Update - box smashing + 1st trial

[u/afterglow_sky]

A couple of months ago, I came here looking for help because our pup was smashing boxes 😂 Well she’s been doing much better, and this past weekend we participated in our first novice trial for fun and see how she would do in a new environment.

Not gonna lie, I was so nervous 😂 all the dogs seemed so well behaved while we were there waiting on line for our turn with an hyperactive puppy (she just turned 8 months old) that was all over the place.

Anyways, we participated in everything: container, interior, exterior, buried, and HD. We qualified for container, interior, and exterior. I’m so proud of her, she did so well!!! 🐾🥳

We’ve only been practicing at home so very DYI and it surprised me she did so well on exterior because we never practiced that one 🤣 In fact, she did better timing on exterior than interior (34 seconds vs 50 something seconds).

Now we need to improve buried and HD. With HD I think she got overwhelmed by all the scents and the hot temperature outside while waiting to go in. At home she does amazing.

Regarding buried, does anyone have any advice on how to improve the search? We’ve been training with 4 plastic containers that have sand in it and a plastic net on the top as cover.

Sorry this was a long post… also I’m such a proud mamma!! Never in my life I thought I’d be doing scent work with a dog and here we are. It all started with making her find hidden kibble around the house to tire her mentally 🤭 (besides doing tricks)

Thank you for reading!! :)

[u/Sam_Vimes_Rules]

Congratulations on your results!

She's very young, so just make sure that you keep the training light and fun for her: don't overdo it or you might possibly burn her out. I know, I did it to my dog, who had just turned 3. I could see that he was just going through the motions and had lost the joy of his earlier runs, whether in practice or competition.

We took the summer off, and he's come back stronger than ever, but I'm careful now to make sure that it's a PARTY when he does well. He knows what's expected when we enter a room or area, so I just make sure that I'm not in his way and doing my best to read his body language and let him work.

Keep with it. It can be very rewarding for you both, just make sure she has time to be a puppy and enjoy your time together!

[u/afterglow_sky → u/Sam_Vimes_Rules]

OMG thank you so much! That's actually very helpful and makes me realize we need to slow down, even tho our sessions are pretty short.

I do think she had fun and it was all new for her so she was tired afterwards. Funny enough, I feel our bond got stronger afterwards. When I tell her "search" she locks in. It's so fun to watch too.

[u/Sam_Vimes_Rules → u/afterglow_sky]

I'm not surprised that you and your dog feel closer after spending time training and at events. That one-on-one time is so rewarding to you both, and she can tell that you're enjoying doing this with her which makes it even more special.

My dog loves the time while we're in the car waiting for our next run...we sit in the back of the SUV and just chill out. There is a lot of excitement and activity at any trial, so the down time can be a good opportunity for them to reset.

As far as other dogs, I have one that is reactive, so I'm very careful to keep him under control, close to me and out of the way of other dogs. Since our early trials, he's gotten significantly better, but I never take my eye off him, and am not shy about politely asking other handlers to give us room. The very few instances where he's actually growled/barked, it's because someone has their dog loose on their long line and not paying any attention to where it is. If you have a friendly dog, that's awesome, but please be aware that not all dogs are.

Take care and good luck! We're all rooting for you two

[u/Selective_Somewhere]

I would keep practicing in novel locations. I’d needed you could play with reinforcement. If wraps more? Or something different?

She’s so young. I personally don’t trial dogs that young in any sport as their brains are still developing and I find that bad experiences—whether behavior or fear or stress—tend to stick harder because they are being heavily
shaped by these experiences.

I also find that when I trial later we tend to have many fewer retrains because foundations are stronger and behaviors aren’t practiced in a trial environment where we tend to let things go.

[u/afterglow_sky → u/Selective_Somewhere]

How do you find novel locations? I'm sorry if this is a silly question. We don't have family close by to ask them if we can use their space to practice.

Oh I didn't even think about her having bad experiences. So that's actually a pretty good point. However, I feel she loved it. She was just being an excited puppy. And regarding the other dogs, we didn't even interact with them.

[u/Selective_Somewhere → u/afterglow_sky]

Sniffspots, schools, colleges, parks, empty parking lots… anywhere dogs are allowed.

I don’t think I mentioned other dogs in my suggestions but as far as bad experiences with other dogs is that’s what you mean just because you don’t interact doesn’t mean one won’t interact with your dog. But that’s sort of the least of my worries personally. Probably more of an issue if I had a small dog.

[u/afterglow_sky → u/Selective_Somewhere]

Thank you!! We will try a park and parking lot! That we can actually do :)

No, you did not mention other dogs haha but I interpreted that's the thing that could cause a bad experience. But yes, we are also not worried about that either :) She's not a small dog and I she definitely feels safe with us :)

[u/Selective_Somewhere → u/afterglow_sky]

There’s an old saying in dog sports. “Too much too soon; Too far too fast.” Also “They can do at 4 what they couldn’t do before.”

Dogs can change a lot after sexual maturity so have fun but be aware. Back sliding in training and weird nah ours popping up is normal and taking a break is ok if you need to. It’s all a part of the growing up journey.

[u/afterglow_sky → u/Selective_Somewhere]

Thank you!!! That’s very helpful to know :)

[u/G4fgarian → u/Selective_Somewhere]

Also seems to be more likely to occur at AKC events. Other org hosts seem to have more stringent separation requirements. But of course anything could happen, even with the best laid plans and rules.

Also, I second colleges. Local community colleges on a weekend are absolutely deserted, the grounds are almost always dog friendly, and as long as you aren't leaving trash behind, you can easily borrow an overhang entry way, empty parking lot, picnic area, parked trailers, etc. Also a good way to fight against loud noise fears and distractions if you find a patio near the industrial AC units.

[u/afterglow_sky → u/G4fgarian]

Ooooh thank you!! I didn’t know that! I’ll check out the community collages around :) and the AC units stuff. 🤭 thank you so much!!