Sniffer Dog Training Calgary

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/

01/04/2024

7 DAYS TO SCENT DETECTION | HUNTER’S HEART
Mixed Scent Classes Starts Wed. Jan. 10, 2024, 8 – 9 pm
• By default, we’ll provide a handler-scented article. (Ask us if you want to train medical alert, nosework, NASDA, etc. and we’ll explain how to prepare your samples.)
• Mixed levels – We’ll adjust to your needs. Requests are welcome e.g. new target odor, nosework competition, troubleshooting or double blind testing.
• Beginner teams – Learn how to introduce a new target odor and build motivation for searching.
• Choose scent detection or urban tracking.
• Reward using food or toys.
• There is only one dog in the room at a time, so that reactive dogs can succeed.
• Puppies welcome with vaccinations.
• $250.00 + GST for 6 weekly one-hour classes.
• Minimum enrolment – 2 students. No refunds unless minimum enrolment is not met.
• Instructor: Carla Simon, professional scent detection/medical alert trainer.
• Hybrid classes - in person at the Beast Boutique plus online course (if you’d like to do homework).
• Register 403-452-5232, https://thebeastboutique.ca/training-seminars/

12/25/2023

Seasons greetings to all of our clients, friends and families! May 2024 be a year full of new adventures!

12/11/2023

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Linzi Williamson on behalf of the CAPDT, in “Evaluating and Researching the Animal-Human Interactions: An introduction to the Pawsitive Connections Lab”. One of the things I learned was that service dogs frequently provide benefits to the families and friends of their owner. While a service dog is trained specifically to perform mitigating tasks to help their owner (like interrupting nightmares for an owner with PTSD), Dr. Williamson’s research also highlighted the larger role that service dogs play in the overall support system of connecting family and close friends. Thanks Linzi, for sharing your knowledge and making many of your resources free to the public.

Thanks to the participants for submitting questions! As always, I appreciate your support.

For those of you who couldn’t attend,
• the recording of Part 1 (the presentation) is at: https://lnkd.in/dDQErPwv.
• the slides are at: https://lnkd.in/dxU-b4pw, and
• Part 2 (the Q&A) is at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tTYm2hSJqpwMj4AOmFOXEUSCtWByFogN/view?usp=sharing.

10/18/2023

Canine influenza was identified in a dog in Calgary this October, according to the University of Guelph, Centre for Public Health & Zoonoses. Learn more about the potential risks and steps you might take to protect your dog at https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2023/10/articles/animals/dogs/canine-influenza-in-alberta/?fbclid=IwAR2eAoLOV73AJLMCX1J24aObKd21C1byldsJL_5bxqPMhAz_2-y_8jynW94

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

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.
• Students 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

Ruby (a Brittany puppy) enjoys training at the Calgary Airport, and the distractions are always novel. For example, on this trip she searched around the sliding doors, shiny floors and industrial vacuum cleaning.

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)

12/08/2022

Mustang (a service dog in training) enjoyed a visit to Bass Pro yesterday. With the windchill it was -33 ° C, so our snowsuit came in handy.
Hunters Heart Mustang is an 11-week-old Brittany puppy who is available for adoption by a suitable family. He needs a job to do.

11/12/2022

Recognizing Our Veterans, Past & Present

11/02/2022

Puppies learning to play tug.
https://fb.watch/gx-GFLcmD5/

09/11/2022

Join us for a fun match on Sept. 18 (Irricana, AB), to practice finding a handler-scented article inspired by NASDA Rules. Please note that this fun match is not endorsed by NASDA, does not represent NASDA and will not grant any qualifying legs towards titles. It's a fun match for friends and students to have fun practicing new challenges.

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/

06/21/2022

I'm looking forward to the "Becoming a Dog Trainer in Canada" free live webinar tomorrow by Scarlett MacKenzie, President of CAPDT.

It promises to be an entertaining and lively Q&A, and I hope to "see you" in the Zoom chat at https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fzoom.us%2Fj%2F94932848583%3Fpwd%3DUkFGTnU3RlRnRzhMSEhHOEdzbGkrdz09%26fbclid%3DIwAR2nobBCjErCuzzzygDecYWCbBC4jxBxKJYfdfkrr7PsXTsHR0UmyCS567E&h=AT3HKfpOz3aOjW_WjxIbnEv-FNYNHlkGthBaxjInVyD5X1ZhJP4wPAJF0D6SgCVEn5oezsmnTZIE_eTSnonOJ66VdPBosxtndgVaw-90h8IPF63LfMg9gq3h4L3L6ovjSQ&__tn__=q&c[0]=AT3ZVEgtZsQi0OY-Po4Mt5uQMgg6HZtQI6NR-rl2Tp16fLBDfMR4EppXESUl8FrrLEfBEQ-iKZV3YzjY63GVkf0a2CluILQcKx47dLNORGZVDWDjRqBK5R5Z-zWUskKmQrFLixYMeqdjnenEc1au1CKd

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/events/5178063448922996/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

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.