The weather has been hot and humid lately which does not make exercising the dogs an easy task. Even if Porter was tolerant of the heat (and I wasn't such a delicate flower) the ground if often too hot for the pads of their feet.
Yesterday Porter was getting a bit stir crazy (and I was inspired to do more NW training after chatting with other trainers about getting together for a practice group) so I set up three hides in each of the bedrooms.
The first was the most successful. We waited at the threshold for 10 seconds, he entered and did an immediate u-turn to the bookcase where I had the tin in a dump truck on the bottom shelf.
The second hide was at the far end of the next room tucked into the side rail of the bed. He did seem to find it very quickly, but then moved on. I think my mistake was not jumping on that first indication but waiting for something stronger. If the hide is low to the ground he seems to lay down. So I thought he might do this, or might sniff at it longer, or something. But a quick sniff or two and he was off. He sniffed all around that area and kept circling and returning to that corner but never that close again. I wonder if he ruled out that spot since I didn't reward him the first time :( He kept searching, never getting frustrated or tired and finally went back tot he spot where I promptly rewarded him.
You would think I'd learn my lesson, right? Nope. The next hide was in the master bedroom. Off to the left is the master bath and I placed the tin in a slightly opened drawer. While at the threshold Porter's nose was going crazy and he immediately went left. He ran past the drawer, into the bathroom, turned back, out into the bedroom, and back again to the bathroom. He lifted his nose up, near the drawer, I should have moved in but hesitated, and off he went again. Despite my repeated mistake, Porter is very resilient and continued to search until he finally found the drawer and lingered.
I need to remember that this is really the first time doing odor in my house so I need to reward sooner, especially when the hides are at or slightly above nose height. I really thought about the first placement more and it tells.
Today we did 6 hides out front and 5 of the 6 were fast and furious with Porter hitting the mark within 5 seconds. The last was, again, elevated, and in a jade plant so tons of leaves and branches for the odor to get caught in and swirl around in. And it was very windy. This was to his advantage in all of the other hides which were more out in the open. But with this plant it was much harder. I did place the hide on the downwind side of the plant. And now typing this I am curious to see his behavior if the odor was on the upwind side of the plant (if that makes sense).
One of the great perks of K9 Nose Work is it takes my cabin fever dog and turns him into Rip van Winkle.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Agility Training Continues
Despite the heat, Porter has been doing well in agility. I bought him a Chilly Buddy Cooling Jacket and a Ryobi portable fan. It's been really humid, which is odd for this area, but he hasn't wilted like he used to.
Today in class he really rocked a short sequence we did. We had to miss last week and were not able to get there super early to let him sniff it out, but I was still very pleased with his focus. He was into the hot dogs I was offering and focused well on the toy stuffed with them when it was used as his reward. No taking off on victory laps or running over to the pool.
Here is the short sequence we did. Porter was first up. The black line is him, the reddish line is my path. I didn't lead out past 2 since I wanted to run with him a few steps before the front cross to give him more speed. Number 3 is a wing jump and sometimes he's a bit sticky on my side with those. He has such a large stride, plus I wanted to be sure he was fully committed to #3 before doing the front cross, so he did land far and swung wide. In the future I'll work on turning earlier so he knows where he's going before he takes off and can adjust his stride accordingly. But once he realized where I was and what my body language was telling him he quickly came back to my right side. #4 is another wing jump and I was pleased he did fine with that. Again, he went out farther than he needed before the tunnel, so I need to trust him more and turn earlier.
The second run through I was a bit jerky in my movements for some reason and I caused Porter to knock down the bar on #3. But the third time was our best performance. Very smooth and much more efficient.
We also worked the weaves today. Porter is currently on two sets of poles 15 feet apart and doing well. I really need to practice with him at home. If I did he would be doing a full set of 12 by now.
For the A-Frame his modified running contact is really coming along. He downs on a target a stride length past the A-frame. I was able to keep running a couple of feet past that point and he still hit and stuck his down where he was supposed to.
I switched his swim lesson for Wednesday instead of being directly after agility class for a few reasons. One, I have to rush to pack up and drive over to the pool. It's not far, but on a hot day I don't want him walking on the asphalt over there. Two, we share the pool with another dog on Tuesdays so Porter needs to wear a life jacket so I can leash him. This keeps him out of the other dog's face who really doesn't want to visit. Wednesday it'll be just us so he can swim without the jacket and get an even better workout. And three, I'm hoping it eliminates him getting antsy towards the end of agility class when he knows it's almost swim time. He starts to lose focus and try to get to the pool.
Today in class he really rocked a short sequence we did. We had to miss last week and were not able to get there super early to let him sniff it out, but I was still very pleased with his focus. He was into the hot dogs I was offering and focused well on the toy stuffed with them when it was used as his reward. No taking off on victory laps or running over to the pool.
Here is the short sequence we did. Porter was first up. The black line is him, the reddish line is my path. I didn't lead out past 2 since I wanted to run with him a few steps before the front cross to give him more speed. Number 3 is a wing jump and sometimes he's a bit sticky on my side with those. He has such a large stride, plus I wanted to be sure he was fully committed to #3 before doing the front cross, so he did land far and swung wide. In the future I'll work on turning earlier so he knows where he's going before he takes off and can adjust his stride accordingly. But once he realized where I was and what my body language was telling him he quickly came back to my right side. #4 is another wing jump and I was pleased he did fine with that. Again, he went out farther than he needed before the tunnel, so I need to trust him more and turn earlier.
The second run through I was a bit jerky in my movements for some reason and I caused Porter to knock down the bar on #3. But the third time was our best performance. Very smooth and much more efficient.
We also worked the weaves today. Porter is currently on two sets of poles 15 feet apart and doing well. I really need to practice with him at home. If I did he would be doing a full set of 12 by now.
For the A-Frame his modified running contact is really coming along. He downs on a target a stride length past the A-frame. I was able to keep running a couple of feet past that point and he still hit and stuck his down where he was supposed to.
I switched his swim lesson for Wednesday instead of being directly after agility class for a few reasons. One, I have to rush to pack up and drive over to the pool. It's not far, but on a hot day I don't want him walking on the asphalt over there. Two, we share the pool with another dog on Tuesdays so Porter needs to wear a life jacket so I can leash him. This keeps him out of the other dog's face who really doesn't want to visit. Wednesday it'll be just us so he can swim without the jacket and get an even better workout. And three, I'm hoping it eliminates him getting antsy towards the end of agility class when he knows it's almost swim time. He starts to lose focus and try to get to the pool.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Backyard Nose Work
I finally got off my duff and did some Nose Work hides in the backyard yeserday. I think this is only the second time doing searches at home despite having Porter in training since last October. I'm horrible at managing the two dogs. One is always jealous and wants in on the action and causes a huge ruckus when placed elsewhere. But Porter needs to start revving up for a trial so it's time to get in gear.
Porter passed his ORT (Odor Recognition Test) in Birch in June. It's a preliminary test using 12 containers to show your dog knows his odor. After passing this test you are eligible to begin trialing (if your dog is of age). After that test our training time has dramatically decreased. Part of it is due to a change in my work schedule. Porter used to come to one of my classes. And part is due to my daughter being home for the summer. Although if I were smart I'd have her do the hides; she'd probably love that.
With Porter locked inside I got my tin ready in the garage and went around the side into the backyard to place the first side. I started with the side yard since it's a small space and I wanted his first hide to be quick and easy. I took note of the way the wind was blowing and placed the hide closer to the start line so there was plenty of room downwind if Porter past it.
Porter knew what was up the instant I came inside to get him. He was completely focused as I held his collar and led him outside and to the start line. He passed the odor, went about a foot farther and turned back, locating the source quickly.
The second hide was in the other side yard but not as easily accessible. Once he was in odor I waited to see how close he would get, then I move a trash can blocking his way. After double checking the trash can, he quickly found the right spot.
The third hide was tucked into a patch of clover in the grass. This was more difficult because the area was larger and the tin was hidden from view. Porter found this one quickly as well.
The fourth hide gave him some difficulty. It was placed under a plastic mat under a kid table. Porter ran back and forth along the back fence (not near the spot) several times. He lifted his head, air scenting. If I didn't know better I would have thought the hide was either in a crack in the fence or just on the other side in my neighbor's yard. He did several head whips and was taking in a lot of air. I wonder what was back there?! Finally I directed him closer to the true location. He circled a few times and then found his mark.
Oh, and he also peed before he found that 4th hide! :( Bad handler. I should have made sure he was empty first.
Last I ended with an easier hide on a chair, which was partially covered by a mat draping over it. He did great finding this hide so it was a good place to end the session.
I need to get in the habit of bringing my Nose Work kit with me when we go places so I just throw out a few quick and simple hides. I think with more practice in new locations he'll be ready for his first trial in the fall. Hopefully there will be something in SoCal.
Porter passed his ORT (Odor Recognition Test) in Birch in June. It's a preliminary test using 12 containers to show your dog knows his odor. After passing this test you are eligible to begin trialing (if your dog is of age). After that test our training time has dramatically decreased. Part of it is due to a change in my work schedule. Porter used to come to one of my classes. And part is due to my daughter being home for the summer. Although if I were smart I'd have her do the hides; she'd probably love that.
With Porter locked inside I got my tin ready in the garage and went around the side into the backyard to place the first side. I started with the side yard since it's a small space and I wanted his first hide to be quick and easy. I took note of the way the wind was blowing and placed the hide closer to the start line so there was plenty of room downwind if Porter past it.
Porter knew what was up the instant I came inside to get him. He was completely focused as I held his collar and led him outside and to the start line. He passed the odor, went about a foot farther and turned back, locating the source quickly.
The second hide was in the other side yard but not as easily accessible. Once he was in odor I waited to see how close he would get, then I move a trash can blocking his way. After double checking the trash can, he quickly found the right spot.
The third hide was tucked into a patch of clover in the grass. This was more difficult because the area was larger and the tin was hidden from view. Porter found this one quickly as well.
The fourth hide gave him some difficulty. It was placed under a plastic mat under a kid table. Porter ran back and forth along the back fence (not near the spot) several times. He lifted his head, air scenting. If I didn't know better I would have thought the hide was either in a crack in the fence or just on the other side in my neighbor's yard. He did several head whips and was taking in a lot of air. I wonder what was back there?! Finally I directed him closer to the true location. He circled a few times and then found his mark.
Oh, and he also peed before he found that 4th hide! :( Bad handler. I should have made sure he was empty first.
Last I ended with an easier hide on a chair, which was partially covered by a mat draping over it. He did great finding this hide so it was a good place to end the session.
I need to get in the habit of bringing my Nose Work kit with me when we go places so I just throw out a few quick and simple hides. I think with more practice in new locations he'll be ready for his first trial in the fall. Hopefully there will be something in SoCal.
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