NW220 Advanced Nose Work for NW2 and NW3
Class description: This class will cover skills needed to continue on and compete in a NW2 and NW3 trial. It will be assumed that handlers and dogs taking this course have the skills necessary to pass an NW1, if they have not already.
I will be using the Simek/Fenzi method to skill build during this class. A basic working knowledge of operant conditioning or familiarity with the method will be assumed.
Ready to have some fun? We’ll go week by week over some skills to build as well as re-visiting foundation skills that may help us.
Week 1: Multiple hides in one space
How to begin to teach your dog to look for two sources
How to handle the problem of your dog not wanting to leave source
Should you reward a dog re-indicating a hide?
How often should you train this?
NW3 added difficulty: You don’t know the number of hides.
Week 2: Inaccessible hides
What is an inaccessible hide?
How to begin teaching or enhance your dog’s understanding of these hides.
How can you tell if the hide is accessible or not before you call it?
How often should you train this?
What exercises to mix in with this skill?
NW3 added difficulty: none
Week 3: Covering large and small spaces
Making sure you cover the whole training space
Having a training plan
Directing your dog while you search, yes/no
Small space considerations.
Blank areas
NW3 added difficulty:
Space may be large with multiple hides and a time limit that is short. Also, may find a blank room.
Week 4: Container searches
Types of containers for NW2 and NW3
Distractors added to them
How to make sure you cover every container
Keep it interesting and set your dog up for learning!
NW3 added difficulty: Don’t know how many
Week 5: Vehicle searches
Hides may be inaccessible
Multiple hides on one vehicle, up to 3
More vehicles
Scent cones that cross each other
NW3 added difficulty: none other than number of vehicles and time limit
Week 6: Trial preparation
Getting ready to trial
How do you know when?
What training plan to have before trialing?
Considerations when at a trial
Typical scenarios that may cause problems or confuse the handler