Training Conversation

Agility, Nosework, Backpacking

Nosework class

by Karen Christensen (photos by Lisa Pattison, owner of Canine Partnership Dog Training)

Tutu really impressed me today in Nosework class.

I had been unsure how she would do when I heard we were doing water search (with food).
“Not to Worry, Mom!”, said Tuts. While she did decide one hide that might have required
actual swimming (however brief) to reach wasn't worth it, she happily plowed into the
wadeable parts of the creek after watching the two boydogs do it.

AND she found the tricky overhead hide they had missed, in elbow-deep water,
and figured out how to get up to it, too. Even more amazing, she voluntarily did a
little trolling afterward to make sure she got everything. In between turns she rested
in the shade on a mat with me, but kept a very close eye on the in-stream action.

Rip stood up on this float a couple weeks ago - I often wonder what Tutu and Rip,
there on different days, think of knowing the other has been there.

This is the hide that was over her head as she waded thru the water. She made 3 passes
close to the vertical bank there, got up on the tussock, spun around a couple times on the scent before she got it.

October update:

I hid little treats and had the dogs nose search last night in the house, one at a time. Tutu is a pro at this and Rip is her very able son. Ian is catching on that he's supposed to use his nose, took a long time but he found them all. Cherry even found the few simple hides I set up for her. Then free-for-all in the treat-dotted kitchen (appliance handles, shelves, corners, between nested dog dishes, cabinet edges), where I totally cracked up to see Margot (the cat) beat the dogs to a couple of the hides.

Margot kitters

Rip, Tutu, Ian & Cherry (Petteruti)

Pack Dogs /Lisa Stewart

Trog had fun at Walk with Rover at Shaw Nature Reserve.

He is now over half way to his pack dog title. Three miles was nothing for the little man, he wanted to keep walking.