We all want that independent searching dog, but what does “independent” mean?  The following descriptions for independent can be found on the Internet:

"An independent person is someone who is free from the control or influence of others. They are able to think and act for themselves, and are not subject to another's authority or jurisdiction.  Someone who is not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion.  Someone who is autonomous and free from another's authority or jurisdiction.  Synonyms of independent include separate, unrelated, unconnected, and unattached."

Maybe we need to come up with a different term for how we want our dogs to search because these descriptions sound like a dog that can easily blow us off!

As a trial official, when we see dogs pull their handler up to the start line, then proceed to run aimlessly around the search area for a minute (or more) before beginning to search, maybe stop to snack on some crumbs left behind from a previous team, find a hide or hides with seconds to spare and then take another 30 seconds or so to “catch” so the handler can attach the leash – this is not my definition of what I want to see in an independent searching dog.

In this webinar we will talk about connection and relationship to our dogs as it relates to dog training and Scent Work in particular.  How having a better understanding of how strengthening our bond with our dogs in everyday life will help when we step up to the start line for a search.  What we do with our dogs and how we interact with them from the time they exit their vehicle or crate can greatly affect their searching.

CEUS

We have applied for CEUS from NACSW, CPDT and KPA - stay tuned!

LIVE WEBINAR

Join us on September 19th at 4:30PM PT/7:30PM ET for the live webinar where you may ask Lori questions in real-time and receive free, continual access to the fully edited webinar replay.

WEBINAR REPLAY

Cannot make the live webinar? No worries! Order the webinar replay and go through the webinar materials as often and as long as you wish - there are no deadlines or cut-off dates to worry about. We fully edit all of our live webinars, so the webinar replay will be posted to the Scent Work University site by the end of the day on September 20th.