Canadian Tracking Dogs

12/25/2023

Seasons Greetings! May 2024 be a year full of new adventures!

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.

04/24/2023

I'm looking forward to attending Simon Prins Tracking seminar on May 5 - 11, 2023 in Calgary.

Starting as a new virtual "facility" the Calgary Working Dog Center will be providing seminars and services to support the working dog community in the Calgary area.

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 from 2 - 3:30 pm, starting April 1, 2023.
• 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 articles 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…

02/24/2023

The fourth cat is a relatable example of a low visibility target in canine searches. Using olfaction, a dog can find the missing cat from farther away and much quicker than humans using vision. The same is true for low-visibility missing persons, evidence on the track, lost items, etc.

Try tracking, trailing and finding lost items at Hunter's Heart intensive clinic at Barrett Dog Sports (Calgary), March 17 - 19, 2023 https://www.barrettoffleash.com/seminars

Find the 4th cat 🐱 ... and don't cheat!
It took me one and a half hour to find it.

02/24/2023

The fourth cat is a relatable example of a low visibility target in canine scent detection. Using olfaction, a dog can find the missing cat using scent from farther away and much quicker than humans using vision. The same is true for evidence on the track, bed bugs, lost items, etc.

Find the 4th cat 🐱 ... and don't cheat!
It took me one and a half hour to find it.

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

01/03/2023

9 DAYS LEFT! New classes start Wed. Jan 11, 2023, at the Beast Boutique (by Glenmore x Blackfoot Tr., Calgary)
* PUPPY Fun and Games, 6 – 6:55 pm, $245 + tax – Includes puppy tracking, hide and seek, sniffing games, pre-agility, 5-balls, tug, flirt, etc. Start your tracking training indoors in the winter, and build a solid foundation for your puppy’s future. No experience is required, and you’ll have fun at every class.
* CANINE GOOD NEIGHBOUR Prep, 7 – 7:55 pm, $252.95 + tax
* SCENT Detection Beginners, 8 – 8:55 pm, $252.95 + tax - In just 6 weeks, we’ll teach your dog to search for handler-scented articles or nosework target odor.
* Your instructor is Carla Simon, a professional scent detection trainer who has bred working dogs for 20+ years.
* Try a new adventure with your dog. Our popular hybrid classes include online learning to supplement hands-on practice.

SIGN UP NOW! Max. 6 students.
* Phone the Beast Boutique: (403) 452-5232
* Email: [email protected]
* Online: thebeastboutique.ca
* Learn more: https://scentdetection.huntersheart.com/classes-start-jan-11-at-the-beast-boutique

12/18/2022

This photo shows why tracking handlers want our dogs to start figuring out the scent puzzle right from the scent pad. Like a phone "acquiring signal", scent detection dogs filter and analyze a wealth of data. Where handlers see a bleak landscape, our dogs discriminate in a contaminated environment 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 Tracking, Scent Detection, 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.

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

04/09/2022

Let your dog choose whether to indicate by sitting or lying down, based on how they encounter the odor plume. Similar challenges occur when they find a blown article 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]

01/11/2022

Registration is open for: TRACKING CLASSES (CALGARY)
SATURDAYS, 1 - 2 pm
Instructor: Carla Simon
Location: Barrett Dog Sports
Starting Jan. 22, 2022, X 6 weeks
$262 + tax

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 for CKC or AKC tracking tests?

All levels of trackers enjoy this class, with acres of field to track on, only 2 km East of Calgary. Your instructor is Carla Simon, a professional sniffer dog trainer with CKC field and urban tracking titles. Her approach is so straightforward and fun that a 4-month-old puppy demonstrates: https://vimeo.com/659900432/bdef3639de.

LEVELS:
This is a mixed-level class.
• Beginner-Intermediate dogs will prepare you for your first CKC/AKC tracking test or Search and Rescue. We’ll start indoors, training your dog to indicate a glove/evidence. Then we’ll do scent pads and motivational tracking outdoors in the fields. We rely on putting rewards in every footstep, e.g., food for most teams (or toys where the dog strongly prefers). We will set your dog up for success instead of correcting them for going off track.
• Advanced dogs will start with an assessment, and then we’ll tailor indication training and tracks to your level.

EQUIPMENT:
Classes will run, rain or shine, so come dressed for the weather. We recommend dog booties and coats. ALL dogs must track on a tracking harness (recommended) or buckle collar. Please bring three cheap gloves, a hungry dog, lots of high-value food rewards, and water. We recommend a 15-40 ft Biothane longline. If you purchase from Wendy Krenzel at [email protected], ask her for my student discount, and she will deliver to Calgary with a lifetime guarantee. If you can’t get one on time, you can borrow one at the first class. I’ll provide 5 flags to get you started.

RULES:
Dog-dog interactions are never allowed. All dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times, so it’s safe for everyone. Do not let your dog approach any other animal. There is zero tolerance for aggression, which may be immediately excused without a refund. Dogs must wait in your car until it’s their turn to track, like real tracking competitions and deployments.

CONTENT QUESTIONS? Email Carla at [email protected]. Info: https://nosework.huntersheart.com/trackingcalgary/

REGISTRATION
Online: https://barrettoffleash.as.me/schedule.php?appointmentType=29322697
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (403) 860-5763

Registration is open now for TRACKING CLASSES (CALGARY), SATURDAYS, 1 – 2 pm, Starting Jan. 22, 2022. All levels of trackers enjoy this class, with acres of field to track on, only 2 km East …

09/11/2021

Hunters Heart Rickard’s Red completed his Urban Tracking Dog UTD pre-test certificate. Thanks to judge Donna Brinkworth for making it fun, and allowing me to share her photos. Were looking forward to more tracking tests this fall.