides. I think I am on to something and continued to work on exposure.

 There was one other behavior I noticed between the November and April trials.  For the first trial, Torch had a hard time with focusing on task, yet this was the most serious dog I have.  When we attended the April trial both Torch and Niven were in the van for trialing and Torch was hammering out searches faster than in practice.  Could he dependent on having the other dogs in the van?

 Independent of each other, but giving the credit to Mike, we came up with the idea that Torch needs to be worked alone.  The chaos that ensued when we left the house after work every few days was true sacrifice, but the effects were well worth it.  During our first outing, Torch kept looking back for direction, confused on what was wanted.   At then end of three weeks and returning to the same location as our first evening, there was a remarkable difference.  I may not be able to get the environmental exposure, but he loved being the "only dog to go".

  Labor Day weekend came quickly and I have to admit my motivation to drive three hours into a predicted tropical storm was low.  Anyone who has gone through a series of set backs knows this feeling.  You find ways to get into the van and drive to the destination no matter what.  If Torch had a good round of searches and missed one, we still had practice and a good time.  If we got wet or had to search through the environments where we struggle, it was still training.  It helped that I promised to volunteer for the Saturday NW3 and had to be there.

  Torch patiently waited in the car while I watched NW3 Vehicles and worked the hot boxes in the Container searches.  Afterward, we headed to the hotel, had multiple walks, and spent the evening driving around the neighborhood.  So far the tropical storm was veering off the predicted course and out to sea.  Trial day was looking up for us.

 In rarity, the weekend's trials were held on a private estate.  The search areas were gravel, marble title, and poured or lamented concrete.  It is not very often you get this type of trial site, so the deviation from boy scout camps was very welcomed.  Torch was listed as dog number 30, so the trial was well on its way when we started our trek up the long driveway.


Exterior Search

Area probably had more stuff, but we never got there to remember it

  I was late getting to the Gate Steward and did not have the advantage of stopping at each station.  I also knew better than to run Torch to the search area, but we wasted no time.  No sooner then we reached the final station than we were called for our turn.

The area was a covered breezeway between the garage and pool house.  Everything was new construction and the poured concrete promised to be easy on feet and noses.  There were small support columns along the right wall and stuff was strategically placed for an easy line pattern if worked that way.

  I stopped just before the landing to get the lead switched to Torch's harness and slow walked to the threshold.  The breezeway would act as an odor chute and I wanted to use that to our advantage.  At this point he was leaning forward and wanted to get to work.  I knew better than to hold him too long, but during those seconds, he started to direct himself to the left and I let him go.

 There had been a strong wind earlier and I expected odor would travel into us and stick on everything in this outdoor hallway. Torch stayed to the left and while moving past the first object, suddenly took interest. At first I thought this was information gathering, except Torch was working to a single point.

  It was completely possible the CO placed the hide close to the starting line, but the area's conditions could create pooled odor and trap a dog with fringing issues.  I took the risk, called the alert and received the "yes".  While everyone was excited, Torch on the other hand looked disappointed there was nothing more to search.

  We walked the quarter mile back to the van to wait for the next search.
  Corgis have short legs.
  Poor Torch.

Vehicle Search

  There was a wait for our turn, but this time I was paying attention when our number was called.  We were able to make our stops and not power walk to pant through the search.  There were two cars to search, both parked bumper to bumper alongside of the kennel building.  There were also two trailers that were not part of the area.  My biggest concern was the newly laid gravel and how well Torch's paw pads would handle the surface.  

  Lead was changed out and we walked to the threshold.  While holding his harness, Torch seemed to air scent to the right and when released moved that way to cut me off.  My plan had been to shorten the lead and walk him up to the bumper, then cast him off a few feet out.  The cut off caused me to  speed up to leg bump him back toward the car, resulting in an approach angle that landed Torch's nose near the right side.  

  I anticipated he would continue along the side of the car, but Torch's nose super stuck to the bumper and he turned back to trail to the center.  I turned to watched as he sniffed the edges of the license plate and stopped.  I called the alert and got the "yes" along with an apology from the judge for having us walk all that way for a short search.

  Back to the van we went.

Torch loves Vehicle searches

  Up until now, the trial was moving at remarkable speed, but the officials decided to pause for lunch.  That gave me more time to contemplate the Container and Interior searches, how many ways things can go wrong, and focus on our weak points.  Both searches were to be held back to back, so if there was a failure I had no other option than to re-focus and move on.

  When the trial started again for the afternoon elements, waiting for the twenty-nine other dogs to cycle through was even more maddening.  Finally we were station hopping up to the main house.  

Container Search

Set in a three car garage, the design met the requirements for an auxiliary hosting space.  The flooring was laminated paint over concrete with one wall being the garage doors.  The day before the NW3 Container search was held in this same room, but I was glad to see we would be entering from the opposite side.  Someone later said the room was hot, but I never noticed.

  We entered and I changed out the lead, took the harness, and slow walked toward the blue line on the floor.  Torch was stiffly moving, but I got the impression he was not picking anything up.  When released, he seemed to hesitate until realizing there were ORT boxes lining the floor.  I followed along behind as Torch moved forward, not taking any interest in what was in front of him.

  Reaching the last box in the left and center rows, I figured to move Torch down the opposite side and went wide in turning.  He came back to the center end box and suddenly became interested in the corner box.  Having worked this room the day before, I knew the garage doors had pulled a few dogs  away from searching, but I also knew it could move odor to surrounding objects.  

 While he was sniffing the box, I kept thinking this could not be it.  Maybe it was the same behavior as the failed Anise ORT or not, but everything was screaming not to call it.  Yet Torch continued to detail and did not come with me when I stepped away.  There is a time when you have to give credit to the unknown and take the risk.  I called the alert.

  There was a long second before I got the "yes" and the rush of flooded relief over me was more than I have ever experienced in years of competition.  I could only breath deeply while giving a quarter of a hot dog and reset the focus for the final search.

Laminated flooring posed no problem

Interior Search

 There were two rooms to wait in before the call for our start.  I was glad for extra few minutes to pull myself together and the air conditioning was welcomed, even for Torch.  Why the Container search had the effect on me it did, I have no idea.  In April we had no problem with Containers, but I guess I was over thinking this one and did not realize it?

  We were standing in a small kitchen with the search room door about to open.  I wanted Torch to be ready and not paying attention to what I was doing when that happened, but got caught in mid-action.  We slow walked to the door frame, waited a few seconds, and Torch casted off.

  The room was an enclosed pool or garden room for hosting large parties.  The officials had run a caution tape through the center to mark what was space was active.  The stonework fireplace pedestal in the center could be used for information, but was not live.  Originally we were told this would be an on lead search, but just before starting they changed it to "your choice".  I knew better and elected to limit the possibilities.

  Torch pulled to the right and immediately cut under the area boundary line.  I knew the room was huge and with only half of it in play, Torch would immediately go out of bounds.  That thought was being proven accurate and for once I was glad he was on lead.  I also knew we were wasting time as I let him move around the officials and pedestal, but were we going for a fast search or accurate one?

  I was caught up in how I could redirect Torch's attention to something searchable when he suddenly cut a line across the room to a mop bucket.  I was transfixed watching his nose detail; a drawn invisible line up the side to the bucket lip.  Realization yanked me from observation, this was the hide and not investigation.  I took a breath and called the alert. 

 Another long moment spanned the "yes" and congratulations from the judge.  All I wanted to do was scream or do something other than calmly pet the dog, but I am sure the sound would have reverberated through the estate property.

Best decision, staying on lead

  For the first time after completing a trial and title, I felt like we accomplished something.  I was not disappointed the day went too fast and now we are on to the next level.  Not this time.  This time it was over and done.

 The Torch man rocked.  He was relaxed and had fun being the only dog.  He was focused and direct, showing how far we have both come in this sport.  He was confused as to why there was only one hide per search, but continued to work the thresholds and make immediate decisions.  

 The Awards Ceremony started and Torch got his NW1 as a Pronounced Title and I wanted to cry.  As they announced the element placements, Torch received a second place in Vehicles.  There are always faster dogs out there and this was a tough field of competitors.  The biggest shock was about to happen.  Torch won first place in Over All Searches, basically High In Trial.  Now I had to fight back the tears.

  I managed to hold it together until after I got back to the van.  Yup, I admit it.  I bawled.  I refuse to give up on this dog especially when it took so long to find his sport.

  One final point about the day, in later analysis I remembered the Container Hot Box was in the exact same spot as one of the NW3 hides from the previous day.  I never thought about that possibility at the time.  Glad I did not because that alone would have done it.

  Torch:

  NW1 with a Pronounced title

  2nd place in the Vehicle Search

  1st place in Overall Searches with combined time of 37.71 seconds

Corgi legs are short, but Torch pulled this photo off
Photographer: Michael Rickenback

  Side note from four weeks into the future:
  During the last month there has been a remarkable difference in Torch's searches.  His confidence has grown, determination emerged, and he is finally anchoring hides.  I think this will be a fun winter of continued practice for the 2017 trials.

  Hope you enjoyed!

  Joyce Smuda
  www.foxglen.net

Tarot's NW2 Trial

  May 7, 2016

 Nosework has grown in popularity and getting selected to participate in a trial is becoming harder. As long as a trial is offered within a five hour or two state radius, you enter.  Traveling that much means when a trial is hosted within thirty miles, you get excited and enter.  When that happened, and despite my heavy schedule, I entered Tarot in the NW2 and three dogs in the Level 1 Container and Interior trials.  After the random drawings for entry, Tarot was entered in the NW2 and L1 Interiors, with everyone wait-listed for Containers.

 I would have preferred to have a different dog entered in each trial, but if any of my guys could survive two days of searching it was Tarot.  Her hunting dog pedigree has produced dogs that 'go all day' and I would have to relay on that coming through.  Sports like Agility, Obedience, and Breed showing will result in exhausted dog by the end of the weekend, but Nosework is different.  In one session, a dog can process more than in a weekend of other sports.

 The trial weekend was being held at Camp Nockamixon, located not far from the state park.  I decided to leave a bit early and take Tarot for a longer walk to bleed out the morning excitement and help with focus.  I used to throw a bumper in hope of achieving the same, but found I created a dog still scanning the horizon hoping for something to bring back.  The quarter mile walk gave her something to explore while I enjoyed part of the park I had not been too before.

  Camp Nockamixon is located off the beaten path and is spread out over acres of forested and cleared hills.  This made the weekend physical, especially since we were parked in a valley and all activity was at the top of a steep hill.  There was no skipping "leg day" and Ibuprofen was part of the snack pack.  If this sport did not tire out Tarot, the walk up and down the hill would.

  The running order showed we were dog/handler number 21, but the judges decided to split the group for the morning searches.  While dogs 1-19 would work Interiors, dogs 20-38 would work Vehicles and Exteriors.  When completed the groups would swap until all three searches were complete.  This meant for two of the four searches, Tarot would be working as the second dog.  I was a bit disappointed because for the NW1, we were the first team to work.  The great thing is the areas are pure, but there comes challenge from working after twenty other dogs that we keep missing out on.

  My goal for the weekend was to continue the handler confidence both Niven and Torch gave me during their last trials.  I was also going for as many pronounced searches as possible, not necessarily placements.  Having Chaos Creator as a teammate would be the challenge of that achievement.

 The morning started and we started the leap frog pattern up the hill to begin our searching.



Vehicle Search

  Our first search of the weekend started with the warm up boxes and making our way to the top of the hill.  We reached the staging area and had to wait under a tarped EZUp tent.  The longer we waited the more Tarot air scented and sniffed the nearby landscaping.  All I could do is watch as my Lab's head would whip up and toward the corner of the building.  It did not take long for me to realize we were waiting in pooled odor trailing from the hide's location out of sight a few hundred feet away.  If Niven is awesome about catching odor from a distance, her daughter is ten times more amazing.  I was glad when we were finally called to the search areas and Tarot started to pull me in the direction we were to go.  I could almost guarantee she knew where the hides were long before we even started.

  As soon as we cleared the corner of the building, I started the normal prep for the threshold/start line so I could concentrate on the dog.  Although this was not my intention, I created a two step threshold; first stop was for lead shift and Gate Stewart direction and the second stop was threshold/start line for dog focus and nose information.

  On the left, there was large pickup truck, in the back a van, and to the right a golf cart to sniff.  All three were parked on asphalt in a tight area between two buildings.  The only thing that stood out for me was the incline of the ground all three were parked on and how would that play out for moving odor on a wet surface.  At this point, the only way to know was to work it.

  I gave serious thought about holding the harness and walking the fifteen feet to the bumper of the F-150, but decided against it.  In the past, I had tried that technique with what I feel was an ill-result and I was not keen to retry it.  Also based from that experience, I elected to use a ten foot lead.  The option I chose was to pause on the threshold and send her off to let it be whatever it was.

 We paused and when released Tarot pulled toward the truck.  I was not sure if she was heading to the bumper or the nearby landscaping, but before I could complete the thought, she started to pick up pace towards the van.  This is typical behavior and I was not happy we were heading to the back of the search area to chase odor.  This new thought was not completed when she stopped on the van's right bumper and seemed to be nosing toward a trailer hitch in the center.

  I waited a second or two until I was certain this was the hide and called the alert.  We got a "yes" and I remembered to call "finish" to stop time.




Exterior Search

While the judges re-positioned themselves for the next search, Tarot and I waited downwind.  This was not fun because she was air scenting while waiting.  Finally everyone was ready and we walked between parked cars and along a row of summer camp dorm rooms to a covered porch.

  There was so much stuff in this location that I could not log it all when we did the morning walk through.  There were a lot of factors that would cause issues, such as a concrete floor and stockade fence posing as a wall on the right.  There was a one foot gap between the floor and fence that odor could quickly travel down and under creating a problem in a tight space with lots of large objects.  The main concern I did have was Tarot's fast movement in a tight space and the ten foot lead I had to make sure did not get caught on anything.  Ironically, none of theses factors came into play.

  We did the slow walk to the threshold, waited a few seconds, and then gave release.  As is normal, Tarot bolted forward and toward the inverted building corner straight ahead.  Almost out of ten foot lead, I had just started to trot when Tarot abruptly stopped and became focused on the park bench to her left.  I  sidestepped to the right not to impede her curiosity and watched the dog nose trail along the bench seat to the spot under it.  I called the alert, got the "yes", and gave the "finish".







Interior Search

  The first group ran a few dogs behind and we waited for our group to start.  Even though we were second in the running order, nineteen dogs had already worked the area.  I was glad for this experience as it would be interesting to see how she handles the lingering odor effects of twenty-one other dogs.

  The building was a stand alone, elevated, bunk house with two rooms.  For the main room, bunk beds were moved to create a narrow area, but this can create challenge if odor drifted between the open spaces.  The second room was wall-lined with cubbyholes and contained a bank of cubbies which jutted out to divide the room.  Along the back wall was a doorway to a bathroom which was blocked off, but nose accessible.

  Both searches were to be on-lead as there was no way to close a door between the two rooms.  We needed to search each room in order and had to maintain a physical restriction.  I would have liked to have Tarot work off-lead to cover ground faster, but all worked out.

Room One
  We had three minutes to find two hides, which gauging the room square footage seemed short.  Tarot came through the door already nose twitching and pulled off to the left once released.  I figured we were making our way to the back of the room where she would get serious, so I was surprised when her head flipped down and to the left.  Once I was certain this was a hide, I called the alert and received the "yes".

  I did not want to waste time with a reward, but also did not want to skimp out on what I normally give out.  What surprised me was Tarot herself.  She snagged the large hot dog piece from my hand and immediately darted off toward her original destination.  I have never seen this from her before and thought it was a really cool indicator for the next level where we have no idea how many hides are in the room.

  Trailing behind again, Tarot wanted to work the out-of-bounds area between rooms, but I knew better than to waste time.  I did let her arc out and over to the wall, where immediately her movement screamed she caught something.  While walking the entire length of room I kept thinking we were running out of places to search.  Near the threshold she suddenly stopped to sniff a bookcase and sure enough, there was a strong indication.  I called the alert, got the "yes", and called "finish".

Room Two
  I was not sure how this search would go because we have had limited exposure to cubby areas, but not on the scale this room posed.  The building had an elevated foundation and there were gaps in the floor boards with a clear view of the ground a few feet below.  Early morning rain added complexity with wet ground and heavy wet wood smell hanging even heavier in this room.

  Like the other searches, I held Tarot for a few seconds and released her.  Almost immediately she went to a floor level, end cubby.  I stood patiently waiting for her to stick her nose in the surrounding ones; the second cubby seemed promising for an alert, but she did not stick long enough for certainty.  Tarot moved from that area, to the the object blocking the bathroom, and around the room.  At one point I did let her go through the door, but she immediately returned to the room for a type of re-start.  Eventually she went back to the first cubby and finally stuck her head in the one next to it long enough for me to call an alert.  I was beyond relieved when "yes" was the response and I called the finish while delving out a large hot dog.



Containers

 Unlike the Interior Room Two search, I was most worried about the added distractions that come with Containers.  I had done something dumb a few days before the trial and set up boxes that contained a huge piece of hot dog and a tennis ball.  Since Niven's NW2 the month previous contained both, I was worried Tarot would not do as well.  In that practice session, I was proven right, but not because of the ball, but because of the hot dog.  Great way to break confidence in yourself just before a trial.

 The search was inside of a gym-type room where access was through two double doors and a long carpeted lobby.  I knew we were to wait outside and when those doors opened, Tarot would immediately go into odor.  The official came to get us, we geared up, doors were opened, and I wasted no time in getting to the start line.  We paused and off she went.

  Tarot moved very quickly down the center line of boxes, luggage, and bags making a left at the end.  She went one box in and abruptly turned to stop at the corner of a large wheeled bag.  This was the easy one to call and I was relieved to get the "yes".

  Taking the normal time to chew through the reward, Tarot finally moved onward toward the bottom right box where she showed interest.  To be honest, I thought her body language said this was a distractor and when I moved she came off the box and into me.  I put my hands up to show there was more to search and she went back to to working, going over the middle row and towards the left line of boxes.

  With each step, speed was gained as the nose hovered over each object.  I was shocked she ignored the first found hide and finally stopped on the same box on the bottom right.  I called the alert, got the "yes", and called finish before someone could change their mind.



  As we left the Container room, someone congratulated me on the NW2 title. Just like the other trials, I realized we were suddenly done.  It was time for Level 3.  When did that ever happen???

 At the end of the day, my personal goal of maintaining confidence was achieved.  Tarot is a fast dog where problems develop from speed, but she stayed true to the job.  I felt we were connected as a team, only once breaking that during the Vehicle search.  I feel that is pretty awesome, but was disappointed to miss the Pronounced title by one search.  I am proud that pretzels and tennis balls did not pose an issue during testing.  Tarot never indicated on either one.


 At the end of the day, Tarot was still looking for stuff to sniff.  So much for hills.


  Nosework Level 2

  Tarot was awarded her Title and placed.
  NW2
  Three Pronounced Searches - Exteriors, Interiors, Containers
  First Place Vehicles
  First Place Exteriors
  5th Place Overall Searches

Tarot's NW2 Trial, May 7, 2016
Photographer: Mike Rickenback

  Joyce Smuda
  www.foxglen.net

Tarot's L1I Trial

May 8, 2016

 Instead of one day of testing on Interior, Vehicle, Exterior, and Container searches, an Element Specialty Trial is a half day of one type of search.  Often a hosting club will offer two element trials and a dog must enter for each and be randomly drawn to participate.  For this weekend, Niven, Torch, and Tarot were wait listed for the Container Element Trial, but only Tarot got selected for the Interior Search Trial.

  I was not sure what to expect because this type of trial is still new and I have not had the opportunity to enter any.  Interiors were scheduled to start at noon, so it was weird to sleep in and get a late start.  I did not stop anywhere for a walk because I was not sure how Tarot would handle a second day and wanted energy.  In hindsight I should have because the walk really does help when the trial parking lot is restricted.

 The briefing was held in the parking lot to minimize the number of times we all needed to walk up the hill.  By now, everyone was exhausted so it was welcomed.  There was to be no walk through of the search areas, so it was a challenge to remember everything about the search area from working it.  There was also no debriefing to gain insight into hide placements and outcomes, but it was nice to finish the last round of searches and leave.

  We were running 18th in order and there were two rounds of searches.  Rooms 1 and 2 ran first with an immediate start of Rooms 3 and 4.



Room 1 Search
It took a while to hop through the staging areas until finally we were hidden behind one of the buildings.  The first search was being held in a lower level room we had been passed a few times the day before. While approaching the doorway I had to make the fast decision to work on or off lead by simply looking through metal wire meshed windows.  From what I could tell, the room was about 20 x 10, had large Coke Bottles in each corner and a table in the center.  Tarot could cover more ground without a lead.

  We walked to the threshold, waited while her nose twitched, and I released her into the room.  Immediately, she went to the Coke bottle in the upper left corner and nose trailed to the floor underneath.  I figured this was the hide and was about to call it when Tarot pulled off and started to circle that side of the room.  Eventually she went back to the spot, backed up and turned to me with the silliest look on her face as if to say, "hey look what I found way over there".  I could not make the call with from three feet away and put my hands up while asking her to "do better than that".  Still pleased with herself, but seemingly annoyed, she went back to the spot and stuck her nose to the spot.  I called the alert and got a laughing "yes" from the judge.

Room 2 Search
  We had one staging area to wait in before being lead into the Ladies Room of the trial's main building.  The entry way was a walled corridor without a door so this search was to be conducted on lead.  We walked down the bricked hallway to the end where the threshold line was marked on the floor.
  Tarot was drawn toward the sink area, where she started to work the plumbing underneath.  I thought it was a strong possibility it could be there and when the nose stopped for a second, I almost called the alert.  Instead, I kept my mouth shut and was relieved when Tarot pulled away and stuck her head in a short trash can placed against the wall.  Not sticking to anything in indication, she moved around the area, but tight to the open area.  We went back the sink area, beneath and above and suddenly the trash can became the focus.
  Once again, Tarot stuck her head in the trashcan and backed up to stick her nose on the left side rim.  I called the alert and got a "yes".

  Back at the van, both of us comfortable, I looked up.  Tarot was content in her crate, front legs stretched out and her head laying on top, totally asleep.
  All I could think was, "it is recharging".


Room 3 Search
  I had to wait for the door to open to make the decision to go off lead.  Smaller than the first room, I elected to let Tarot go and stay close to the doorway to not crowd the room.  Standing there for an extra minute or two, Tarot's nose twitched and when released, was off to the back of the small room where she took interest under the bunk bed on the left.
  Breaking away, she quickly sniffed around the other bed and circled around to air trail to the computer chair set between the two beds. When she paused, it dawned on me this was the hide and I called alert for another "yes".

Room 4 Search
  Identical to Room 3, I decided to repeat my handling.  We stood outside in what was the previous day's Exterior Search area, which seemed less ominous and cluttered.  When the judge was set for us to start, we moved to the threshold, paused a second or two, and I let Tarot go.
  To be expected, she moved straight to the table placed in the same spot as the computer chair in the previous room.  She figured out pretty quickly this was not the same search and began to focus on the bunk bed on the right side of the room.  There was a lot of sniffing along the frame until finally her nose dropped to floor level and stopped on the bunk foot.
  After two days of searching and countless times of walking up the hill, I was fried.  Trying to watch Tarot's nose as her body covered two rooms did me in.  I hoped that what I was about to do was right and called the alert.  I was more than relieved to hear the "yes".

  I enjoyed the Interior Element trial, especially for the challenge.  These trials are more intense and need quick decisions not required for the 'standard' trial.  Also, there are no pronounce designations or placements awarded in specialty trials, so the results from the day were pulled from the NACSW's website when they were later posted. We did fairly well.


  Level 1 Interiors

  Tarot was awarded her L1I Title
  Placed 4th in Overall Searches

Tarot's Level 1 Interior Trial - May 8, 2016

Happy Birthday Nosework

  At the conclusion of the October 31st NW1 trial, the next set of trials were announced for the weekend of April 2nd and 3rd.  I cringed because this was my Birthday weekend and I had to figure a way to tell my husband.  I was fortunate his disappointment was minor and happy he wanted to go with me.  I submitted the entries not expecting to get in, but everyone was randomly drawn to compete.  I selected Niven for the NW2, confirmed Torch for NW1, and entered a separate trial with Tarot.

  Our hotel had awesome accommodations for the dogs and for us there was an indoor pool, hot tub, and local seafood restaurants.  We were able to spend non-trial time exploring the local neighborhoods and sitting in the hot tub after a rainy day of being outside.  We saved three baby turtles from the hotel parking lot, avoided a snake, spotted a bullfrog, watched soaring eagles, and played with the dogs.  This was a great weekend, only topped by the Sharks & Wolves Birthday celebration a few years back.


  Both days of trailing were held in the same location and turned out to be very similar.  Saturday started with pouring rain and ended with sun.  Sunday began with extreme wind and ended with a breeze.  I was glad for the times when our practice sessions turned soggy, but the coordinators were kind and began both mornings with indoor searches.  This gave us the afternoon to deal with mud and light wind.  Whatever was planned turned into the running order of Interiors, Containers, Exteriors, and Vehicles for both days.  The only difference between the mornings was that Torch started with Interiors and Niven searched Containers first.

 Having two dogs entered for the weekend meant I had time to loosen up.  I was glad the NW1 was scheduled for Saturday because I have experience from three dogs.  I have never trialed in an NW2 and was able to focus on increased level of difficulty and the dog, not the over all environment.  I am sure if in the future I were to volunteer on the off day it would serve as the same benefit and look forward to finally being able to do so.  It would be cool to watch other dogs compete while the human settled in to learn the mechanics of running an advanced element.

  I realize most people entering Nosework trials may have one or two dogs, but I have the rare experience of having four.  When I make a handling mistake or work through an issue with one dog, I can immediately transfer this to the others.  In the four years I have been involved with training, I have learned at an increased rate and am very fortunate to have partners that are willing to find fast hides.  Having the opportunity to run both an NW1 and NW2 on the same weekend did so much for me and I am very happy to have that experience.

  Making a handling error on Torch's first element gave me an entire day of relaxed searches.  I had nothing to lose and 'tomorrow' to still look forward to.  I was not bound by nerves or spending the day in the parking lot worried about how we would do.  It did not matter.  We were running each element for pure fun and experience.  Torch was searching just as fast as Niven normally does in practice and that was awesome to see emerge.   The next morning, when extreme wind threaten any hope of titling with Niven, I decided to train and not trial.  I had the confidence of the day before and Niven was more focused then normal.

 Between Torch and Niven, I had the best searches ever.  On two separate days we were a dog and handler team and not independent search participants.  After the NW1 afternoon awards ceremony, I was thrilled to find Torch received three Pronounced designations.  I made the decision that my goal for the following day would be to duplicate that feel and go for more.  Not worried about time, but about taking it to make sure any inaccessible hides were drilled down into, I was shocked Niven placed second in Overall Searches and won the Exterior search, duplicated in form from her NW1 trial.  Nothing could top the NW2 Pronounced title that was awarded for the effort.

 This weekend gave me more experience as a handler, but more importantly perspective.  Judges are not awarding Pronounced designations to a five second search, but in the how the team moves around it.  I have Tarot entered in a upcoming trial and although we have that speed issue that elongates every search, I want to focus on my own confidence while she works.



Interior Searches

Torch - NW1
  During the walk-thru, I did not get a great feeling about this search.  It was one room, large, wood, camp bunk structure.  The heavy musty smell reminded me of the environments where we failed the Anise ORT and previous NW1 Container search.

  We entered the room with Torch focused on the task, taking him off lead to go over the threshold and begin the search.  He moved confidently around the room and objects while I stood near the wall to let him work.  What bothered me was his immediate pattern of searching the perimeter, circling counter clockwise a few times.  Normally this behavior comes out when he has absolutely nothing and is trying to locate anything.  No matter what he did to help himself, odor was not locked on to.  Torch did pass the stool where the hide was twice without any indication it was there, but spent more time around the table and chairs.

  Torch finally decided to explore outside of the area and I called him back to put him on lead.  Here is where I made the handling mistakes and where this is a complete handling fault that cost the little dude his title.

 a) When off lead, I walked along the door/bar wall, but never crossed to the chair wall.  I know better since I had problems with Tarot not too long ago on a practice class hide where none of the dogs did well.  Once we crossed the room and stood elsewhere, each dog immediately found it.  This might have been the case for Torch, but is now a lost opportunity to explore in option.

 b) When on lead, I planned to search all objects, but Torch remained with the table and chairs.  He seemed to not take any interest in the stool or chair, so I was afraid to 'waste' time there.  Next time, I will waste it if it helps the dog.

 c) Broken rule in handling, when the dogs shows nothing, reverse the course.  We spent two minutes circling in the same direction, never once turning around and searching in a clockwise direction.  I believe this was lost on me at the time because I was letting Torch lead and he remained near, under, or around the table.

  Finally a very weak alert was indicated on the arm of a chair and I called the Alert.  I received the dreaded 'no' because bad handler, but the good dog was taken to the hide and given half a hot dog.

  When brought over to the stool, there was no light bulb moment that said Torch picked up scent.  Instead he munched the hot dog without understanding why.  When looking at the three times where we have had issues/failures, it is the musty environment and not the effects of sliding odor on linoleum flooring hindering the search.   That note is now deep in my head.

Torch's Search - Not perfect as I cannot remember everything

Niven - NW2
  A new level means there is an increase in challenges, the Interior search being one of the obvious.  There are two rooms to search, but we are given the number of hides placed in each.  For Room 1 there was one hide and for Room 2 there were two.  The space within the room had an open floor, but the walls were cluttered with chest of drawers, beds, and tables.  I elected to stay near the threshold for both rooms unless my movement was necessary.  I never moved from those two spots and watched my dog search.

Room 1
  Niven went straight to the wall with the sliding glass doors.  From there she moved back and forth from the couch and bed until finally settling on the slider door track.  I almost called the nose pause when it settled on the seem between the glass doors, but decided to keep my mouth shut.  In another second or two, Niven started to trail toward a broom leaning on the chest and finally nose stopped on the plastic binding the bristles.  I called the Alert, was thrilled to get a 'yes', and remembered to call Finish.

Room 2
  Being released from the doorway, Niven moved to the left and immediately searched the plastic object.  Like the sliding door track, I waited until she moved around and tried to stick her nose under it before calling the Alert, which was 'yes'.  Without wasting time, Niven continued to the corner, turned around, and air trailed around the bed to the chair.  I called the Alert, got a 'yes', and called 'finish'.

  I am very glad I followed the instinct to not follow Niven into room.  Although there would have been space for me in the first area, I would have blocked odor to the second hide in the other room. For once, distance work from running AKC FAST courses came in handy; work independently from me and I will be there with the hot dogs when you catch up.

Niven's Search - Not perfect as there was more stuff to sniff

Container Searches

Torch - NW1

 After the Interior search failure, I was set free from the morning nerves and got to spend the day training.  Our last NW1 failure came during the last element and I missed having the opportunity to relax and have fun. I had that planned for this search and the others following.

  We came into the room and stopped on the threshold, which for once Torch worked.  He started forward and pulled to the right, taking me up and around the boxes.  After the third box, he broke the pattern and I found myself too close when he turned.  I tried to back up and that seemed to put him back to task.

  It was slightly maddening to follow along with no show of body language change, realizing the number of boxes remaining to be sniffed were growing smaller.  I started to plan a new pattern and as Torch stepped over the last box, he whipped around and alerted in near text book form.  I called the Alert, got a 'yes', and everyone laughed.  Seemed Torch was not the first dog to wait until the last box to find it.

Torch's search - I think I got this right

  Niven - NW2

  Level up and you get new objects to search and distractions planted inside.  I knew the distractors could be anything, but was under the impression it was mainly simple.  While waiting in the parking lot we talked about potential distractions and what we use in practice.  Alexa's meatball sandwich and pastrami received wide eyes and laughs.  From food stuff to toys, the bottom line is that no matter what it is, the dogs have to find true odor.

  The same room used for Torch's search was used for the NW2, so this was familiar for me.  The threshold had been relocated, luggage added, and distractors placed.  Niven worked the threshold and went up the right side, stopping at the top luggage.  I was still behind, but her sudden pause carried me closer then I wanted to be.  While trying to step backward, she pulled from the box and seemed to slide or step weird while going over the next piece of luggage.  

  Back on task Niven went to an ORT box in the corner and stopped.  I called the Alert and got a 'yes', but it was a good solid few seconds before someone asked if I were done.  I had forgotten to call 'finish' to end time.  This search was actually about ten seconds faster, so I have remember to to use that new word.

  At the afternoon briefing, my absolute nightmare for Tarot was confirmed.  In separate pieces of luggage there was a tennis ball and grilled hot dog.  Tarot would not have done this search if there was a ball stuffed inside her ojbects, but it was not an issue for her mother.  Niven did however, not indicate for grilled hot dogs which is absolutely, positively the culmination of what we spent six months to a year working through.  Not only was this a test to find odor, but the test of an ad hoc troubleshoot solution.  We passed on both accounts.

Niven's search - Distractions might be wrong

Exterior Searches

  Not having a training facility means I spend a lot of time in parks and strip mall parking lots practicing Exteriors.  On both days, Torch and Niven blew me away with their direct and fast searches, rivaling some of those practice sets at home.  Both areas were about one hundred feet apart and both were just off a steep Inlet beach front.  Stiff wind that moved odor inland offered a huge help to the dogs, but did nothing for handler confidence.   I was resolved to it being whatever it was going to be, so I was surprised with their results.

Torch - NW1

  Set on the front lawn of the main building, Torch's search was small in size, but promised to be interesting.  There were bushes and grass to distract a male dog, three chairs, and a stoned benched area near the building.  I did not have to worry about losing if said male dog decided to mark, but I did not want to ruin the area for the dogs still left to run.  I never had to worry.

  Torch approached the threshold, paused, and immediately moved out ahead to trail along the bush line.  He continued outside of the search area, still using the bushes for information.  I did not want to waste time so I limited the lead and told him that was as far as he was going.  Long grass would capture odor and there was plenty of opportunity for the Corgi to continue.  He turned to the left, cut in front of me, and took interest in a concrete block set in the grass a few feet away.  It took me seconds to realize this was the hide and not the nose sniffing an object. I called the Alert as Torch looked up and got a 'yes'.

  Totally took me by surprise because of all the cool places in this area, the hide was a rock in the grass.  For as fast as this went, Torch did not place and I wonder how much quicker the other dogs were.

Torch's search - All the cool places and it was a rock

Niven - NW2
  Niven was already working while we approached the threshold and I was not sure how she would handle the stiff wind coming from the Inlet.  When I let go of the harness I was not prepared for the run she suddenly went into or the length of ten foot lead spinning out.  I started to run before the lead went tight and caught up when Niven stopped at the plastic thingie set in the middle of the open grass area.  At first I thought this was sticking odor, but watched as the nose rounded the outside and tried to get under it.  I called the Alert, got a 'yes', and stepped in to give her a hot dog treat.

 Stepping backward, Nivie continued to sniff the same hide and finally stepped off.  I cannot remember which way she moved, but suddenly she was behind me and pulling toward the picnic table.  Wasting no time, edges were sniffed and finally Nivie nose stuck on the underside edge of the bench.  I called the Alert, got a 'yes', and wondered why it was so quiet.  I forgot to call 'finish', which finally I did.

Niven's search - had to run to keep up

Vehicles Searches

 I was disappointed to find both days had the same car configuration to search.  Like Containers, I was hoping for a different experience to challenge through.  Most people do not have two dogs completing on the same weekend so they were not planning for it.  The mirrored search did offer insight into how wind moved through the area and what happens when the hide is relocated.  

  I had already spent each search following both dogs and decided to continue to do so with these searches.   It was amazing how the dogs chose to perform the same search pattern twenty-four hours apart and were only two seconds in search time difference.  This was cool!

Torch - NW1

  The distance from the initial area approach to the threshold was long and I decided not to pause Torch on the threshold line.  There was another twenty feet to work and I figured there was plenty of opportunity to get what was needed.  With Torch out ahead, we crossed the line and continue to the left of the center car.  Passing the passenger door, Torch's determination disappeared and I had good idea the hide was behind us.  At the end of the car, he turned right and we quickly passed between the next car, determination appearing as we reached the start end of the cars.  He went to the left and became interested on the bumper, flip-turning to start working.

  Moving along the right car's bumper he trailed odor over to the middle car.  At the license plate, Torch flip-turned and nose point to it.  It was awesome to see and when I was sure this was hide, I called the Alert to a 'yes'.

Torch's search - Not our fastest - time was 25.70 seconds

Niven - NW2
  I wish I had repeated the walk-up threshold start for Niven, but once released she nearly patterned Torch's search.  We moved between the middle and left cars, but instead trailed to a grass patch.  From body language, I was sure there was no odor and I let her sniff for a second before drawing back to the vehicles.  We continued between the middle and right cars with no change and turned left when reaching the end.

  Wrapping around the corner of the right car, Niven reversed herself and came off the car.  A large branch laying on the gravel a few feet away became the focus and was immediately went for.  I was preparing a retriever 'leave it', but instead the branch served as pooled information and she returned to the car bumper.

  On track, we moved along each bumper with Niven picking up pace.  Her head dropped low and her body whipped around the left car, nose slamming the hubcap.  I could have called the Alert, but sourcing was still in play and I wanted to make sure the hide was not in the well or door seem.  It took a second or two to have Niven confirm the hubcap hole and I called the Alert to the final 'yes' and 'finish' to end time.

Niven's search - just as quick

Conclusion
Nosework Level 1
  Despite not having the nifty title that goes with the effort put into the day, Torch man worked fast and direct.  He found all four element hides to get treats, but I am the one who did not step up and handle the Interior.  Gaining that experience is priceless and I hope will help in future searches, especially with Tarot.

  It was awesome to see Torch so in-tuned to the environment, working almost to the standard Niven normally works.  Of course I am disappointed there was no birthday NW1, but I am not devastated.  If it take ten goes at this level, the value for training is equal to the expenses.  A second attempt has already shown me Torch is enjoying himself and learning just as fast as I am.

 Some of my fellow competitors were vocal about their losses, but I seriously look at this as a learning curve.  We train for a long time and then enter a trial, only to immediately pass and end up on the next level.  I am fortunate to have multiple level one experiences where I can learn before moving onward.  We will get it next time.

  Torch was awarded the "P" designation on three searches!!!
  Pronounced Containers
  Pronounced Exterior
  Pronounced Vehicles

Torch's NW1 Trial,  April 2, 2016

Nosework Level 2
  While Torch stepped up his performance, Niven did the same.  Known for her 'knock the hides out' working style, these searches were more efficient and direct than in four years of practice.  I cost us serious time by delaying an Alert until a hide was closely sourced and by forgetting to call an immediate 'Finish'.  I cannot cut corners with Niven because of the issues we worked through and can never allow a mediocre indication to be rewarded.  


  One day I will retire Niven.  
  First my classmate encouraged the ORTs because I could not give up on her.
  Then they said I have to do the NW1 before finding the couch, but there were high placements and they said I had to go on to the NW2.  
  Now even Mike is encouraging the NW3.  
  I think I better learn how to call a room 'clear'.
  
  Niven was awarded the "P" designation on all searches and placed!!!   
  NW2 Pronounced
  2nd place Over All Searches
  1st place Exterior Search

Niven's NW2 Trial, April 03, 2016

  I wish there was more to critique in the days' performances, but both dogs were smoking hot.  Each one threw me for surprises and I loved watching my dogs sniff stuff.  I learned a lot, had Mike's company, enjoyed my birthday, had fun with my dogs, and explored a new neighborhood.

  It was a good weekend.

  Joyce Smuda
  www.foxglen.net