Our Busy Day

We met Joyce at the training building early to set some nosework hides for her old dog.  Mick is a 15 year old Border Collie and Joyce is trying to get a nosework 3 title on him.  He's a sweet old boy and gets around really well, especially given his age.  Joyce was concerned that he was losing scenting ability.  I didn't see that.  It was really clear when he caught odor and he seemed to do so in a reasonable time/fashion.  I think possibly he doesn't have the same mental clarity as he once did, that he's losing focus.  I suggested that she develop a routine to warm up his brain -- wish I had some suggestions of what that routine should include.  I enjoyed watching him work.

After that Gimme and me had our Targeting and Shaping class.  She did well and made progress on the things we worked on - especially shutting a door.  

After that we went to the trail and had a 4.5 mile walk together.  She is such a good girl and really acts so grown up sometimes.  I continue to be pleased with how well she remembers her job to seek me out whenever she sees a bicycle.  It doesnt' matter how long its been since we've been there - she knows that rule.  She has also gotten really good about not rushing up to every person she sees.  She still wants to, but wants cheese just a little bit more. 

It was really hot on the walk, so we were both happy to get home and take a nap on the couch in front of the fan.  Life doesn't get much better than snuggling with the prettiest puppy on the planet.

I just got home a bit ago and decided to do a quick run through of the nosework training Joyce suggested.  We did 10 trials.  In addition to her only getting one treat if she bopped the wrong box first, that treat was just cheese.  If she got the right box first, she got 5 pieces of sugared beef heart. 

It was a little bit hit and miss, but it was also clear that she knew there was a difference and was trying to figure out how to get the good stuff.  Twice she deliberately sniffed the wrong box and then went to sniff and pound the right box.  I think that's a very good sign.

I should'a kept notes.  But it seemed to me that although it was 50/50... there were more first-correct indications toward the end of our ten trials.  I'll do it again tomorrow before work and will take notes.