Lesson 4 - Introduction to Wintergreen
Changes to the game: We are starting make significant changes to the odour picture and this can be challenging for our dogs. We need to ensure the dogs are comfortable at each stage before we go onto the next. When we introduce a new odour problem, we need to work on that problem in isolation initially so that the dog understands it. Then we build a successful history solving that problem, making it more complex as the dog is successful. Finally, we include that odour problem in other searches with multiple hides.
Novel containers: All the dogs did well with the novel containers. Dogs are not scared of or worried about the novel containers.
Interior hides: Interior hides with elevation can be challenging for the dogs. We need to ensure the dog has adequate time to work out the problem. This is a huge shift for the dog. Now we are taking the hide out of containers altogether. The odour is now interacting with the entire space and the context clue of containers is no longer relevant.
If a dog is really struggling with an interior hide, we can try placing the hide on the floor at first. Or, we can start the dog directly in front of the empty box that is placed before the interior hide.
Also, make sure you are using extremely high value treats to reward your dog for these challenging searches.
Multiple search areas
We have been working multiple search areas all along. It’s challenging for the dogs though because the spaces are not clearly defined and the odour will move between the spaces.
Working multiple search areas is a skill your dog will use throughout a scent work career.
We can design multiple searches to warm the dog up first with something easier and then move to a more difficult search or we can have a more difficult search first and then follow that with an easier, recovery search.
SEARCHES
Separate room into two search areas with tables across
First run – containers to interior and then reverse it and do the interior search first and then the containers search
Second run – Threshold search with increasing complexity (x 3 or x 4) and end with Single Interior Hide Search
Second search: 2 interior searches – no containers present
If possible, fade the empty odour box
Second run – Threshold search – do it 3 times making it harder each time
Threshold Search
Single Interior Hide Search – only empty containers in the search area and one single paired hide
Novel containers: All the dogs did well with the novel containers. Dogs are not scared of or worried about the novel containers.
Interior hides: Interior hides with elevation can be challenging for the dogs. We need to ensure the dog has adequate time to work out the problem. This is a huge shift for the dog. Now we are taking the hide out of containers altogether. The odour is now interacting with the entire space and the context clue of containers is no longer relevant.
If a dog is really struggling with an interior hide, we can try placing the hide on the floor at first. Or, we can start the dog directly in front of the empty box that is placed before the interior hide.
Also, make sure you are using extremely high value treats to reward your dog for these challenging searches.
Multiple search areas
We have been working multiple search areas all along. It’s challenging for the dogs though because the spaces are not clearly defined and the odour will move between the spaces.
Working multiple search areas is a skill your dog will use throughout a scent work career.
We can design multiple searches to warm the dog up first with something easier and then move to a more difficult search or we can have a more difficult search first and then follow that with an easier, recovery search.
SEARCHES
Separate room into two search areas with tables across
First run – containers to interior and then reverse it and do the interior search first and then the containers search
Second run – Threshold search with increasing complexity (x 3 or x 4) and end with Single Interior Hide Search
- Containers to Interior Search – Multiple Search Areas
Second search: 2 interior searches – no containers present
- Interior Only Search – no containers present
If possible, fade the empty odour box
Second run – Threshold search – do it 3 times making it harder each time
Threshold Search
- Only one paired hide in the search area (remove containers and just have furniture in the room)
- Place hide just ahead of where the dog will start
- Hide should be visible and paired
- Head height for the dog or lower
- If the dog needs it, use empty box to collect the odour.
- Threshold hides are notoriously difficult for dogs.
- Hold the dog for a few seconds at the start line. Dog should be looking at the search area, not at you. Dog can be in front of you instead of at your side.
- Watch the dog’s head to see if they catch the odour. Ideally, their head will go toward where the threshold hide is and then you will release them to search.
- Stay back and allow the dog to work out the problem. You don’t have to step right into the space. You can stay right where you are and allow the dog to work. If you were to step into the space, you would be drawing the dog more into the space and away from the threshold. If they were to fly into the space and were far away, then you can step in and potentially focus your attention toward the threshold yourself – don’t point it out but by the placement of your body indicate to the dog the search area.
Single Interior Hide Search – only empty containers in the search area and one single paired hide