Scent Detection
This course is designed as an introduction to anyone who wants to learn sport Scent Detection. It uses Wintergreen as the primary odour which is the odour that is used for CKC Instinct and Novice level competitions. The course incorporates elements of “real life” scent detection also, such as teaching a passive indicator; proofing with competing odours; and outdoor finds.
Students are required to purchase their own scent boxes and essential oil for practice at home, however; all supplies are provided at the lessons. A full list of supplies will be provided upon enrollment.
The first lesson is a seminar type session followed a week later by the first practical lesson with dogs. After that, the lessons are spread out every two weeks for the duration of the course to give the student ample time to practice technique before moving on to the next lesson.
Lesson 1 (No Dog)
How to Charge a Marker.
Timing Your Marker.
Discussion On Jackpotting.
Choosing An Indicator.
Choosing Your Command.
Discussion On Equipment.
Lesson 2
Field Search Using Tennis Balls Impregnated With Odour.
How To Work On Your Dog’s Final Indicator Independently.
Lesson 3
How To Shape Behaviour.
Difference Between Free-Shaping and Shaping.
Shaping Going To the Platform.
Shaping the Box.
Choosing Your Final Reward.
Lesson 4
Adding a Second Scent Box.
Working On Your Dog’s Final Indicator.
Direct Reward.
Terminal Marker Work.
Lesson 5
Multiple Scent boxes.
Direct Reward At Hot Box.
Using Different Setups.
Lesson 6
Multiple Boxes.
Merging Indicator Work
Different Setups.
Working On Indicator With Final Reward Distraction.
Lesson 7
Searching Independently.
Introducing Final Reward.
Thresholds and Keeping Your Dog Motivated.
Refining Indicator At Source.
Delaying Reward.
Lesson 8
Introducing Competing Motivators.
Proofing Odour.
Extended Search.
Demo of “Real Life” Search.
Lesson 9
Proofing.
Eliminating Boxes.
Search From Start to Finish.
Mock Trial.
