NW415: Nosework Handler's Choice

This course is the handler's choice so it does not contain preset lectures, but contains lectures from past class topics.  Here is one lecture capturing thoughs and reflections on the sport of nosework:

I'm constantly reflecting on the sport of Nosework, it's growth and how we train the skills. 

The growth and popularity of Nosework/Scent Work is astronomical - with over 11 trialing organizations and many online opportunities now. The growth has been a little too fast in a sense that lately skills have been rushed and trialing has been quick to start. With any new sport (think agility and even obedience) we develop better techniques for training the skills and preparing for competition. With nosework being so new, we are still evolving and learning.

I don't have a magic wand (well, maybe it works sometimes :)) or set recipes to solve all the things, but I know my approach is to be simplistic. Nosework can be challenging, but I don't approach it with complexity. I believe most ideas have already been put out there so now our role is to think out of the box and be creative for our particular situation and partner. We may go back to a proven method, modify one that is out there or come up with something new.

Often a setback is due to a crack in our foundation - there always will be from time to time, or that we under or over train. It goes without saying that training actually helps our cause! Sometimes the most simplistic solution is to get out there and train. You are all here because of your motivation and commitment to train and improve your game. We got the most important part solved :).

We can be resourceful and look at other general training methods we can apply to affect arousal, proof for understanding, build motivation, improve handling, build skills, and plan our training sessions. None of this is new to dog training and we can take advantage of all these great advancements in dog training.

Everytime we are faced with a challenge, either with our own dog or a students, we learn. We learn a new way, a new perspective, a new approach. We may not have all the answers when a problem arises, but we will have the ability and resources to do our best to find a way to improve and change and grow. With so many learning opportunities out there, it comes down to using what makes sense to us. If we don't understand why we are doing something then we will never fully implement or execute the approach or method.

The excitement with the growth of scent detection sports is real and I'm happy to be on the ride with all of you and everyone else!