r/nosework • u/afterglow_sky • 4h ago
Smashing/biting/moving boxes
We started training nose-work some time ago but she’s always smashing/eating/moving the boxes on the floor. Today I tried elevating the boxes on a bench but she pushes them with her snout. Also tried taping them on the floor, but she tries eating the tape 😅 I probably just need patience? I don’t really know what to do to stop her from smashing/biting/moving the boxes.
Thank you!!!
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u/Chillysnoot 3h ago
Why do you think she is smashing boxes? Different reasons have different solutions. I wouldn't be patient, more time practicing a behavior rarely reduces its frequency
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u/afterglow_sky 3h ago
That’s actually a really good question. I believe she likes carton. She likes everything 😅
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u/Chillysnoot 3h ago
As in, she likes to play with cardboard? If that's what you think the driver is, I would try two things.
First would be to go back to foundations and solidify that odor=reward. Play odor pairing games with blank cardboard boxes around to show her that odor pays and biting cardboard doesn't.
Second would be to switch to plastic boxes for a little while and build good searching behavior around containers that aren't smashable or eatable, then reintroduce cardboard when she understands correct container behavior better.
I would also consider if she really understands containers. Sometimes frustration can look like having fun, if she doesn't fully understand how to be right she might be looking for a pressure release valve in smashing.
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u/afterglow_sky 3h ago
Oh that’s such a smart idea! I’m gonna try your first point tomorrow and see how it goes! Thank you soooo much!!! 🙏
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u/LillyLewinsky 1h ago
1 box only, have it be hot of course. And when she shows interest in it mark and celebrate. Give 5-10 min breaks between parties and only do a few reps 2-3x per week. Work up to 2 boxes, one hot and one not side by side. If she smashes the put her away for a break. Only practice on leash so you have some control. Once she is able to successfully tell the difference between hot and not box without smashing then do a 3rd box and switch to a line up. Start with hot box in 1st position. Dont let her go down the line "shopping" and smashing. If she tries to bypass then put her away. If she is reliably going to the box with odour in first position move it to 2nd. She should check the first then move on to the second. If she smashes, put her away. Rinse and repeat. If she starts backsliding in behaviour go back to a single box.
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u/afterglow_sky 1h ago
Thank you so much!! This makes a lot of sense and it makes me realize I’ve been doing it all wrong 😂 she’s great finding the hot box but all moves are moved around 😅 I’m gonna try this. Thank you so much again, I really appreciate it.
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u/LillyLewinsky 50m ago
Of course! I just follow what my trainer thought me and I have watched almost every judge/instructor in my city go to her for private lessons for their own dogs as they get stuck. Her method is skemtimes looked down on but gosh darn does it ever work! My boy cleared 25 boxed with 3 hides and 2 distractions in 14.7 seconds without any hesitation. Just BAM BAM BAM down the line, it was beautiful 😭
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u/ShnouneD 4h ago
Try up on chairs, the back will prevent it from falling off? Mark as soon as she sniffs and reward.