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

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