Search Tall

20/03/2025

Nice to see support of the way in which I start dogs on target odor. For many years now I introduce birch, anise and clove at the same time but use them seperately, rotating through them daily in training sessions.

I have found this has produced strong work for all targets since it results in equal reinforcement history for each one. This also keeps me from having to go back and split out each odor individually.

K9sensus created a nice info graphic to explain this in support of the studies finding.

Research Highlight!

The Impact of Training Method on Odor Learning and Generalization in Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fcom0000390

As you read this study, you can get caught up in some of the terminology, so I made sure to highlight some of the definitions! As you know, I'm big on definitions. The things to note, they word 'intermixed' does not mean 'cocktail' as we commonly use it in trainer slang. In this instance it means they trained each odor individually concurrently instead of consecutively. Reading research papers can sometimes be overwhelming!

Here's one of the pieces that stood out for me!

"This study reveals that dogs trained using a concurrent training method (intermixed) performed significantly better on generalization tests than those trained using sequential or compound methods. This work therefore provides strong evidence that detection dogs should be trained using an intermixed method, as this provides a practical, robust, and cost-effective approach to increasing olfactory generalization, and therefore efficacy in detection dog training."

The way the study was designed allowed for specific comparison of the three different methods and then tested the dogs ability to generalize the odors.

If you want the full study, you can always request a copy from the researcher directly.

When we know better, we do better!

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18/03/2025

NACSW L1E/NW2/NW1/L1C in Ft Pierce Draw Opens tomorrow, 3/19 @ noon.

I get many questions about trial entries and how it all works and why is it random? NACSW addresses those questions for you in this post.

NACSW uses a random draw to select dog-handler teams for each trial. A random draw involves selecting teams by chance, much like drawing names from a hat. NACSW uses the Excel random number function to select teams which provides both fairness and convenience. Sometimes people ask why, after enterin...

14/03/2025

Somehow it's already the middle of March and the NACSW L1E/NW2/NW1/L1C trial in Ft. Pierce is quickly approaching. If you are interested in privates or coaching sessions during the month of April please send me a message.

After a few issues recently I think that it is best to clarify some details on private sessions:
If you sign up and coordinate a time slot with me that time is yours! At the time you schedule I will ask you for a general idea of what you are looking to work on, what you most need feedback on or things you are currently struggling with in order to determine how best to set searches and hides for you.

Please take note I'm not your doctor or dentist and don't confirm your scheduled time a day in advance unless there is a problem or when rescheduling is necessary due to a change in availability or inclement weather.

I also understand that things happen and sometimes you have to cancel or reschedule and the cancellation policy for in person training can now be found here: https://searchtall.com/coaching/

13/03/2025

Only 2 days left to get your entries in for Fetch in Plantation on March 30th!

09/03/2025

I am excited to be helping to bring NACSW trials back to South East Florida!

Two days and FOUR different Trials! Saturday, April 26th L1E Element Specialty and NW2 and Sunday, April 27th NW1 and L1C Element Specialty in Fort Pierce, FL!

Draw for entries opens March 19th at Noon. Trial Premium and Entry links can be found here: https://otcpbc.org/nacsw-events/

I am not the host of this trial but am the Volunteer Coordinator and am calling on the local nose work community for help to make these trials successful so more will come in the future. Come help for a full or half day. Signup to volunteer by completing the Google form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUb2nSUIPGcIa4TOPzgL-XAqg5wKkyXLpYB43rJmaHrRQpWA/viewform

Don't forget NACSW has recently changed their volunteer rewards program to allow you to accumulate your volunteer days over time, no longer limited to a 12 month period, for an extra draw entry.

26/02/2025

It's finally time for me to open scheduling back up for Private Lessons and Coaching on select Saturdays in March!

Message me for scheduling!

24/02/2025

We will be holding the AKC FETCH TEST on March 30, 2025 in Plantation FL. Novice - Retriever levels will be offered. Two judges and a chance to earn your FETCH title.

PREMIUM:
www.humanek9.com
www.searchtall.com/events
https://webapps.akc.org/event-search/ #/results

Event photos: Lindsey Smith https://www.lsphotosmith.com

24/02/2025

Search Tall and HumaneK9 Dog Training LLC are co-hosting a Fetch Test on March 30th in Plantation, FL.

Two judges and all levels are being offered.

Don't miss out on your chance to try Fetch before the summer heat is here!
Premium and Event Details:https://searchtall.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Fetch-Premium_March_30-_2025.pdf

17/02/2025

Podcasts are not really my thing, especially if they are more than 20 minutes or so. It's strange because I really love audio books; I can listen to someone telling me a story for hours on end. I think that podcasts normally give me the feeling that I am being talked at more than talked to.

Today I came across a podcast episode by my dog's Chiro, Wendy, of Equalign that kind of was in line with my post the other day about being open minded. Short listen but a great message.

Right around 4:45 Wendy makes a comment that I think is the most missed when it comes to being an open minded learner and just to paraphrase her message: Adding value does not have to require you must subtract something else. You aren't required to give up anything or change everything you do while taking in a new perspective or idea.

This is a process we have had our whole career. If we go to a seminar we believe that if we come away having learned one new thing then the seminar was a success. Learn one new thing per month, per week, per day, whatever you are comfortable with ...

12/02/2025

A couple weeks ago I responded to a request for suggestions on how to "up food game" in a nosework group. Normally I don't comment on posts because either I don't have time or I don't want to start an argument with strangers who's minds I am never going to change.

But hey for once someone asked a question about something that I feel really strongly about, food play! So I responded about focusing on the HOW food was delivered versus WHAT the food was and I was promptly pooped on!

I found food play by accident really and it is one of the best things that I have been able to incorporate into my own dogs training. Raleigh's nosework journey was saved by food play. It was one of the main changes that brought enjoyment back to searching for her. It pulled her out of retirement from nosework and allowed her to finish her Elite Championship and just have fun with me again. I love sharing with others and seeing dogs light up with this kind of play while searching.

The best thing to remember about dog training is that nothing is one sized fits all; we can all do things differently and find success.

Here is a video of Swagger running a container search between my classes last night. I make some different training choices here, some that might ruffle some folks feathers. Would I make these same choices with all of my dogs, NOPE, but Swagger is wildly different from Raleigh and Cash. Running, jumping on me and chasing food around are all things he values so why wouldn't I leverage that!

So be different; don't be afraid to try something new or go against "the norm" to find more fun in your training!

11/02/2025

Registrations for the March Coaching Day in Plantation will open at 9am on February 12!
Event info and registration->searchtall.com/events

27/01/2025

DATE CORRECTION: March 16th!

Heading back to Broward in mid March for another Coaching Day!
There will be two half day sessions with limited number of working spots; sessions will be split based on trialing and working experience level.

I will open up sign-ups soon. Keep your eyes on FB or searchtall.com for updates.

02/01/2025

Odor Recognition Test at Eager Pup in Gainesville, FL opened for registration
https://eagerpup.com/

27/12/2024

Beginning Nosework: Intro to Odor class is in planning!

The dates and time are still in work but will be on Saturday afternoons. I normally only teach this class once, maybe twice a year. So if you have been waiting to start this might be your chance.

Message me here or send me an email: [email protected] if you are interested.

24/12/2024

This weekend wrapped up a very busy December for Search Tall.

The first two Friday's I held Mock Trial Events at two locations in Jupiter to help complete my NACSW Certifying Official requirements. Many thanks to all that came to help and search.

This weekend was extensive! It started on Friday with a Coaching Day in Plantation, FL at an Equestrian Park. There were two sessions NW2/NW3/Master/Detective Group and NW1/Novice/Advanced Group. I enjoyed working with the 14 teams that attended. The site was amazing and I hope to be back again to search with my dogs and for some more coaching opportunities.

Saturday was a AKC Fetch Test co-hosted and co-judged with HumaneK9 Dog Training LLC in Plantation, FL. Marni assembled a fabulous committee who were great to work with and provided some delicious refreshments. Thanks to all the volunteers; this event could not have gone any smoother and it was a pleasure to be a part of it. A great group of teams came out to have fun with their dogs and there were many qualifying runs and titles earned.

The following day I headed down to South West Ranches, FL to run in my first AKC Tracking Test hosted by Miami Obedience Club with Swagger. It was the first time I had been entered in a test but we ended up running a really nice track and found the glove at the end so Swagger now has a TD title and I am looking forward to more with him! Appreciative of MOC for gathering such a great group to put on this test, hope I can help at the next one.

What a fun way to end the month and year! Looking forward to 2025 for more coaching days and other events to keep the South Florida sport dog community engaged!

09/12/2024

Shameless brag for my baby boy Swagger!

Deleon Springs, FL Elite was his second Elite trial and we found 15/19 hides and even came in 2nd Place and Pronounced in the Fire Ring search, 9th Place Overall and was the smallest dog in the top 10 dogs.

Very proud of him and his work today. Great stamina and accuracy all day. So much fun searching with him! Can't believe just last year he competed in his first NW3 trial at this same site and earned a Qualifier.

Here is his Fire Ring search, he definitely took an interesting path and it surprised the heck out of me when I found out he actually came in 2nd Place on this one.

2nd Place search

28/11/2024

I need help! It's been requested that I complete my Mock Trial Videos sooner than later for NACSW CO Training and I still need NW1 and NW2 Vehicle and Interior searches and one NW3 search (either Vehicles if I can rouse them or an Exterior)

So local nosework people I need a couple groups of people to meet me for some blind trial style searches.

Friday, Dec 6th and Friday, Dec 13th! Both days will be in the Jupiter area. I need NW1 - NW3 level dogs for this. If you are scared of running blind or I might be able to use you as Dog in White and someone to video the searches too!

I will need around six teams to run blind searches and 1 DIW for each day. Please send me a message if you are available one or both days.

22/11/2024

New Title Medals and Qualifying ribbons arrived yesterday for the HumaneK9 Dog Training LLC and Search Tall co-hosted AKC Fetch Test on December 21st!

There are still some openings for each test so make sure to get your entries in so you can take home some of these beauties home!
Premium and Scent details here:
https://searchtall.com/events/