The Sniffing Zone

14/08/2024

Tuggeranong Dog Training Club, Dogs ACT + GSC ACT hosted a triple trial of Excellent + Master elements over the past weekend. Trials can't happen without a LOT of people stepping up, pitching in and making them happen. These people are dead-set legends!

It was an amazing weekend. By far, the best part of any trial is the friendships. New faces you'll see again. And the faces of friends you've seen for years now. I get "home sick" for the friendships made through Scent Work - at both training and trials. I think that's why I plan several interstate trips a year!

Over the weekend we had 6 searches:
▪︎ We passed Master Vehicle under Angela HT on the Saturday. We surprisingly placed 3rd and it was the last vehicles pass we need to apply for our Vehicle Element Title!!! So, we now have 2 Element Titles and are eligible to run in **Ultimate**. The other thing that was special about this pass, was Lulu's gal-pal Ella, who also passed and also achieved her Vehicle Element Title in the very same run!
▪︎ We flopped on our a couple of runs and these were 100% my fault. I have apologised profusely to Lulu about my lack of skills. But I also learnt a lot from these errors, so it's not all bad; and
▪︎ In a blistering time, Little Lulu took out 1st place in her Master Vehicle search on Sunday. This one blew me away. There was actually a squeal of surprise when they called our names. I had told friends we "smashed it" in relation to how it felt working as a team. It was NOT about our actual search time.

Many more amazing teams had a great weekend: our friend achieved her Master Title. A few other friends also achieved Excellent and Element Titles. And others got their groove on and are close to stepping into new levels. I think each of us took something special away this weekend. And it feels so good to share all of this with our friends and our dogs.

Oh, and one last highlight, Team Victoria won the State of Origin*

[* on Saturday 😂]

30/07/2024

You read this right... we are away for the month! The last day for online orders is tomorrow, Wed 31 July, and we will reopen on Fri, 30 August.

As a scent work geek, Lulu and I are hitting the road to attend a trial in Canberra and a 4 day workshop being hosted at Canine Education Academy. There is time for a visit with family and obviously a load of friends to see who are also trial-road-tripping ❤ ...That is the only reason we are driving to Canberra - to hang with friends that we haven't seen for ages, to get "home-sick" for Victoria [in Canberra], and share tales of our quallies, "so close" moments and perhaps some disbelief that our dogs "alerted" on food when they haven't in aaaaaaaaaages. All from the *comfort* of a freezing Canberran carpark, with our besties.

27/07/2024

𝐀 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐖 𝐝𝐨𝐠'𝐬 + 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐬 "𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 - 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐮𝐦𝐩/𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐮𝐩 / 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐛 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 / 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐮𝐩?".

For anyone that is curious to see how this short dog [Lulu] works a high hide, I decided to run Lulu on the last search of the day yesterday morning [without the graduated work-up the other Team's had to this problem!]. It wasn't an easy one... there were 2 *delicious* food distractors out, sheep + chicken over the back fence, wallaby p**p [best fresh according to Lulu] galore on the grass + 2 hides: Birch [approx 40cm] and Anise [approx 1.5m]. The wind was creating more converging than I would have liked [we were meant to be inside the hall but had access issues!].

So, the answer to the question is 𝐍𝐎 - shorter dogs are not expected to jump or stretch up to a hide - they do not need to climb on objects to reach the hide - and no, you can't lift your dog to the hide. Yet, they can still clearly find the precise location of a high hide.

Now, if your dog wants to, and is capable of, jumping, climbing or stretching up to a hide, and it is safe to do so, it is usually allowed!! I intentionally had a stable step stool out for the teams to use, as a boost, if they wanted to.

In the past, I've also communicated to Lulu that she can jump up onto items [chairs / bench] to search, if I felt it was safe. That is also ok - but don't force it. I didn't do that yesterday because Lulu was working well and I didn't think it would benefit her search.

I've added some captions to this video and a freeze/zoom of the moment Lulu finds source. Yes, the hides are visible, but we all know that our dog's are not overly visual creatures when deep in a search. But given everything else that was going on [distractors, converging], there was no need to make this a frustrating search of any of the teams that worked this problem.

Shorter dogs do need to work harder to solve these types of problems - and it usually takes them longer to solve it. But it is not impossible! When you watch the video, look at how far out Lulu works to gather information to locate the Anise hide - nearly all the way to the opposite fence and back along the the step into the hall alcove and the hand-rail.

25/07/2024

15/07/2024

PSA - New Product Alert:
When I was in Pet Stock the other week, I grabbed one of these to see how it went. They came in 3 sizes.

Can officially confirm that it is AWESOME! So, if you are a dog loaf feeder, I can reccommend this container.

It clips shut very tightly, therefore reducing smells in the fridge, stops the cut end from drying out - which is a BIG positive if you travel!

https://www.petstock.com.au/products/roll-mate-dog-roll-container

09/07/2024

𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐄𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞: 𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 + 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬

I happened to catch this good little live chat on YouTube yesterday, hosted by For Your K9, Inc.

It is a great one for teams that are wanting to start any training or trialling [in ANY dog sport or class], or a refresher for those that have taken a break and are back... there's some really helpful tips in here that can even apply to rest of world adventures.

Grab yourself a cuppa and tune in, or my fav, listen to it on your next drive [no graphics to watch - 3 ladies heads].

Join us while we discuss dog etiquette for trialing and while attending dog training classes. Whether you are new to the training world or a seasoned competi...

05/07/2024

Lulu was indeed excellent on the weekend at the Ulverstone Kennel Club Inc. Scent Work trial!

Now, I've been meaning to mention that they were awarding amazing 1st place engraved timber "medals" at the trial - made by the talented Shauna. But then Shauna showed up to a session today and surprised Lulu with her very own fabulous medal!!! This is my most memorable trial award. Granted, it wasn't received at the trial, but I'm prouder of this medal than any ribbon we've received. Plus, look how cute Lulu looks, engraved in wood 😍!!!

So, if you're after a thoughtful gift for a friend or some extra prizes for you club or students, hit me up and I'll pass on the phone number for Aufyre Creations - or I'm sure Shauna wouldn't mind receiving a message from you ♡

15/06/2024

There's a wide variety of volunteer roles across our organisation so come and meet us, some of the very animals your volunteering will help and learn what volunteer role you might fall in love with.

06/06/2024

Norm. are about to drop 30% for EOFY sales.

Lulu says the Freakshake is great for keeping her hydrated at trials and warm summer days when I worry that she's not drinking enough.

Follow this link to sign up for early access to the sale: https://normgetwild.com.au/pages/early-access-for-eofy-save-up-to-30?_kx=OWKpIVif8Bixr6gMaKp3W0mbgCPjHwzZgXOgoO4XnmQ.VcyYy7

05/06/2024

RSPCA: Quizmas in July!

Tickets selling fast for Quizmas in July... as well as the quiz there's table games, lucky dips, prizes, raffles, auctions and of course prizes for best Christmas outfits!

Tickets: $35.00pp ($280.00 per table of 8) and includes a scrumptious supper.

Tickets selling fast so don't miss out, gather your family, friends, colleagues...

For all enquiries and bookings please email: [email protected]

04/06/2024

Meet Shandy ♡, one of our recent Intro to K9 Nose Work graduates.

Watching her work was a joy! Every step was purposeful + her focus was always on her job. Plus I can't help love a heeler x 😉

Well done Shandy [+ Erin]!

04/06/2024

Love the MIMsafe products! We've got the variogate - and even Lulu, who is not crate trained, will happily rest in this space.

PS. I did also have to get the headrest barrier to stop her jumping over the back seats [even when all 3 hear rests were up as high as they went] to steal food. There must be total separation btw Lulu + food at ALL times 😆

The MIMSafe Variogate is a removable gate system designed to turn your entire boot area into one large crate. You can do this by using both a Variogate and a cargo barrier to ensure your dog stays safely in the cargo area. The Variogate is one of our best selling items across Australia and New Zeala...

25/05/2024

HOBART.
TOMORROW!

OMGosh - Only one more sleep!
All ticket proceeds go to Tassie animals in need, please get yours today:
millionpawswalk.com.au/hobart

18/05/2024

It's your turn tomorrow, Launceston!

OMGosh only 2 more sleeps...www.milliionpaws.com.au/launceston.
Join us to help Tasmanian dogs in need; by booking a ticket and bringing your lucky doggo out for a great day socialising, walking and playing, this Sunday starting 10am.

15/05/2024

Our next Introduction to K9 Nose Work commences this Sunday! Head to thesniffingzone.com.au/book-classes to enrol!

Your dog will thank you 🐩

13/05/2024

Congratulations to the winners of our prize for submitting a response to the Sniffari Enrichment Trail at the Million Paws Walk at Devonport Bluff yesterday.

**Nicola + Fergus**, keep an eye on your emails because we will be in touch tomorrow to tell you about your prize! We'll also let you know what the smell was at each Sniff Station.

Thank you to everyone that submitted responses - it is interesting to see the variations in the responses for each of your dogs.

RSPCA Tasmania

13/05/2024

We had a fabbo time at the Million Paws Walk in Devonport yesterday!!

Melinda from The Sniffing Zone, providing Sniffari guidelines to a pretty participant today!
Million Paws Walk, Devonport.

09/05/2024

Prep work on the Sniffari Enrichment Trail is well underway and we can't wait for your dog's to have a great time exploring the Sniff Stations!

We can also be found in the main hub where you can come and have a K9 Nose Work taster in our marquee!! Be sure to bring your doggo's fav treats or toy for them to find!

Register for the Devonport Million Paws Walk here: https://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/devonport

millionpawswalk.com.au/devonport ☀️🤎🐾
Devonport forecast for Sunday: 5-18 degrees, low chance of rain, few clouds & sunshine!

25/04/2024

Be sure to register for the Million Paws Walk to go in the draw to WIN some fabbo merch.

At each of the Walks, a fun Sniffari Enrichment Trail will be out for all the puppers to stop and smell.

We've been working closely with the RSPCA to put together some fabulous smells and we have a prize up for grabs at each Millions Paws Walk [Devonport, Launceston + Hobart], for those that complete the Sniffari and enter our little competition on the day!

We'll also have a little K9 Nose Work marquee set up, at Devonport only, where dogs can come and have a little play. Register and save this date to your diary - 12 May!!

22/04/2024

There are a small percentage of dogs that do like citrus.
To test if your dog likes citrus, when you are next peeling some, make sure your hands are covered in sticky juice and present them to your dog to smell. If your dog backs away +/or makes an *ew* face, they are part of the citrus hating majority.
It is not understood why there are smells that dogs [or humans] prefer over others.
If your dog doesn't like citrus, you can use this to deter your dog from chewing certain items [with juice] or p**ping in a particular part of the garden [scatter citrus peels - replace when they break down]!

21/04/2024

This weeks fun fact...
We are looking forward to seeing your best guess in the comments!

19/04/2024

Dogs Australia has released the updated Scent Work Rules [effective from 1 July 2024].

You can find them here: dogsaustralia.org.au/media/10155/21-da-scent-work-rules-01-07-24.pdf

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙪𝙥𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨, 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚:
⫸ It's now up to 15cm on any axis from the hide location, for ALL classes!;
⫸ Plastic containers can be used in Novice Container, but need to still meet the size requirements that existed already for carboard containers;
⫸ Time limits are no longer fixed times for Container + Vehicle searches, but a range exists, like Interior + Exterior already have;
⫸ Master Interior now has between 1 + 5 hides [previously 1-3];
⫸ Vehicle searches may have a hide more than 5cm under the frame [on larger/higher vehicles] and it will be communicated in the briefing that this may be a possibility [does that mean if it isn't mentioned, it isn't placed up high/under the vehicle? 🤷🏼‍♀️];
⫸ A new class has been created - Ultimate - which sounds super fun [loads of distractors / loads of hides / long search times / large areas / buried hides etc]!;
⫸ And Teams can now aim for a Scent Work Champion Title.

Check out the new rules to find out more!

09/08/2023

For those tasked with finding human bodies, the bond between specially trained cadaver dog and handler is vital — and the physical and mental exhaustion will likely be worth it, if it can bring closure to those grieving for a loved one.

11/05/2023

Another FACT backed by in person testing 😆

The weight of 225,000,000 scent receptors may explain why the frequently needs to rest her chin on any available surface.

📷 / Twitter

16/03/2023

Nose Work Work-Out!

Never underestimate the energy that a dog expends when doing a Nose Work class! While we all know that our dogs love Nose Work, “sniffing” is a lot of work! Not to be taken as gospel, but it appears that there are several muscles that the dog uses when “sniffing.” There is the nasalis muscle which the dog uses to compress nasal cartilages and then "flare" the nostril. And, then there are the muscles of respiration called the “breathing pump muscles” which create the breathing action. Muscles that expand the thoracic cavity are called the “inspiratory muscles” because they help in inhalation. Muscles that compress the thoracic cavity are called “expiratory muscles” because they induce exhalation. All in all, “sniffing” is a physical activity and, as proof of that, here is one photo of a dog passed out after her Nose Work class!

08/03/2023

This is one of my favourite fb feeds that I follow!

Even if you don't own a beagle - or a beagle x... or probably any scent hound - you will find these funny.

Our researchers have confirmed that calling the results in them spontaneously running in the opposite direction 74.8% of the time.

📷 / Twitter

13/10/2022

Scent Work classes are what all the cool kids [+ dogs] are doing!

The beauty of doing even only the Intro to K9 Nose Work course is that you then have an enrichment tool you can use / game you can play with your dog, on crappy days like this ⛈️

Training your dog to search for a scent isn't as hard as you might think--and it's great enrichment for your dog.

01/10/2022

Contemplating the pass she just received in her Exterior search or eyeing off a potential hiding spot for little bunny rabbits 🐇 ?

Me knows it's the later! Lulu has spent a fair portion of her past 2 weeks, on farms, TRYING to hunt bunnies. Which made switching to scent work at trial today, very tough. We walked away with only 1 pass.

Would I have stopped her if I'd known what she'd be like today? Not at all. She is a little dog simply following her instincts: were bred to chase Hare. How often will she have the opportunity to live her ? Not many. How many more trials will come up to enter? More than I will want to enter.

Trialling should be fun. You should aim to pass. But you might not. You should reflect, learn + grow from your experiences. So today when we bombed in 2 elements, we get an idea of what we need to work on. And Lulu gets to keep memories of the best two weeks of her life and have sweet little bunny rabbit dreams for a while to come... I can guarantee you she won't be dreaming about the element pass she received 🤣

01/10/2022

A massive congratulations to Robyn Begley + Banjo AND Julie Merryfull + Gus for winning Highest Associate in Trial in their respective divisions at the Dogs Victoria Scent Work Trial today!

I decided to donate the Associate ribbons becuase I wanted to shine a lil' spotlight on those dogs who are not Purebred. There are loads of gorgeous Purebred dogs on the Scent Work run lists BUT there are also a lot of Associates - and they are easy to spot in the run list because they have short names! I also hope it might encourage "pet" dog owners to take up Scent Work because it is suitable + inclusive for ALL dogs.

These two teams rocked it today and I am thrilled that they won. Can't wait to see who takes home the Advanced Associate ribbon tomorrow :)