Dont get me wrong theres a bunch of errors here and certainly the hide isnt legal (too exposed). But on the topic of small dogs and high hides:
Her nose is just over 20 inches and it wasnt even that high when she picked the hide up which is just shy of 4 feet above the box. The box was set at 20 inches so the hide was roughly 4 feet above her nose when she caught it, and had aged about 3 minutes (this room was clear and it was an impulse set after we ran it and it aged while we quickly did a single room hide). While it wasnt really contained this shows you just how far from the hide your dogs can pick up odor, even more so when it has aged enough to off gas well. Stop selling your short dogs, well, short! And thanks to Sumi for making me look like I know how to train a Detection Dog finally 😂
Blue has a depth perception issue due to a vision problem with 1 eye. We've been experimenting with ways to help her learn to find a correct front position from the bad side AND have the patience to hold that position because, well, Malinois and patience aren't often synonymous 🤣 She's coming along well!
Routine bloodwork gave us a major surprise yesterday as Stryd tested Heartworm positive on a 4DX test. Today we test further to confirm it. She's asymptomatic and while we can't be sure if it was an Ivermectin failure or if she contracted it when we skipped a November dose due to potential pregnancy it's an important reminder to test! She's currently on cage rest (don't mind the mess, we haven't had a chance to vacuum and properly set up) and we are adjusting her nutrition as well as creating a variety of enrichment options as we plan our way forward should the positive be confirmed and treatment started.
This is why we recommend ALL dogs be crate trained! You never know when it will be needed and facing a choice of further stress to your dog or risks to their health if they aren't will only make difficult times that much more trying!
Sport Scent Detection Level 1, Week 3!
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Scroll down to Pets and then scroll to Competitive K9s!
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After a month off to deal with a fluid pocket on his neck/chest (caused by an inoperable lump of un determined but likely benign origin) Rychly and Steph hit the trial field for their GPR1. Rychly proved age is just a number, and while some issues with anticipation in the front, outing the dumbbell too early, and a 2nd command to down on the send away dropped their score significantly they kept it together and will make a run for the GPR2 in just under 2 weeks!
There's a new kid on the block - welcome Calli Hug to the CK9 team! Calli will be dropping in at classes now and then to meet you all as she joins us as a substitute instructor. She's been "raised" as a trainer/handler with us and now that we've reached a stage where there are days that Debra, Kitsune (Chris) and I all teach/have obligations at the same time needed someone we could call on from time time time if one of us needs a sub. Calli has agreed to fill that role.
Calli works and handles Vader, a GSD who is trained and tested in narcotics, trained for electronic device detection, and is in training for IGP/American Schutzhund. Many of you are familiar with this crazy dude as he and Calli have been with CK9 since he was a puppy.
Be nice to her, or at least as nice as you are to the rest of us!
Level 1 week 3 - removing food pairing to work odor only, with a party reward. Harder to get handlers to party than dogs usually ;)
