More blind hides in new places.
Bo went to the dentist today, not for his teeth but to search for drugs! He had never been here and they were all blind hides for me.
Koda-Loose leash walking
Koda-8 months old
This girl used to drag her owners down the block.
Now look at that beautiful loose leash and engagement. Those objects are her toys and today she learned to ignore them when asked and to be engaged with her owner instead. 🤩
(2/2)
Vehicle searches, very different sizes.
I want a dog to be comfortable searching vehicles on lead and off.
Off lead, he is free to search the area how he wants and follow scent to source. On lead, I’m choosing which way we go around the car, how many times we circle it, which cars we’re searching, etc. and he has to stick with the scent as I keep moving. Very different ways of searching, both are important to practice.
(1/2)
Vehicle searches, very different sizes.
I want a dog to be comfortable searching vehicles on lead and off.
Off lead, he is free to search the area how he wants and follow scent to source. On lead, I’m choosing which way we go around the car, how many times we circle it, which cars we’re searching, etc. and he has to stick with the scent as I keep moving. Very different ways of searching, both are important to practice.
I do a lot of open area/room “free searches” where I release Bo to find the drugs on his own and let him work it out. Then if he’s struggling, I go in and detail. I prefer those types of searches, however it is important to also do searches where I am more involved, like walking him through a line search and making him check each bag. I like these because we can practice him sticking with the odor, even if I move on.
Intelligent Disobedience in dog training is when a dog disobeys its handler’s direction or command because the dog deems the action unsafe. This is an extremely important skill for guide dogs in particular, not crossing the street when told because there is a car coming. This was something I learned while working with Canine Companions for Independence in high school. Although this term is typically used in relation to guide dogs, I find it prevalent in narcotic detection as well. The dog stays with the odor even if the handler calls them off or tells them to check another area, because the dog knows what is going to get them their reward.
