Most of us probably agree or have heard that nosework is one of the best activities when it comes to boosting dogs’ confidence. It’s known as the sport for reactive, fearful and sensitive dogs. There isn’t a lot of research in this area yet. This paper was published early 2019. I think the methodology in this study could be improved but I was very excited to see it has drawn the attention of researchers.
Continue reading Nosework and Confidence
Niko earned his first AKC Rally Obedience leg this weekend. This is the first time we trialed in AKC events, and second time in Rally Obedience. I started to trial with him one and half years ago. We started in NACSW, went from Odor Recognition Tests (ORTs) to NW1, NW2, and element trials. We also trialed in Performance Scent Dogs (PSD) trials and Wag it Games scent trials, and earlier this year, we started to trial in World Cynosport Rally Trial and then the AKC Rally this week. Continue reading How I manage my trial stress when trialing with my reactive dog
This is one of my favorite trial photos. It was taken at Performance Scent Trial (PSD) Novice Exterior search in MD last weekend. From my big smile (you can still see even from this angle), you must think Niko nailed the search, right? Actually, this was our first search of a full trial day and the only search he failed that day. He wasn’t focused on searching; there was something in the environment that worried him and I couldn’t figure out what it was. So I asked the judge where the hide was and had a big celebration with him, even after he failed to find it. Continue reading Celebrate “failures”
Dogtor Linlin 