Nosework class (2/42)

We had a heart shaped container search, made up of pink, purple and white containers.

Container 1 search video - For the first search we were to only use 3 feet of line and direct the search. I purposely kept strong pressure on the line, so Gimme wouldn't get a leash correction at the start - it seemed to work well. I did a front cross on the inside point at the top of the heart. Gimme gave me the look at the white container and I called "alert" and was told "no". I was also told she didn't alert, and it was because I wanted there to be an alert. In the video I can clearly see her sniff, stop and look at me. I did stop too readily, when my container plan is to keep moving, thus encouraging a false alert. There were no hides.

Container 2 search video - For this search we were to only use 3 feet of line, but let the dog direct the search. Gimme quickly finds the first hide. Then comes all the way around to find the second hide. Meanwhile the instructor moved the first hide across to another spot and Gimme was a little challenged to find it, seeming to get caught in fringe scent. I did a better job of moving and so she was able to work it out and not get "sold" on a false alert.

Container 3 search video - We were allowed full line length if we wanted and the dog could direct the search. Gimme found the first two hides in less than 20 seconds. We went back to check the containers we missed and then left. She had a nice clean, fast search.

Container 4 search video - This search was off leash, which naturally means I was left in the dust. Gimme raced to the first hide. She missed the one on the side, but quickly got the one at the point. It took her several passes to get the one in the mailbox-box. These were hard boxes to catch all evening; they were just too tight. Dorothy said she would modify them if they were being used in a trial.

Overall a good class. The instructors insist they've never told anyone to reward a look, but it's what I learned while training with them and continue to do with Gimme.  If a dog learns something unintended, we generally accept responsibility and change our training.  The instructors have never been able to tell me what her natural "tell" is and I haven't picked it out, despite studying all these videos. So, as long as I keep moving, her "look" is still the most reliable indication I have. Until they give me something better, I'm sticking with it.

By the way, do note she didn't bash any boxes - not one. Yay for Gimme.