tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958112649912191833.post4922763497954954762..comments2023-07-22T01:06:05.554-07:00Comments on K9 Nose Work®: To Trial or Not to Trial? What Your Reactive Dog Thinks About Competing in K9 Nose Work®Jeff McMahonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17634038342280050377noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958112649912191833.post-89170485551355189152013-03-04T11:42:14.302-08:002013-03-04T11:42:14.302-08:00Thanks for sharing, Natalie! I agree with everythi...Thanks for sharing, Natalie! I agree with everything you've said, and your observation of Hazel's drive to work superseding her fears is spot on - I feel that same way about Muriel.<br /><br />You've done a fantastic job with your dogs; anyone who watches you search with your dogs can see there's a strong bond and you're all having fun!<br /><br />Thanks for reading and commenting.<br /><br />Happy Sniffing! Jeff McMahonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17634038342280050377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958112649912191833.post-60602978553832048222013-03-04T09:25:42.978-08:002013-03-04T09:25:42.978-08:00I was just thinking about Thai the other day!
As ...I was just thinking about Thai the other day!<br /><br />As you know, Nose Work has greatly helped both of my reactive dogs - I think a huge percentage of Cinnamon's increased tolerance for being around other dogs is due to Nose Work. I don't even park in the "reactive dog" section at trials anymore (I don't think she freaked out at any dogs at the last NW3, which was trial number 8 for us, total). She made a lot of progress in obedience classes and practice as well, but I really think it's Nose Work that helped change her immediate reactions and calm her stress levels. Hazel also has been able to get over a lot of her fear of strange people. She has a huge drive to work (it supersedes everything) so having a job she can focus on that we can take anywhere has been invaluable. And I, too, know that I am lucky at the level of their transformations. And trialing has really helped both of them "generalize" what they've learned in the classroom.charis1305https://www.blogger.com/profile/05725254535553461808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958112649912191833.post-59604328719374312252013-02-19T15:05:39.203-08:002013-02-19T15:05:39.203-08:00Thanks for the comment! There has been lots of gre...Thanks for the comment! There has been lots of great discussion regarding reactive dogs and trials on the K9NW yahoo group. I think the overwhelming majority of K9NW handlers just want their dogs to have fun, and will make the right decisions to that end. <br /><br />Where it gets challenging is that the experience of trialling can be exciting and fun for both dog and handler, deepening the bond they share, so it's a very desirable thing to want to compete with your dog. In wanting that special experience so much, we can overlook that our dogs might not be as excited to go to trial.<br /><br />As long as we keep our eyes on our dogs, they will tell us when they're ready, and then it's fun for everyone!<br /><br />Happy Sniffing! Jeff McMahonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17634038342280050377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2958112649912191833.post-60273008056913848942013-02-19T13:52:08.066-08:002013-02-19T13:52:08.066-08:00Another great read! Thank you so much for sharing ...Another great read! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with your own pup, Muriel, and bringing to attention what K9 Nose Work® - and any other interaction with our dogs - should be about...having fun with your dog and not pushing them too far past their limits because of your own selfish goals :) I also feel very fortunate that my CNWI understands the importance of going at each team's pace and supporting them when/ where needed. She does a phenomenal job setting up training sessions at new and different types of locations; something I know I have benefited from immensely! Laura Holderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06672037027100318221noreply@blogger.com