Do you need more joy and laughter in your training sessions? Or maybe some fun search ideas instead of the "same ole thing"? My philosophy is that all training is a series of games. Your dog loves to play games with you, and eventually, all the games come together for a perfect performance. This course can help piece that together by providing a variety of games to cover many different skills. The course can help put the fun back into your searches, add a new twist to what you are already doing or take you to the next level. There are also many games to focus on specific training challenges including building odor obedience, pinpointing odor to preven fringing, learning to work the scent cone, staying at source, high hides, odor can be anywhere, start lines, working distractions, and much more. It is also a great option for any coordinator of search groups or instructors as everyone loves games in class! The class is geared for all levels and the games will range from foundation to challenging hides. Some games will have multiple levels, others will have variations for each level. You can participate in some or all of the games, but there will be plenty to keep all teams busy and it may even help create your own game ideas. There will also be ideas for indoor games, tight spaces, as well as “on the road” and outdoor games. All games will be released within the first couple weeks of class so you have time to work on what you would like.
Students have said this is just like a coaching class as I work with each team to strengthen skills as needed.
We will also work on drive building games for those fragile, soft dogs and how to acclimate to new environments. The class includes different elements as well as elements can be interchanged and in some of the games to spend your time focusing on the areas your team needs it most.
This class will have a Teaching Assistant! :)
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Syllabus
Light on Lectures, BIG on FUN!
Foundation and motivational games
Lucy and ethel
Fun with boxes
Line dancing
Alert – aim – toss
Tossing your cookies
Sniff around town
Musical Hides
Extreme Proofing
Ring around the source
Rose among thorns
Suspense
What the Hill?
Dogs on crack
Snake search
You’ve got me cornered
What's Your Sign?
Sideways
Socks, socks, socks
Nosepoint accuracy
Colanders are not just for cooking
Car go round
Fight for source
High and lo
Like hides
Household items
Can’t get me
The nose knows (not container)
Lights out!
Go fish
The nose knows (not vehicle)
Hide and seek
Sharing games
Intro to Water (AKC style)
Wet and wild
Independent searching
Gamble line
Like an actress
Using games to train your holes
Can ya find me now
Guessing game
Over easy
Prerequisites & Supplies
Normal Nose Work Supplies
Household items for searching (mouse, stapler, old camera, remote control, etc)
Plastic Easter eggs, baby socks, Christmas socks, anything multiple of “likeness” (use your imagination)
Distractors – foods, toys, dog saliva, fox urine, bunny scent, anything that can be distracting (Animal scents can be purchased at any hunting store - Cabela's, Field and Stream, etc)
Water bottles and small pool, sled, shoe or crate tray (does not have to hold water)
Multiple bowls, aquariums, plastic containers to hold several gallons of water
Colanders
Painters tape or tape that will not pull paint off the wall
Flagging tape, cones, etc for start and gamble lines
Space required:
Indoors, can be limited space,
Outdoor areas and vehicles helpful
Stores/ places of business that allow dogs
Sample Lecture
Fill a kid’s swimming pool, crate or shoe tray or kid's sled (no water) with water bottles, use the amount based on the level of search for your dog. This is an intermediate or advanced level game. Put several Qtips in a water bottle and let it cook for 30-60 minutes. Make sure to mark the bottle in some way, remove the paper, mark with colored tape, just a way to know the correct bottle.
If there is a concern of your dog not wanting to get in the pool, you could put the odor bottle against the side so they could still reach it without getting in. Little dogs that cannot get in, you could get a smaller type pool, use a hula hoop, or just free on the ground.
You can also use a sled if your dog is concerned to climb in the pool. Put bricks in the sled to hold it down and you could put a tin on the brick for beginner dogs.
Tip to prepare bottles: cut a couple slices down the sides at the bottom of the bottle and then run tape around it. So the tape prevents the Qtips from coming out. But it allows some venting.
Testimonials
A sampling of what prior students have said about this course ...
This is better than a coaching class, each student is getting individual attention plus fun games!!
So this is a shout out to Melissa to say thank you for paying attention to the working style and particular needs of each of our dogs while helping us progress in our skills!
Last day of class & last video. I’m sad but also happy. Melissa, you’ve helped us become a better team. Without your sensitivity for soft dogs, thoughtfulness, support, and constant detailed feedback we wouldn’t be where we are now. I’m confident about the path we took, and know we’ll be a happy team. I’ve learned to read my dog much better, and pick her up where she needs support. Thank you very much!
I just didn't want to let class end without saying thank you! It was interesting, fun, educational, contained great scenarios for skill building and was very worthwhile! Thank you for being specific with your feedback and always supportive!
You are so kind and reinforcing to your students, thank you!!
NW390 was a wonderful class, with an instructor who was able to meet the students at the level appropriate to their dogs. Melissa's feedback was specific, detailed and supportive. There was a lot of material to provide options for games that might be appropriate for all levels of dogs. Great class, I'm glad I took it.
Loved loved this class. Wish I could have done it at gold but too many family obligations plus a weak Canadian dollar. Loved the focus on soft and fragile dogs. Taking these games on the road / camping this week ! Thanks for a wonderful class. Barb H
I loved this class! Melissa is very supportive and still firm in reminding you of the basics. I am planning to play a lot of these games this winter.... to keep our forced indoor training fun and productive. Carla W
This was a good class. Melissa included some very useful and entertaining games to play with your nose work partner. I practice with a group of NW3 level teams twice weekly, and we loved trying out the games. Thanks!
No matter what level your dog is currently working, the many games presented can be modified to offer fun and challenging searches! The games are very creative and help the dog learn or practice several helpful concepts. I felt like my dog was rather advanced and we still learned a great deal and had lots of fun with all the choices presented. Chris P.
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