Scent detector dog training

[ladylaw203]

I have been using and teaching this method in seminars for twenty five years. Nothing new but folks it does work.


http://leerburg.com/flix/player.php?...paign=01022012

[abakerrr]

Cool! Any good websites that you might be able to recommend that break down the training process a little better?

I was initially thinking that 'reward from source' meant that the training reward (ball) was hidden in with the odor but rather it seems that when the dog indicates on the odor, the reward (ball) blindly comes from up over top/ to the side of him.

[Cassidy's Mom]

That's our scentwork trainer. I've been taking classes from Andrew for several months.

[Cassidy's Mom]

Originally Posted by abakerrr

I was initially thinking that 'reward from source' meant that the training reward (ball) was hidden in with the odor but rather it seems that when the dog indicates on the odor, the reward (ball) blindly comes from up over top/ to the side of him.

Initially, you would have two balls, the first one would be hidden with the odor to create an association between them. The dog is rewarded with the second ball, which is hidden on the handler, or in our case, Andrew throws the reward which he tucks under his arm while we search.

The K9 Nosework people have recently changed their rules to not allow throwing anything during trials, so the reward will have to be away from the source in the future.

[Cassidy's Mom]

You'll be able to buy a DVD soon:

Nosework Training with Andrew Ramsey: First Look - YouTube

Nosework Training with Andrew Ramsey: First Look - YouTube

About Andrew:

http://www.ramseyk9.com/RamseyK9-Ser...work-Home.html

[abakerrr]

Ok, so its essentially both. So lets say this is the first time working the dog in this method ,the scenario is set up as follows: Ball #1 hidden with odor in cardboard box amongst other cardboard boxes. Dog locates odor of substance (or at this point, maybe he is scenting the ball?). Dog indicates. Ball #2, which is hidden in arm pit or in pocket of handler, is launched towards the site of odor, but the dog doesn't see you do it. Success?

Is the association made with ball #1 because the dog can smell both the ball and odor together? There is no tearing through the barrier (cardboard box) to show the dog his ball is in there with the odor, right?

Love hearing about new methods.

[abakerrr]

Just saw the second video posted. Answers my question!

[ladylaw203]

The way we have been doing it forever is that the initial imprinting is done via a scented reward. I conduct retrieve drills with this.I also train the directionals using the scented reward. Then I place a large amount of target odor with the scented reward. When the dog exhibits final trained response, I flip over whatever it is and dog gets reward. As quickly as possible I remove the reward from the hide and dog is only alerting on the target odor. I now have the reward and deliver from under the arm, waistband of pants whatever. We try to maintain the illusion that reward IS source. I also use the BSD remote occassionaly/ You can also get another handler to deliver the reward from time to time. With an aggressive alert dog it is easier to distract the dog while he is scratching and slam the reward down. With a passive dog,you insist that the dog STARE at source then deliver the reward.

[jocoyn]

Tried and true. That is how we are doing with Beau.

[abakerrr]

Originally Posted by ladylaw203

The way we have been doing it forever is that the initial imprinting is done via a scented reward.

What type of scented reward do you personally prefer? Anyone else?

Originally Posted by ladylaw203

I also train the directionals using the scented reward.

Directionals? Not exactly sure what you mean by this.