It's great that we were able to enjoy an extra hour last Sunday, but that also now means it's getting dark much earlier. And the past few days have reminded us those summer days are gone for a while. Oh what to do when the sun has set and the temperature outside isn't all that inviting. Naturally, nose work inside! Anytime is the right time for nose work. I've yet to meet a dog who preferred to do something else when set in front of some boxes with an enticing odor emanating from them.
Here are some of the barn girls demonstrating that given a little bit of open space and scattered boxes, we've got our evening well-planned.
Jondi, showing that flaps can't fool her.
Patsy, such a pro at nose work at such a young age.
And even our new skinny girl, taking to nose work as if she'd been enjoying this activity for years.
Dark and cold outside? Who cares! We've got nose work to do. Keep the lights on and the treats handy.
How can we get started on nose work at home? We've got a lot of yucky, snowy days headed towards us in New England which will definitely keep us inside. Any tips would be great!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the new girl (BTW, she looks great in that thundercoat) enjoying nose-work with the barn regulars.
ReplyDeleteDitto, Lauren! Anyway you could put up some training steps for nosework? Erie gets snowy and too cold for my short-haired girl! We've got a great basement to set up plenty of boxes!
ReplyDeleteYes - like Lauren - is there a book, YouTube, BadRap article about getting started at home? would love to do this! Love the girls!
ReplyDeleteDitto to Lauren's question. Would love to know more about this as a winter indoor activity at home. This morning was 16 degrees when I SHOULD have taken the dogs for our pre-work walk. Didn't happen, and we need a change from our boring old kibble toys!
ReplyDeleteWe've been hearing a lot about nose work, and we're also curious how it works. With all the snow coming to Chicago soon, we know the pooches are going to need some more indoor games.
ReplyDeleteBless you for all you do! Glad to see Ms. Skinny working, too!
ReplyDeleteGreat work, Jondi, Patsy Pup, and New Girl! I'm glad to see that Patsy is turning into a pro--I'm sure the focus and discipline she's learning through nose work will come in handy in helping her fit into a new home!
ReplyDeleteWe play this game when there is too much rain or snow. The dogs love it! We have the dogs in down/sit stay and release them one at a time to "find it" while the other stays. What a hoot!
ReplyDeleteCatherine, Ana and I have taken classes from NACSW instructors, and we have our own dogs working towards titles. The website for NACSW is http://www.funnosework.com/.
ReplyDeleteIf you can't get to any nose work classes, this blog post describes starting in nose work http://www.dogstardaily.com/blogs/getting-started-nose-work
The key to nose work is making sure your dog is always successful and always having fun.
Letti
Hi Everyone. Letti provided some terrific resources for more information on how to get started with your own dogs on nose work. Wonderful sport because you are helping your dog build on a skill that he or she already possesses, searching with the nose. And you set up the searches so the dog is always, always successful. That is key.
ReplyDeleteThe only other thing I could add about doing searches indoors is that personally I prefer not to have my dogs search in our home as there are so many competing odors. (Boy, what does that say about my home!). So, I'll practice in the garage instead. Great open space when any vehicles, clutter are moved out of the way. And certainly a nice open floor area in a basement would be terrific as well.
Hope all of this information is helpful. Have fun introducing your dog to searching.
Thanks Letti. I'll check out the blog, and we'll soon be on for some rainy/snowy day indoor fun! My dog is much happier when he's using his brain (which means I'm much happier when he's tired).
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