Stir Crazy

  Holiday shopping, family events, work schedule, and no dog class means the guys have been hanging around with little to do except wait.  December scheduling is always hardest on the dogs because they are excluded from the reindeer games while the humans run themselves ragged.

  For the first time in weeks, Mike and I had a day without needing to be some place and there was no forcasted rain.  Everyone was packed into the van and off we went to the local park for a walk.  I would have liked to go longer, but there were two separate walks and no where to walk to.  The park was empty since the temperature has finally started to fall and the day threatened to be wet.  I figured no one would be using the playground area and took advantage of a mulched border.  This made it easier for Mike who was going to take photos of the dogs while they worked.

  I set six hides, grouping three odors in the same area.  I figured we have not been searching much and scent might travel farther in the open area.  They dogs could work through converging odor to find each and figure out which one to find first.  Like everything planned, it did not go exactly that way for each dog.










  The threshold/start line was a gravel pathway that cut between two hides.  The water fountain on the left was Clove and the park bench on the right was Birch.  From the start, all four dogs nose-flicked toward the park bench, but all of them went straight to the water fountain.  From that point, it was about me following each dog to dispense hot dogs as the next hide in whatever order was located.





 
While the first Clove hide was relatively easy, the second Clove hide placed on a swing seat seemed to disperse odor further away.  Each dog used the swing set legs, mulch divots, and border, but
 struggled to look up at the correct hanging seat.  We did move the metal container back and forth between the different swing seat to see if that helped, which it did not.  The Corgis were disadvantaged by having short legs, Niven struggled to look up, and only Tarot found it almost immediately.




  The Anise hide pushed into the mulch caused the most problems, but at least each dog caught odor and tried to track it.  I thought the moisture would hold scent close to source and the general area, but instead it traveled further and pooled in two different areas about four feet away.  All I could do was limit the dogs to the area and let them sort through the challenge.   Ironically, Niven never found this hide and offered the "I have nothing" indicator.





  The only thing colorful in a dreary day needed an Anise hide to find.  This was stuffed in a hole where odor seemed to stick as it traveled upward, backward, and underneath.  The Corgis had no problem going under, but the Labs had to duck, if not crawl.  Everyone quickly figured out how to go around from the back to front to find source.  Tarot was the one who had to climb high, but discovered odor was coming from below and she could not contort without using the sliding board.








  Both Birch hides were set to be easy and I was happy to see the wind was kind and kept it that way.  I was not sure how environment conditions would affect the rest of the search and I wanted something I knew would be straight forward.  I am very surprised that out of all the hide placements, none of the dogs went into this area as a first or second choice.











  So we got out for an hour or two and had some photos taken.  Of course we are all now ready for another outing, but we are back into Holiday mode with the New Year and we need to go to work to pay for more dog time.

  Hope the warm early winter is kind to you too!

  Joyce Smuda
  www.foxglen.net

2015: An Awesome Year

 The last time I had a year of accomplishment with the dogs was in 2009 when Niven completed her Agility AKC Novice & Open titles and USDAA Starters titles.  Although the following years saw other accomplishments with both Niven and Torch, it was not in the same manner and never of that "wow what a year" sentiment.  2015 did not have the rake in of titles 2009 did, but it did have accomplishment, this time spanning two different sports.

  Last November Niven was spayed and had three mammary masses removed during the process.  I do not like to focus on the grim, but as we sat in the living room recovering from surgery, I had to face a very negative reality.  Time was suddenly long and short for each dog, so much potential still untapped, yet so much already proven.  When the Vet called a week later to say the blood tests looked good and the masses benign, there is no way to express the relief of knowing life would go on.

 With the new year starting, it was time to plan out the dog adventures in Agility and Nosework.  We would return to Agility, keep getting out in the Breed ring, and find Nosework trials.

Niven

Photographer: Mike Rickenback

 2015 began with limited Agility practice, mainly to allow Niven to loosen up and get back into the groove of obstacle performance.  She looked fantastic in ability and  jumping, so I had no problem entering a few winter Agility trials.  For a nine year old Lab, Niven ran smoothly and completed the AKC Excellent FAST title and picked up a few Master and Time2Beat legs.  During late Spring, I noticed she was not getting the lift needed to clear 24 inch Jumps and decided to enter Preferred where she could jump at 20 inches.  Niven seemed to enjoy herself at this lower height, winning a few more Master and T2B legs.  By summer I realized it was really time to retire the Labrador that gave me so much.

Photographer: Lonni Berger

  Instead, I focused on Nosework where there was little worry about the aging dog body and Niven could have fun sniffing as a retirement game.  We had spent the end of 2014 troubleshooting issues that stemmed from searching for Primary and Paired Odor for too long and finally tested on Birch.  For this year, I wanted to focus on the remaining ORTs and maybe finding a trial to enter.  In February, she tested on Anise and in May cleared Clove.  Now it was time to trial.

  I was not sure how we would do as a first time NW Dog & Handler, but Niven was turning out to be a fantastic partner.  I missed two trial opportunities due to other obligations, but we were finally entered in a mid-October trial.  It was then that we held it together through four searches to complete the NW1 title.  I knew some of our searches were quick, but I did not know she was holding the top six positions in most of the tests.  When the trial was over, Niven was 3rd place in Overall searches out of 45 dog teams and had placed 1st in Vehicle searches, with a Pronounced in Exteriors.  For a dog I had struggled with and had to develop a troubleshooting program for, this made the frustration and effort to not give up so worth it.

  Where does 2016 leads us?  We continue.  I was originally going to retire Niven from trialing after the NW1, but she still enjoys working and this sport allows for her to do so.

Torch

  Torch and I have been focused solely on Nosework this year.  Although I have some desire to enter a few Rally Trials, they are often in conflict with other events.  Torch has really enjoyed searching, the "liquid Corgi eyes" and howling from the van the telling factor.  We ended 2014 by passing the Birch ORT, but the start of 2015 was not as positive.

  During the February ORT for Anise, Torch started to fringe boxes and false alert to a non-pass.    The next test was not scheduled until the end of May and I was able to play with practice sessions.  For the May ORTs Torch did a fantastic job of locating both the Anise and Clove boxes and the fringing issue did not emerge.  Family parties took priority over the dog shows and I did not have Torch entered in a trial until the weekend of Halloween.

  During the summer and early Fall, the fringing issue periodically reared its ugly head, but I was not in the realization this issue would always be underlying and that it needed more attention that I was not giving it.  At the trial, Torch did a great job of working through different issues, plus approaching search areas from upwind.  Unfortunately, the Container search room did not provide optimal conditions for a dog with fringing tenancies.  After the second false alert and his refusing the budge from a wrong box, I called the Alert to end it.  I knew this was a training/practice issue that we needed to focus on and there would be other trials to enter. We did however, get an Interior Pronounced.

Although there is disappointment in not achieving something Torch can do, we have something to work on and through.  This issue is common and the challenge is developing fun solutions to strengthen weakness.  Sometimes a non-qualify is what is needed to make you think, plan, and work smarter.

  For 2016, Torch and I will continue to practice with moving odor and he will be entered in another NW1 trial.  As it becomes available, we will continue on with the NW2.

Tarot

Photographer: Mike Rickenback

  This year has been busy for Tarot, as we continued with Nosework and started Agility training.  At the beginning of the year, Tarot started on Agility ground work and very quickly progressed through the incremental criteria.  By June she was performing basic equipment and segments, while progressing with Jump height increase and Weavepoles.  In the following six months, we have reach competition performance with the periodic bobble in the Weavepoles, which will iron out with more time.  I am very pleased with the progress we have made in less than eleven months and look forward to entering our first trial in February of next year.  I have no idea of how well we will do working in a new location, but that is not what this sport is about for me.  Tarot enjoys performing and it is all about the fun.

Photographer: Kristy Boki

  To keep Tarot busy, we started the year with the Birch ORT in February.  The linoleum flooring added a level of difficulty and I learned patience while she worked through the different odor movements to find the correct box.  At the beginning of the summer Anise and Clove oils were introduced to our searches and by September she was ready for the remaining ORTs, which were both passed.  Our first trial was held in mid-November and Tarot did a great job of completing the NW1 with a 3rd placement in Interiors and Pronounced Exteriors & Interiors.  What a nifty way to start the career of your first home bred bitch!

  2016 should be a busy year as we polish the Agility performance and enter a few trials while continuing to work towards the NW2.

Desi

Photographer: John Ashley

 Little Dog has had some fun this year balancing the schedule from the breed ring and starting Nosework.   I tried to get Desi out in the breed ring as often as I could, starting the year by showing in the Open Bitch class while she transformed from being a puppy.  During the summer, she picked up a few championship points and as Fall progressed, high placements in large classes were won.  I believe 2016 will be the year she starts to make progress toward that Championship.

Photographer: Mike Rickenback

In July we started Nosework and gained experience searching for Primary source (food).  My intention was not to push too hard because her human had more experience within the Sport, but by Corgi nature Desi pieced together the game quickly.  With both us understanding our jobs, we added Birch and followed soon with Anise and Clove.  Now at the end of December, Desi is confidently searching for odor and I have her entered in the ORTs at the beginning of February.

  In 2016 Desi will be out in the Breed rings and going for ORT Testing, followed by an NW1 trial sometime during the year.



  2015 has been a busy year in balancing the training classes, finding time to practice and trialing.  All of my guys are enthusiastic about going out for training sessions and love working through whatever is thrown at them.  I am so proud of each and the accomplishments they have achieved while enjoying the day's outing.  Where we came up short, there is a solution and always another trial.

  I can only trust that each of you have had a fantastic year of doing what you love to do and completing goal sets.  More importantly, I can only hope you have learned from accomplishment and mistakes.  May 2016 be that year where it all comes together.

  From the guys at Foxglen, we all wish you a very Happy New Year!


                           



  Joyce Smuda
  www.foxglen.net

Tarot's NW1 Trial

  This weekend was Tarot's turn for Nosework Level 1 and we drove north to Trout Run, PA. for the experience.  Tarot adjusted very quickly to being the "special dog" and adapted to hotel living pretty quickly.  I spent the time trying to come up with low key activities that would not encourage long run-outs to keep the mindset of close working well seated for Sunday's tests.  We did a few walks and enjoyed a quiet evening at the hotel.

  The trial location was in a valley of steep mountains and I wish the trial had been held earlier in the Fall season.  I cannot describe the feeling of calm despite the bare trees that stretch far above, but it made the morning's deep frost tolerable until the sun made its way into view.  We had plenty of room for parking and created another camp of good company and support.

  During check in, I found Tarot was to run as the first dog and that we would be running in full numeric order.  As a group we would work Containers and Vehicles first followed by an afternoon of Interior and Exterior searches.  I was not sure how I felt about about our position in the running order, but there was no changing it.  A good thing about being one of the first dogs is that the area is undisturbed and you do not have an hour of constantly checking the number board.  The downside is odor does not have the same time to travel (could be a good thing!?) and you are setting the precedent.  I tried not to worry about any of these points and was thankful to be done when everything was getting underway.

  Tarot is not exactly the easiest dog to handle.  In typical Labrador fashion, she likes to come "off the start line" at a million miles an hour and bolt to the back of a search area.  Once she has reached a boundary like a wall or end of the lead, she will pick odor up and start to work backward.  This method is fantastic if odor source is placed at distance, but for threshold hides it becomes a time waster.  I could work different hide placement lengths and give her the opportunity to gather scent information before she bolts off. 

  I realize this is a working style, but up until this summer not much threshold practice was done with Tarot and even now I am not sure any amount of exposure will make this change. It was not an easy six months while Tarot learned to 'slow walk' to a spot, stand for a few seconds, and then go off to work.  We are still working on our search area approach, but the difference from April until present is huge and it has helped with her performance.

  With the trial briefing completed and ten minutes until the first dog started, it was time to not worry about all of the things that can go wrong.  The person working the number board called us too early and we stood at the first station for nearly ten minutes before being called to the first search.  With this being the first time Tarot was 'being shown' I never developed an 'outside of the ring' routine for her.  I found some of the games I had for Niven worked well until it was time to go.


 Containers

  When it was announced Containers were being run first, I have to admit I was relieved.  If this search did not got well, I would have the entire day to play with handling.  The room had a laminated concrete floor with a wall of windows and three doors.  I was glad to see the entry and exit were on the lower half of the room which would help keep odor from traveling over the entire area,

  After Torch's non-pass two weeks ago, Alexa invited Torch and Tarot to her Thursday night class which is held in a church basement.  It offered a slick floor for footing and a musty smell often found at these trials.  It took two weeks, but Tarot showed she was mastering the pause on the threshold and her footing on a slippery surface.

  Now we slow walked to the threshold and stopped for a second or two before I let go of the harness.  Tarot did well with not face planting and moved to the right while focusing in on the ORT type boxes.  I was honestly prepared to follow her around the room for a minute, so I was a bit surprised when five boxes were sniffed, Tarot back tracked, and stuck to a box.  I am not sure what I was expecting when I called the Alert, but the "yes" from the judge flooded me with relief.  I just managed to survive the first search with Tarot and it ended with a positive outcome.  

Vehicles

  This particular search was one I was not thrilled with and it had nothing to do with taking Tarot so long to find the Hide.  It is really difficult to show the potential issues this area had from a "top view" drawing and I am sure I missed more from lack of knowledge.  Standing between the cones, on the left was a grass hill that angled sharply upward to the back of a building.  Most of the spectators were positioned here during the test.  On the right was a steep drop off of about twenty feet to a strong current creek below.  Behind was a gravel driveway that rose slowly and circled around to the front of the building.  The only plus I saw was the 2B Composite Gravel driveway the two cars were parked on and prayed this would work to our advantage.

Oh this was fun

   I am sure someone would argue, but to me this search was not going to be a simple 'walk around the cars' and find the Hide in six seconds.  Tarot prefers to use the environment around the vehicles instead of sticking her nose to them, turning a Vehicle Search into an Exterior Search very quickly.  We have all been trained in our classes to know the difference between the element types and I did not want to break that.  To help, I have been working with Tarot and I knew we were going to have problems based on topography and general area movement.  

  I chose to change to a six foot leather lead and slow walked to the cones to a pause.  My hope was allow Tarot to gain as much info as possible before we stepped off together.  The threshold line and the bumper of the first vehicle was well over the length of the lead and I could not send her off from where I stood.  I took two steps forward and wasted no time in letting go of the harness.

  Tarot immediately pulled away from the front bumper and started to track along the right side of the car, sometimes 'head flicking' toward the creek.  From body language I felt she was not following odor and all I could do was tag along around the cars and change of direction.

  At one point I was led back to the front of the first car and Tarot finally noticed there were people standing on the hill.  It took a few seconds to iron out why they were there and then turn back toward me. It was while I was turning that she finally picked up the odor trail and started to work toward the back of the second car.  Once Tarot's nose started to bracket the rear bumper to the passenger door, I held my ground while trying to keep her from going under the car.  It took a few more seconds for the nose to settle on a hole in the hubcap and I called the Alert for a return of "yes".

  Later, the judge mentioned the Hide was stuffed in the brake pads and the bracketing behavior made a lot more sense.  Trying to get under the car more than once made more sense too.  One other point that hammered home after the hide was found is that I might have pushed Tarot in and out of odor from the start line.  Knowing where odor was eventually picked up and tracked, it would have been smarter to let the search begin from the threshold. Had I used the ten foot lead and started from the cone line, I might have blamed the poor performance on having too much room.

  Like I said, this was a challenging area and I am glad to have had the opportunity to work it under a trial condition.  I will have to figure out how to set up something similar at the local river park. 

Interiors

  This room was so tight I am surprised the judge could fit into it.  There was no way I was going to follow Tarot into this room because my body would immediately block every opportunity.  Besides from the threshold I could see everything with the exception of the walk in and recessed closet on the right.  I decided to run her off lead as there was nowhere she could possibly run out to.  Tarot did a fantastic job of navigating the wood flooring while pulling me down a tight hallway to the doorway.

  Once released, Tarot cut to the left and realized three quarters of the way along the bunk beds that she needed to turn around.  She passed the folding chair and started to go toward the closet where I almost stepped in to see where the nose had disappeared to.  Just as I moved one foot, she turned around and started to work the chair, where I called the Alert.

  For her quick search, Tarot took 3rd Place and we got a Pronounced for teamwork.

Exteriors

  Leaving the building after the Interior search, we followed a gravel pathway around a bend to a large gravel area next to a fenced in, closed pool.  As we walked, Tarot started to pull forward and I know she caught odor.  I was glad to have a fifteen foot lead and taped finger to work it with.  We reached the threshold with her head pointing straight and when released that is where we went.  

  Tarot appeared to be focused out beyond the orange flags, but as she passed over the larger landscaping border rocks I noticed her movement change.  She continued to work beyond the flags and then I had to limit her from not going too deep into the fence area.  She turned to look at me and appeared to go back into odor, moving to a pile of landscape rocks to my right.  Slowing down, she whirled around to nose the rock pile where I called the Alert.  For this search, we were also given a Pronounced for teamwork.

  Someone asked if this was her fourth 'yes' and I responded that it was.  It dawned on me Tarot had just completed the NW1 and everyone was excited the first dog was setting a great precedent.  When the trial was over and times were scored, Tarot finished in 7th place for Overall Searches.  This was a respectable finish to her first title and trial experience.



  This weekend's trip was a lot of fun for me and I know the hotel stay was exciting for Tarot.  We were able to practice lobby and elevator etiquette and just hung out.  After the trial, I found an office building with a lit grass field where I could throw the bumper for as long as she could keep at it.  I know she was more happy with that task then anything else.

  We now go into the winter season to continue practicing for the NW2 that will come in 2016. 
  Hope you all had a great weekend too!

Joyce

Foxglen.net

Tarot being very proud of her sniffing ability

Torch's NW1 Trial

  Torch and I drove down to Knoxville, MD this past weekend for his first Nosework 1 Trial.  Despite appearances, the hotel we stayed at offered easy access to our room and had a huge inner courtyard of grass walk in.  I almost wish it were Tarot I had only for this reason, but Torch enjoyed the "special dog" time without the rest of the pack.

  The trial location was beautiful and the event ran smoothly, at least from where I was parked.  It was the type of Fall afternoon where you are glad to be out doors surrounded by forest landscaping.  Unlike the trial a few weeks back, we were close to the search areas and there was little to no wind to bring on exhaustion.  I was glad to finish the evening off with a good dinner with our instructor, Alexa, and head back to the hotel.

  I do wish I could say Torch was "on" and everything played out like it does in practice, but there seemed to be some kind of funky overtone with him.  I realized it has been two years since hes stayed in a hotel and three more since he was the only dog to "go".  I am sure this was a contributing factor, but whatever was keeping him from being himself, he did well for three Elements.  For Containers, I am not sure what was going through his mind, but we ended up with a non-pass for the day.  Like both Mike and I later said, Torch rigged it so next year he gets another weekend alone.

  Despite not coming home with the coveted NW1 title, I am really glad we had a great day with some great searches!  I really wish there was a trial opening soon to enter, but we have a long wait before trying again.


Vehicle Search

  Our group started with the Vehicle Search, which involved two stations of sitting on folding chairs for a few minutes each.  What air movement there was blew from the parking lot and up toward the search area providing no extra information before we reached the top of the hill.  I knew the approach from upwind would pose a problem because I cannot stop Torch on thresholds.  Swinging wide and moving slowly provided nothing as he sniffed the cones.

  I am not sure what Torch was doing, but he led me past both sport utilities and continued to focus on the volunteer parking lot beyond.  It was at this point I realized he was not working and when I called him back I got a look of confusion.  Similar to the behavior at the match a few weeks ago, odor was caught and he started to work, pulling me to the right.  My biggest worry was that the two boulders would be used for the wrong reason, but both were used to quickly identify odor and bounced between car and rock to the first car.  From there he worked along the car and partially went under the end it to alert underneath.

Exterior Search

Not to scale!

  As the other group completed their Exterior search, we queued up.  Torch was running as third dog in his group and off we went fairly quickly.  Like the vehicle search, I could not stop him on the threshold and the confusion started again.  Both cones were sniffed and he moved off to the left only to be distracted by the officials sitting outside of the area.  These decisions distracted him enough to not pick up anything and resulted in us "walking the search area".  It was not until Torch reached the covered porch that I felt comfortable there was something to follow.  I continued to give him as much room as possible and he nosed his way toward the picnic table where he alerted.  

  Earlier, while waiting for our turn to search, I realized the wind had changed from the early morning.  This new current moved odor to the corner near the door where it pooled.  Eventually Torch found the area and sure enough picked up what he needed to follow the trail back to source.

Interior Search

  The summer camp bunk house was more like our backyard shed, but I am sure constructed for human habitation.  It was rectangular with the door dead center and hallway that lead into a tight open space.  The designated threshold was located at the end of this hallway and passed an open door to a room not in use for this exercise.  I decided to work Torch off lead and not to move into the room because of the tight aisle between the bunk beds and walls.  I figured if he went into the area where I could not see, I would follow and get out of the way as soon as possible.  It never came to that and I remained on the threshold.

  As Torch moved over the blue line, he turned to look back at me and I opened my hands to show him it was time to search.  This look back could have prevented him from focusing on odor directly in front of him and instead moved to the left.  The bench was sniffed and he came back along the bed frame to stop and sniff.  I almost called the alert, but knew he would look back he decided where the hide was.  I am glad I did because after a few seconds he moved to the chair and fully alerted.

  The cool thing is that we got a Pronounced for my decision.  :)

Container Search

  As we walked from the Interior Search and towards the building where the Container search was to be conducted, someone asked if we were ready to get our NW1 title.  I wish she had not because it jinxed us.  I was reminded of all the issues we faced and knew the recent problem that has developed with boxes.  The room was hot, stuffy hot.  I could not help but remember our Anise ORT where the same conditions existed and Torch had a hard time, eventually mis-alerting.

  This run was no different, if not worst.  He was interested in searching from the start and pulled down the line of boxes to the third box where he weakly alerted.  I kept moving and he did go with me until the last box.  He locked up and for the life of anything I did would not move, standing there staring at me.  

  Here it the dilemma.

  In practice, I would know where the odor box is and this alert would be ignored with confidence.  Since this is a blind hide and I do not know where it is and have to depend on the dog to tell me where it is, I am at a disadvantage.  With Torch not moving come hell or high water, I have to assume he is working and not looking for some kind of confirmation from me.  If this was truly the odor box and I pull him from it, what are the ramifications?  What damage would I do to Torch's motivation?  Would I receive a Handling Fault for not trusting my dog?  

  I decided in that moment to trust my dog as there was no immediate answer to any question that ran through my mind.  I knew this box was wrong while I called it.  Of course the judge issued his "No" and we failed the exercise and lost the NW1 title.

 Interesting to note, they do let you know where the odor box is for you to immediately go there and reward.  When human voices were heard, Torch seemed surprised he was not getting his treat where he stood and that I was moving around the outside.  He moved to the box in the next row and alerted yet again.  I kept going and when he passed over the correct box, his head whipped back and I was immediately able to reward.  This was a good thing because there was recognition with immediate positive response from me.  I rather failed like this than potentially create issues trying to "save" a title.

Tomorrow Is Another Day

  Am I disappointed that Torch did not come home with a new title and fancy ribbons?  

  Absolutely!

  Does it really matter?  

  Nope!

  I have been at the dog trial thing for too long to not place that kind of stress on my partners and teammates.  They think this kind of thing is cool and have fun no matter what.  If wind conditions did not work in our favor, our technique was not good for the environment, or super focus did not emerge, I so rather a great day like this than creating a training issue by over handling.

  Torch and I had a fantastic weekend away from home, enjoyed being outside, hung out with cool parking lot people, had dinner with a friend, and had a warm bed to return to.  I have some ideas to practice that will benefit all four of my guys!!!

  Learning and experiencing is good.

  With that, there is no photo of Torch with a ribbon haul, but you do get one of him having a great day instead.

  Hope you all had a great weekend too!

  Joyce

  www.foxglen.net

Torchman getting ready to work the Exterior Search

When You Have Four Dogs, You Have A Class

  I had some time this morning to work the dogs at a local shopping plaza where we had before. I am not sure why I did not think to use this place before now, but Mike and I were about to pull out of the parking lot one day when we both realized it was an awesome spot for Nosework.  Part of the plaza is under renovation, car traffic behind the stores is light, and docks are quiet.

  Today, I was not sure what locations I wanted to work, but I did not want to use all the same areas as last time.  I ended up re-using one of the loading docks, but found a Bobcat and its accessories parked in the spot where I had before.  Oooooooh.

  With my van parked around the building corner and I figured would long walk each dog to mimic a trial environment.  I set seven areas in two sets with the first set having four areas with six hides and the second set having three areas with five hides.  My plan was to allow each dog to work, rest, then work again.

First Set

Area 1 - Vehicles

The biggest mistake I made in setting these hides was the one placed on the Backhoe.  There was more than enough room for the dogs to catch odor from all sides, but I forgot they can go under it while I cannot.  In the case of Torch, Desi, and Tarot, this was NOT good.  We survived with a tangled lead, but the hide was found.  It would have been nice for me to not contort around heavy machinery to deliver a reward.

  All four dogs were brought in from the back of this photo, with one of the parking lines as the threshold.

• Niven pulled to the left and found the Backhoe hide immediately, searched the vehicle line around to the Hide on the outrigger.  Ironically, her normal "alert" returned today.  Figures.
• Torch pulled to the left and had to work his way along and under the bent arm until the hide was found.  From there he continued to the outrigger hide.
• Tarot pulled to the right and worked herself first to the outrigger hide and then around to the backhoe.  Like Torch, she had to traced odor by working up, back, and under the arm until found.
• Desi pulled to the left, but being inexperienced skipped the backhoe hide and worked to the outrigger hide.  From there we continued around the Bobcat until she picked up scent.  She had to weave back and forth to the backhoe hide.  Interesting note for Desi, all hides today were unpaired and she worked these pretty quickly.

Area 2 - Vehicles (or giant Container)

  When my neighbor had demolition work on his house a few months ago, a similar dumpster was dropped off on the street.  Three of the dogs have had experience with this type of container, but Desi has not.  A splotch of pink paint dead center was used as the Threshold, with the hope of the left side hide being strong enough for an immediate find.

•   Niven immediately found the front hide, then moved along the outside length of the dumpster to the hide inside the niche.
• Torch followed Niven's search with nearly the same pattern.  He started to move to the outside, caught scent and worked it back to that front hide.  Continuing along the outside of the dumpster, the niche hide was found.
• Tarot started by going to the right, but realized she was out of odor and came back to find the front hide.  From there she turned to work along the outside length to the back end, but used the yellow poles to track to the niche hide.
• Desi had the most difficulty with the front hide and chose to move along the inside line, placing me between the wall and dumpster.  I had to be able to change direction while keeping the area open for her to work to the front hide.  Once found, she worked the inside dumpster wall to the yellow poles and found the niche hide almost immediately.

Area 3 - Loading Dock

  I had worked this area the last time and did not realize there was a six foot drop along the back wall near the docks themselves until after we started.  This put a limit on how far I was willing to let the dogs use the corners to search this time.  The hide was placed on the ground in the broken concrete about three quarters of the way in.  Surprising it was Niven who had the hardest time with this.

  The yellow pole was our threshold and all four dogs chose to walk along the wall toward the back of the dock.  Again, I had a limit on how far they could go due to deep drop where the metal covers had dislodged.

  

•   Niven moved along the left wall until she was stopped by me.  She turned toward the stairs, worked the wall for a few feet and circled the open area.  She caught scent near the stairs and traced the plume to the hide.
• Torch moved along the wall until he was stopped, then started toward the stairs where midway he changed direction.  Using a line of broken concrete, he channeled the odor to the hide.
• Tarot used the wall halfway, then cut an angle beyond the hide, turned and went straight to the hide.
• Desi moved along the wall just past where Tarot pulled from it and did a similar bee-line using the broken concrete to the hide.  

  It was this area search that impressed me for each dog.  Niven threw me off while Tarot AND Desi wasted no time with technicalities.  Not kidding, Niven had the longest search and it was no more then forty seconds.  The other three had to be in the low twenty second range.

Area 4 - Rear of Store

  The threshold faced us directly toward the wall.  For Niven, Torch, and Tarot, the threshold was farther out to allow them access to a dumpster to the right.  For Desi, I started her closer to the area I wanted her to stay in.

  I learned another thing about hide placement and that is where odor emanates from.  Stick a hide under a piece of metal and it will shoot out the other side and top.  Bad me for poor placement.

•   Niven went straight to the wall, worked right toward the grey door, turned around, and went straight to the hide.
• Torch moved toward the dumpster and corrected himself to work the wall.  Like Niven he searched the gray door and back along the wall.  It was here that he alerted to the backside of the metal guard.  It dawned on me at this point odor was coming from the top and would not be an easy find.  Although this alert would be correct for an NW2 or NW3 search, he had to find odor source and this is why I need to be hurt for my placement.  It took a few more seconds, but Torch continued to work until the hide was nose touched.  
• Tarot also moved toward the dumpster and quickly went to the wall and the metal guard.  She had to work back and forth about five feet from each side before alerting to the top of the metal guard.  Sigh......I had to wait for her to figure it out and she did just as fast as Torch.
• Desi was started closer to the wall, but still had to go to the the dumpster.  Very quickly she indicated there was nothing there and moved directly to the area around the metal guard.  Like Tarot, she worked about six feet on either side, and looked at me while on the opposite side.  As soon as she moved to the correct side, I dove in with treats.

   I think I spent more time setting the hides for these four areas, walking each dog, and traveling to each area than I did actually working them.  I do wish I had video for timing reasons, but each dog worked all of these hides in under two minutes a piece.

  Second Set

  Areas 1 and 2

  What I had planned for this round was more introduction, reintroduction, or training.  I had some containers in the van from a previous class and thought it a good idea to see where we were with a "luggage inspection".  Good idea, bad idea. 

  For Area 1, all four dogs struggled with my horrible version of a luggage search and I had to pass over each about four times.  Even Torch who is the master of boxes struggled and I now know where we are weak.  Each dog did a beautiful job of quickly sniffing each object, but struggled to find my hide.

  Area 1 and 2 were kind of built on each other and my hope was to get a straight line "search".  For Area 2, the line of concrete parking blocks allowed for this, but again everyone needed multiple passes before finding both hides.  I am glad I did set this up, especially since all of my guys had a hard time.  That is not a dog related issue, but a training/experience/exposure issue.  At least I get to be creative for practice exercises and maybe use the Goodwill store to get real luggage??

Area 1

Area 2

 

  Area 3
  When I set the first two areas, I wanted to end the day with something familiar.  There was a large grass area with picnic table that I knew would be a relatively easy search.  The threshold was far back to the left of this photo and gave the dogs plenty of opportunity to pick a direction.

•   Niven stayed to the left and found the picnic table hide, went to the support beam, and traveled along the wall to the grass hide.
• Torch followed Niven's path and search.  The only difference was he needed to travel down the wall to the wall jut-out to track back to the grass hide.
• Tarot moved to the left, found the table hide and cut straight to the grass hide.
• Desi started by going to the wall on the right, shortly worked it before being distracted by the table hide.  Oddly, she was almost on top of the table hide when she pulled to the grass on the left and found a discarded french fry.  For once I was faster than the dog and got to it first.  Table hide was then found and she went back to the opposite wall where the grass hide was located.  Three other dogs ignored the fry........

  Despite the second set being more about training, each dog again found five hides in under two minutes.  We still need to some practice work on the Containers (other than boxes), but that can be a fun thing to work on as the colder months force us to find indoor locations.

  Glad to be outside today.  Hope you had a great Sunday.

  Joyce

  www.foxglen.net

Niven's NW1 Trial

  I wanted to learn more about detection work and when Nosework was finally offered in this area, I was glad to sign Niven up for a class.  Although there are differences between NW Dogs and Detection Dogs, training is relatively the same and I figured this would be a great start for learning.  I was not interested in picking up another competitive sport, but the longer you attend class the more trialing comes to the forefront.

  Without going into detail of Niven's background, it took me a year and a half to realize we were not progressing.  Behaviors that should have emerged never did and some that did should have been quelled immediately.  When two other dogs I was working progressed in less time, I knew it was time to stop what I was doing and figure out a solution.  By this point my confidence in Niven's alerting ability was zero percent and not getting any higher.  If it were not for my initial reason for getting involved to learn or that I hate to fail a dog, Niven would have been retired before a career was started.

  To begin troubleshooting, cardboard boxes were again pulled out, creative games were thought of, and a new class was found. It took about two months to see a solid difference with success and a few more to see the progress that had been lacking.  My confidence with  Niven had risen to ninty percent and my classmates easily convinced me to enter the ORT for Birch.  Even though the ORT went well and Niven passed, traces of her old behaviors popped up.  We took a short time off for surgery and came back stronger and consistent.  Unfortunatley, even now those old behaviors creep back and I am reminded how far we have come.  

  Later the ORTs for Anise and Clove were completed with no time lost, confirming it was time to try a Level 1 trial.  I could not enter a trial until now due to family obligations so this weekend was not only Niven's first NW trial, but mine as well.

NW1 Trial

  I  had to leave early to complete a two hour drive which turned out for the best, as I found a Burger King in a shopping plaza with a large grass area.  Niven and I were able to stretch our legs without worrying about breaking rules or walking where we should not be.  When we finally arrived at the Boy Scout camp where the trial was being held, we joined our classmates in making a parking lot camp and the day was made more fun.

  After check-in we found our small camp was split and Niven was to start with Vehicles & Interiors, followed by Containers & Exteriors in the afternoon.  Nivie and I were scheduled to run 18th and when it was finally our turn, we did the long walk through the forest to the large building where we had the first wait.  The walk helped and she was better at standing still until we were called to the final station.  There we sat waiting for the Search Stewart to call us, which by that time we had been down wind and air scenting for a while.

  We slow walked to the threshold line and I sent her on to search.  I was too focused on the determined trot of my dog to realize the significance of the moment.  All I could think was I needed to start trotting to keep up, but without crowding and potentially pushing her off odor.  No sooner did I pick up my pace then Niven abruptly turned to go back to the front of the car on the left.  I barely got out of the way and turned to watch her nose trace along the license plate and eventually stop.  

  Normally Niven will alert by looking at me while bouncing on her front legs, but two weeks ago she changed her alert.  I sighed, held my breath, called the alert, and was thrilled to here the "Yes" from the judge.  I gave her a large chunk of the hot dog I stopped at Wawa on the way to buy and l loved the look on her face when she realized it was more yummy than the generic ones she normally gets.

  There was no time to do more than quietly praise and we were off to complete the next search.

  The biggest concern I had about this room was the lamenant steps that led to linoleum flooring.  We got down the steps and to the threshold without worry.  Nivie's nose was twitching and when sent off, she immediately went to a folding chair around the corner.  Like the Vehicle search, she worked to find the hide and and her alert was weak which I delayed in calling.  I was relieved to hear the "Yes" again and Nivie did her dance for the hot dog.

  I wish I could offer more in critique, but Niven was so quick to find both hides it was hard to learn anything.  We left the test area and took another path through the woods and back to the van to wait for the remaining few dogs to complete their searches and lunch break.  From parking lot conversation, it seemed a lot of the dogs from our group did well on both searches, but from the other group, Containers posed an issue.  

  Lunch completed and we were back to watching the number board until it was time to go again.  One aspect discussed was the "station hop" and the effect it has on the dogs.  For me, we started with a long walk to the first station, but now we had to cover the same distance with two stops before the final call in.  Again, Niven is not good about waiting, but she entertained herself by making her famous "disappointed whale" noises and air scenting.

  Air scenting.  I suddenly realized every chair I had to sit in for ten minutes was downwind from not only the Exterior Hide, but the Vehicle Hide as well.  We were basically sitting in constant, converging odor.  To distract myself I focused on the day and location.  I think my dad would be pleased that we were at a Boy Scout camp for something cool like Nosework.  The leaves were bright yellow and it looked like it was snowing with the stiff wind that was carrying converging odor up the hill right at us.  Eventually we were next and I was glad to have the torment ended.

  Here is where knowing so many dogs had problems with a search area is not beneficial.  Niven and I slow walked to the threshold and after send off, immediately indicted the first box, but did two things that led me to believe it was a fringe alert.  First, although the nose was over the lid seams I was not certain this was a true alert because she was pawing the the box.  That is a behavior she does when it is the wrong box and she is testing waters.  It was one of the issues that had been trained out a year ago. Was this the problem that knocked everyone from the other grouo out??  

  The second, to test the strength of this 'alert' I took a few steps and she came with me.  Not a good sign.  I mentally marked the box and very quickly walked the rest to make sure there was no other "real" one hiding out there.  I was now sure that first box was it, as none of the others caught her interest. We returned to the first box and Niven displayed a more normal alert.  I made the call and was happy to hear the "Yes". 

  While waiting for the judges to get into position, Niven's nose was twitching as she air scented.  For the last time, we tried to slow walk to the threshold, where she went to the left once released.  Following the concrete wall to the grass area she appeared to work the taller grass and U shaped piped sticking out of the ground.  I was fine with this as long as information was obtained and she moved on, which was done quickly.

  When Niven moved toward the table laying on its side, I was in the way and tried to move to offer more space.  Instead, she read my body movement as a push and turned to go away from me.  She appeared to catch something and took interest in a wheeled plant stand and stopped.  Without waiting, I called the alert and was happy to hear another "Yes".  Nivie was very happy to get another third of a hot dog and I was glad to survive this set of hides. 

 The wind was brutal, the wait long, and the day tiring.  It was not until someone asked if that was our title, that I realized it was.  

  I suddenly wanted to cry.  

  Three years of a journey just came to an end and I had planned to retire her after the NW1 was obtained.

  I held it together as we walked back to the van and while our friends cheered for Niven.

  The trial ended with everyone gathering together to listen to the Judges and CO discuss their observations from throughout the day.  It was interesting to hear generalized feedback and why hide locations were chosen.   Afterward they announced the winner of the Harry Award and Placement Winners for each Element and Over All searches.

  I was shocked and still am to have heard Niven's name called as the 1st place winner of the Vehicle search (09.75 seconds) and then again for 3rd place for Over All searches (1 min.10 seconds).  We even got a Pronounced for the Exterior search, which I thought was cool.  For this trial, I went with the mind set of gaining experience and at least surviving four hides.  I was not anticipating the additional wins and was even more proud of myself for holding back an all out cry in front of fifty people.

  As a first time competitor with a dog I had to retrain to get this far, I am really proud of Niven.  I know she enjoyed being the only dog to go sniff stuff and she did it well.  I am proud of myself for making the decisions I did because of the long road behind us.  Judges do not know that story.   I can only hope Torch and Tarot have the same type of fun day Niven did with their upcoming trials.

  According to my classmates.......I am not allowed to retire my nearly ten year old Lab.  I guess a NW2 trial needs to be planned into 2016 for Niven?

  Joyce

www.foxglen.net

Niven NW1 and her nifty haul