Canadian Sniffer Dog

04/03/2024

It can feel awkward if you’re unsure how to behave around a medical alert service dog handler and their dog. I recommend smiling at the handler and ignoring their service dog. The handler might be too busy to notice your smile, but if they do, it could make them feel welcome or even make their day. And they’ll appreciate it if you don’t distract their working dog while it's performing a life-saving task.

Not all disabilities are visible, but service animals always have essential jobs and the right to access public places where pets aren’t allowed.

Service dogs must attend to their handler to perform their jobs properly, so please avoid approaching, petting or photographing them. So, SMILE AND IGNORE.

Learn more in the top 10 FAQs about service animals from the Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers (CAPDT) at https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7181387916458295296

02/23/2024

Global TV News interviewed me about Medical Alert Service Dog Training with Hunter’s Heart at the Beast Boutique today. Watch for me, students Sheila Watson and Tilley and Ellen Scharf on the news on Fri. Feb. 23 (likely at 5 & 6 pm newscasts), possibly on the 11 o’clock news and maybe also on the morning news on Sat. Feb. 24, 2024.

Learn more about our medical alert seminars at https://thebeastboutique.ca/training-seminars/

09/07/2023

I’m delighted for a brief interview on the benefits of scent detection canines by Global National news, but sorry that I can't share it due to Facebook's block on Canadian news.

07/16/2023

It's fascinating to see and hear dogs determining track direction and committing to following a specific person. A similar decision-making process is likely to occur in scent detection and hunting as well. In this study, The deciding phase lasted 3–5s, while the dogs sniffed at 2–5 footprints, before following the track. During the deciding phase, the dogs moved at half the speed and their periods of sniffing lasted three times as long as during the other two phases. https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=819612146203213&set=a.549305146567249

Interessanter Artikel über eine Studie der Universität Oslo über die Fähigkeit der Hunde, die Richtung einer Spur zu bestimmen.
Getestet wurde mit Tracking-Dogs, also Fährtenhunden, die mit tiefer Nase suchen auf Gras und Asphalt.
Aber das Ergebnis spricht für sich.
Nach nur rund vier Metern (2-5 Schritte) auf der Fährte konnten sie die Richtung klar definieren.
Wenn man überlegt, wie gering der Altersunterschied des "Geruchs" auf diesen wenigen Metern ist, kann man sich vielleicht ungefähr vorstellen, wie gigantisch die Nasenleistung unserer Vierbeiner ist....

https://journals.biologists.com/jeb/article/180/1/247/6534/Behaviour-of-Dogs-During-Olfactory-Tracking

04/10/2023

I'm looking forward to attending "Emerging research on cognitive health in dogs" free webinar.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/your-best-friends-brain-emerging-research-on-cognitive-health-in-pets-tickets-595003099287?aff=MorrisAnimalFoundation&eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=1eddeea2-1948-48ed-b607-80689ae5f692

Extensive resources are dedicated to understanding human cognition and its effects on overall health – but what about our pets? What does cognitive decline look like in cats and dogs, and what can we do to keep their brains healthy?

Our host, Dr. Kelly Diehl, a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist and Director of Science Communications at Morris Animal Foundation, will explore pet cognitive health with Dr. Starr Cameron and Dr. Michael Khan, two veterinarians currently researching canine and feline cognition. They will share important insights into prevention and treatment of, and common misperceptions about cognitive decline.

There will be a Q&A at the end of the webinar. To submit your questions in advance, email [email protected].
Monday, April 24, 5-6 p.m. MT
Free + Virtual
Save Your Spot

Your Best Friend’s Brain: Explore emerging research into cognitive health in cats and dogs. Powered by Morris Animal Foundation

03/31/2023

URBAN TRACKING & MANTRAILING at the Beast Boutique
Saturdays including April 1 (tomorrow), 2 - 3:30 pm
• Come try something new with your dog. No previous experience is required. Beginners welcome!
• Try it once for $50 or get a 6-pack for $250.
• Advanced teams, email requests for troubleshooting or what you want to work on to Carla ([email protected]).
• PRE-REGISTER 403 452 - 5232 (office open M-Sat). Note we’ll be training many Saturdays, but not every weekend.
• Class is at 4 - 6115 - 4 St SE at the Beast Boutique. Please park at the front/East entrance and potty your dog around the parking lot so you don't contaminate any tracks. Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/xu1BFhdFdfbUYbwS8

Let's get sniffing!

03/22/2023

Last chance! SCENT DETECTION CLINIC this weekend (Calgary) with Carla Simon, nosework judge and professional scent detection trainer at Hunter's Heart.
Finding scent can become your dog's favorite game!
* Get answers to your questions at the online webinar Friday.
* Saturday/Sunday - Beginners imprint target odors using rewards-based motivational progression. No previous experience required. Choose handler scent, CKC nosework cocktail, or other scents for deployments.
* Advanced troubleshooting e.g. high hides, converging odors, clearing rooms.
* Price per session: Working $150, Audit $50. Watch different breeds and learn to read your dog better.
Location: The Beast Boutique (by Glenmore & Blackfoot Tr.)
INFO: https://thebeastboutique.ca/uncategorized/scent-detection-intensive-clinic-march-24-25-26/
SIGN UP: (403) 452 – 5232

03/13/2023

Puppy Bear waiting for scent training,

Bear, our 5-month old Brittany puppy has his own style of waiting for scent training to start. Learn more about motivating your dog to find scent at our seminar…

03/01/2023

Hunter's Heart Kennels Ltd.’s Heart TRACKING & MANTRAILING CLINIC, March 17 - 19, 2023 seminar at Barrett Dog Sports, Calgary. INFO: https://www.barrettoffleash.com/seminars

BEGINNERS – Try Mantrailing and Tracking. No previous experience is required. We'll set you up for success, indoors & outdoors.

ADVANCED – Take your Mantrailing or Tracking to the next level. With 18 acres, and 10 training hours, we'll cover increasing motivation, how to read your dog better, troubleshoot, improve starts, corners, indications, and prepare for spring tests.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Carla Simon is a professional detection dog handler, owner of Hunter’s Heart and the Working Dog Chair for CAPDT. Her proven protocols have already worked for thousands of teams worldwide and have been translated into Italian and Spanish. Her materials have been used by African K9 Solutions (South Africa), the peer-reviewed journal of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Response Rescue International England, Belgian Shepherd Dog Club of Canada, the SDDA newsletter, and the Association of Professional Dog Trainers’ webinars. Carla has coached teams at Power Dog Training Centre (Italy) and was a popular presenter at the 2021 World Detector Dog Organization Conference (USA). Carla’s working Brittanys hold titles in the CKC field and urban tracking, NASDA lost item recovery, and multi High in Trial wins in scent detection.

PRICES
• Working spot: $150 per dog per day
• Audit 4 hours: $50
• Dogs of all ages are welcome.
• The target odor is human scent and/or articles. Ask us if you want to trail another scent e.g. rat tea, deer, etc.

CAPDT members can claim 1 CEU per hour of learning. SIGN UP at https://www.barrettoffleash.com/seminars

02/24/2023

The fourth cat is a relatable example of a low visibility target in scent detection searches. Using olfaction, a detection dog can find the missing cat from farther away and much quicker than humans using vision. The same is true for lost rings, bed bugs, buried human remains, low-visibility missing persons in a dense forest, missing pets and nosework hides. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=563269932509714&set=a.560951246074916

Try scent detection and see if your dog enjoys finding lost items at Hunter's Heart scent detection clinic at The Beast Boutique (Calgary), March 24 - 26, 2023. The target odor is up to you. No previous experience required, and it’s fun for all ages. https://thebeastboutique.ca/uncategorized/scent-detection-intensive-clinic-march-24-25-26/ -2

02/21/2023

LAST CHANCE - Class starts this Wednesday, Feb. 22!
* Level 1 Obedience - 6 pm
* Canine Good Neighbour - 7 pm
* Scent Detection (All Levels) - 8 pm
At the Beast Boutique, 4 – 6115 4 St SE (by Glenmore & Blackfoot Tr., Calgary) Price: $250 + GST, for 6 weeks
SIGN UP TODAY! Grab the last spots before they're gone.
* Phone 403-452-5232 or email [email protected]
Learn more: https://scentdetection.huntersheart.com/classes-start-jan-11-at-the-beast-boutique

02/01/2023

Hunter’s Heart Intensive SCENT DETECTION CLINIC 2023
March 24 – 26 at the Beast Boutique, Calgary

BEGINNERS – We’ll train your dog to recognize a new scent. No previous experience is required.
ADVANCED – How to Read Your Dog, Distractions, Elevation. Handle challenges, debrief, and take your detection handling to the next level.

PRICES
• Working spot: $150 per dog per day + tax
• Audit 4 hours: $50 + tax (no dog)

DETAILS
• Dogs of all ages are welcome, but puppies need their second vaccinations.
• All beginners must attend the online orientation on Friday, so you’re prepared for the weekend of training. Advanced teams are welcome at orientation, but it’s optional.
• Choose your target odor: a cocktail of nosework scents (birch + anise + clove + wintergreen + cypress + pine), or human scent. It’s up to you.
• Ask us if you want to train another odor e.g. antlers, keys, snakeskins, etc.
• Every participant must sign the waiver to attend, including spectators.
• Prepayment is required and registration is non-refundable.
• The clinic will run, rain or shine.
• Bring plenty of high-value food rewards e.g. cheese, weiners, rollover, or tuna fudge.
• Bring a 10 ft longline and tracking harness if you have one. If you don’t, ask to borrow our long line. Dogs must search on a buckle collar or harness. You will not be allowed to search in choke, martingale, pinch, or shock collars.
• Just like competitions and deployments, reactive and aggressive dogs may be present in this busy public area in central Calgary. Dogs must wait in your vehicle until it’s your turn to search. Only one dog will be in the room during the search. Dogs must be on leash and under control at all times unless instructed to take the leash off.
• You will receive more information a few days before the clinic.

REGISTER NOW
(403) 452-5232
Email: [email protected]
Instructor: Carla Simon, CKC Judge, and Hunter's Heart Detection K9 handler.
Thanks for 197,000 Views!
About: https://scentdetection.huntersheart.com/

01/21/2023

LAST CHANCE! Classes start Sat. Jan. 28 at Barrett Dog Sports
Tracking and Mantrailing, noon – Only 1 spot left
New Scent Detection, mixed levels at 3 pm – Beginners intro to target odor, Advanced Handling Challenges
Canine Good Neighbour prep class at 1:30 – 2 spots left
Instructor: Carla Simon, Hunter’s Heart
$250 + GST
Sign up at https://www.barrettoffleash.com/aboutourclasses

12/18/2022

This photo shows why scent detection handlers want our dogs to start figuring out the scent puzzle right from the start of the search. Like a phone "acquiring signal", scent detection dogs filter and analyze a wealth of data. Where handlers see a bleak landscape, our dogs have a rich experience using their noses.

A fun visual representation of what your dog sees (smells) every day. Look at how noisy it is and how many tracks there are intertwining. The different animals, people, and dogs movement in just one area. The snow lets us humans see the history of this area and what animals and people have passed through. A dog will smell this every day and know who and what animals have passed through. Smellavision!!!!

Dogs are incredible.

Imagine tracking and detection dogs needing to filter out all this noise and track a single scent down. Amazing!

(Note this is a fun representation, not accurate)

11/12/2022

Recognizing Our Veterans, Past & Present

11/02/2022

Hunter's Heart Brittany puppies learning how to play.
https://fb.watch/gx-GFLcmD5/

07/05/2022

Do you train working dogs, detection dogs, service dogs, search and rescue, therapy dogs or other dogs with jobs? The Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers wants to provide insurance that covers your specific needs. Please complete CAPDT's three-question public poll (before August 1, 2022). The results may be used to negotiate more affordable national insurance for working dog trainers, handlers, and supporters. Thank you in advance for participating in our poll today to support and build Canada's capacity for working dogs.
https://forms.gle/Tnj6fSKaQn1uCSmK8

06/29/2022

Wondering how to progress your scent detection training? Looking for solutions for a dog that chews the scented article? Confused about choosing a scent? Get answers to your canine scent detection training questions at CAPDT's live webinar with Dr. Carla Simon, CAPDT Working Dog Committee Chair and owner of Hunter's Heart Scent Detection Training.

Whether you're training your first dog, or you're a professional detection dog handler, this webinar will provide tips on preventing common errors and troubleshooting sniffer dog training challenges. Carla's approach maximizes motivation by combining errorless learning and effective rewards-based training. Following the presentation, there will be a live Q&A period.

ZOOM WEBINAR: Sunday, July 10, 2022, 6 - 8 pm MT (5 pm PT / 7 pm CT / 8 pm ET)

This webinar is directed at CAPDT members and Hunter's Heart alumni, so it assumes you have a basic understanding of rewards-based dog training, but the public is also welcome. Please register in advance. (Note that this event will be recorded and by submitting your video for feedback, you consent to sharing that video at the event and in the recording).

REGISTER in advance at:
http://ow.ly/oN1a50JKg5n

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

QUESTIONS? You are invited to email questions in advance to [email protected]. (You may include a link to a 1-3 minute training video that you post on YouTube). Submissions will close on July 7, at noon MT. Carla will respond to as many questions as time allows.

06/28/2022

LAST CHANCE to join our Scent Detection, Tracking, and Canine Good Neighbor classes starting July 2 at Barrett Dog Sports. Students get access to troubleshooting on our private Facebook group for students and alumni, and online lessons, with these popular hybrid classes.
Sign up at www.barrettdogsports.ca

https://fb.watch/dXdKAdGrJb/

05/16/2022

Many clients ask which dog training vest to use. My favorite is the Helsitar Training Vest, (see photo). Learn more in my blog post, the Top 6 Dog Training Vests, Bait Bags and Aprons to carry rewards and supplies outdoors in all types of extreme weather: https://scentdetection.huntersheart.com/blog/top-6-dog-training-vests-bait-bags-and-aprons

Photo by Cat Fauvelle

The Top 6 Dog Training Vests, Bait Bags and Aprons blog post for dog trainers and handlers to keep all the rewards and gear organized for outdoor training sessions in extreme conditions.

05/08/2022

Happy Mother's Day, to all of the mothers who take care of us.

05/04/2022

May the 4th Be With You on Star Wars day, and in all of your adventures.
This animated video shows 2 dogs and a cat in space suits.

04/27/2022

We've got some great classes lined up for May that just make "scents"!

Tracking
Wonder if your dog would be good at Search and Rescue?
Want to train your dog to follow the evidence left on the trail behind a tracklayer?
Train your dog for CKC/AKC tracking tests at Barrett Dog Sports
All levels of trackers enjoy this class. Your instructor is Carla Simon, a professional sniffer dog trainer with CKC field and urban tracking titles. Her approach is so clear and fun!

Canine Good Neighbour
Interested in training your dog to be a therapy dog for an organization like PALS? Want to learn how to start training an Owner Trained Service Dog? Or maybe you just want a well-behaved pet, that even your neighbours enjoy? Teaching your dog the skills required to pass the Canine Good Neighbour Test is the first step.

Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Scent Detection
Whether you want to start training scent detection for fun, you’re competing in nosework at the Elite international level, or your training a dog for deployments (e.g. Search and Rescue), we’ll help you to succeed with our proven protocols.
Every dog can learn to find target odor.
We’ll explain what to do at every step so it’s easy.

www.barrettdogsports.ca to register!

Calgary Scent Detection Training for Sniffer Dogs by Hunter's Heart

04/17/2022

Have a happy holiday weekend! One of the ways of including your dog is to set up a scavenger hunt. Get started by letting your dog watch while you sprinkle food rewards around your yard or house. (Don’t forget to remove chocolate and breakable items from the search area, to prevent injury.) Alternately, you can hide food in a snuffle mat, Kong toy, or food puzzle. All help satisfy the dog’s need to sniff and hopefully bring joyful smiles to the spectators as well.
What did you do with your dog on the holiday? Please share in the comments.

Learn more https://vimeo.com/409618801/6b7b92c1c8 =11s

04/12/2022

Thanks to the Whitehorse Woofers Dog Club for inviting me to judge UKC nosework for you at the end of the month! COVID delayed us a few years, but it looks like we’ll finally get to share a fun weekend of scent detection. The last time I went to Whitehorse was in 2009 for mushing with Eeva. It was an unforgettable experience. As a child in Havilland Bay, Ontario, we lived off the grid, and I memorized Robert Service’s poem “The Cremation of Sam McGee.” So when Eeva wanted to chase the Northern Lights, we chose Lake Laberge as our Yukon destination. It didn’t disappoint. While there weren’t any Northern Lights on that trip, the beauty of the Arctic winter was inspiring. I’m looking forward to visiting again.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=carlalsimon&set=a.10223742770370557

Eeva and Carla's dogsledding trip to Lake Laberge, Yukon.

04/09/2022

Let your dog choose whether to indicate by sitting or lying down, based on how they encounter the odor plume. Similar challenges occur when the scent is found under bleachers, or between a sidewalk curb and a concrete parking lot bumper, on stairs, etc.

03/23/2022

Does your dog love to sniff? Do you enjoy spending time with your dog outdoors? Wonder if your dog would be good at Search and Rescue? Join Hunter's Heart on April 1, 2 & 3 for a motivational tracking seminar in Calgary. INFO https://scentdetection.huntersheart.com/tracking_seminar_ap22
REGISTER https://www.barrettoffleash.com/seminars?utm_campaign=f90c6bc1-ea9e-485d-aec3-04c9249d92bb&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=e6101a23-1e06-4404-92ff-fce3139ba59d

03/08/2022

Here’s to the inspiring women who train and handle canines, frequently balancing the demands of their work with taking care of their loved ones. Who is inspiring you on International Women’s Day?
In this photo, a female handler rewards her Black and Tan Coonhound for indicating a handler scented glove while carrying her baby. Animated text for International Women’s Day 2022.


https://www.linkedin.com/posts/carla-simon-consultant_workingdog-capdt-dogtraining-activity-6907045588114767872-hXNY

02/06/2022

Save the date - TRACKING WEEKEND, Calgary
April 1-3, 2022, Registration Opens Soon
Instructor: Carla Simon
Location: Barrett Dogsports (2 km East of Calgary off 22X)

· Fri. April 1, 6-8 pm - Preparing for Tracking Training - $30
· Sat. April 2, 1-5 pm - $150 working spot, $50 for auditing
· Sun. April 3, 1-5 pm - $150 for a working spot, $50 for auditing
· Save with a working spot for all three days - $300 (same handler and dog).
· Maximum: 6 working spots + 10 auditors.
FUN IS GUARANTEED
· Suitable for all levels. Your instructor will adjust the training to suit your experience.
· No prior experience is required (for beginner teams). Bring a hungry dog and lots of high-value food rewards, e.g., tripe, steak, rollover.
· We use rewards only, to build motivation for tracking. We’ll set you up for success, clear communication that minimizes confusion, using proven protocols that have worked for thousands of students worldwide. We will not correct a dog for making mistakes.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
· For indication training, you will need a target plate, e.g., top of a yogurt container, food dish, piece of silicone, or rubber placement. Bring a chair for you to relax, lots of water for your dog.
· You’ll need a longline. Most teams use 20-30 ft Biothane longlines without a handle.
· All dogs must track in a buckle collar or tracking harness.
· Newbees will receive ten flags to get you started.
RULES
· The prices above exclude tax. Please add GST to those prices when you purchase. All participants must sign a waiver and present a valid QR code to participate.
· Lessons will run, rain or shine. Please come dressed for the changing weather.
· Like tracking tests and deployments, all dogs must wait in their cars until it’s their turn.
· Dog-dog interaction is never allowed. Never let your dog approach, sniff, or greet any other animal at the property, including horses and dogs. There may be reactive or aggressive dogs onsite. All dogs must be on leash and under control at all times. Failure to follow the rules may result in being excused immediately, without a refund, entirely at the discretion of your instructor. Let’s play safe, and everyone can have fun!
Registration or payment questions? Contact Barrett Dog Sports (403) 860-5763, [email protected]
Tracking questions? Email Carla at [email protected]