Event Description
WHAT TO EXPECT
During the course dogs are worked one at a time. This means that your dog will be resting between their turns in your vehicle. This not only allows a better learning environment for reactive or nervous dogs, but also gives your dog time to process what they have just done.
WHAT TO BRING
This depends on your own dog's preferences for rewards. If they love food then bring along some non crumbly treats or food rewards eg JR pate, roast chicken, cooked meat etc. If they love a toy bring 1 or 2 of their favourite toys, especially if it's one they don't get a lot of the time.
Plenty of water, normal equipment they wear such as collar or harness plus a normal straight lead.
ANY PREREQUISITES BEFORE THE COURSE?
There are no training requirements prior to the course, however if you want to take a couple of steps beforehand there are two tasks that are completely optional:
Charge up a sound or word to become a marker: This can be done randomly throughout the day at home. Pick a sound or word that you wouldn't normally use with your dog eg my marker is a high pitched "yip". Have some treats such as meat or cheese with you and every time you use the sound give your dog a reward.
Classical conditioning of one of the first odours to be imprinted:
The first odour that I like to imprint dogs onto is red kong (the food enrichment toy). One of the easiest ways to start this is by feeding your dog from one of these toys. This can be one of their main meals or simply a few tasty food treats. Doing this at least once a day will help build an association between something nice happening and the smell of the red rubber.
Play can also be used to build a positive association with the odour (I have found this boosts the imprinting power). If your dog likes to play, try adding a rope attachment to the Kong so you can interact with them too.
Purchase a Kong toy (it must be the Kong brand too as they use a universal compound to manufacture the toys which doesn't change anywhere in the world)
MOTIVATION & DIFFERENT SEARCH AREAS
SEARCH BEHAVIOUR
PAIRING A SCENT
DEVELOPING A PASSIVE INDICATION
Spaces limited to four dogs to get the most out of the course.
Handler spots are for one dog and their handler. Extra dogs will need to book a spot.
Class schedule
8th
15th
22nd
29th April
