Utility Scent Discrimination Send

[ShatteringGlass]

Since Shane has the scenting and retrieve of this exercise down, I'm going to start making it more formal when we train, like do it the same way as we would in a trial. My question is about the send for the exercise. In AKC, you are allowed to either send your dog directly after you turn, or have your dog sit at heel after you turn to face the articles, then send your dog.

Just curious as to what send people use and why. I think Im going to have Shane sit at heel after we turn, just so I know he's facing the articles.

[GranvilleGSD]

I'm not up to Utility training yet, but I've wondered this myself watching at the trials. I think when I do get there I will have my dog sit first so I don't end up with the dog anticipating the send.

[IliamnasQuest]

I started showing in utility before they allowed different types of turns, so I've always done the turn and sit.

The downside to it is that it's one more sit that a judge can score - so if your dog sits crooked, you're going to lose a point or so.

I prefer it, however, as I feel it gives me more control overall. I would rather turn and have my dog acknowledge me before I sent her, than to have her zoom straight out of the turn without a sit. I think most (at least in my area) people do the turn and sit. But it would also depend on the dog. If you have a dog that is truly focused on the articles, I could see you sending directly from the turn.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

[Samba]

I am teaching both. Just have to see what ends up working the best with the dog.

[dobedvm]

I send my dog after the sit - yes the sit can be scored, but what is also scored is the dog turning too wide and making a huge loop to the pile. It would depend on each dog - my male is entirely too hyped up for articles, so he needs the sit to slow him down and make him think. My female may need more drive out to the pile, so for her a direct send may be an option. She'd never dream of leaving me to get the article without a word from me - my male is positively shaking by the time my article is put out there and it would be a battle to have him not just fly past me to get it without any turn at all (which has happened before).