Let's also consider that when you chase your dog, the dog thinks it's a game and will run away from you. Like... "you can't catch me!" Man, Basenji's can bolt! On the other hand, when you are the one running away, the dog instinctively joins you because you are part of the dog's family/pack. This is not to be confused with a learned command to chase an assailant, in Police work, for example. That would be a totally different game of chase.
Its the busy season.
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We have not been on the forum much as Mar-May is constant activity for us. Have to cram a years worth of training and fun into the short space between snow, which just ended last week, and 100 degree plus temps, which will begin mid May.
As the few dog training facilities within 100 miles of us are neither heated, nor air conditioned, that meant we trained Barn hunt in Jan and Feb in 3 layers of clothes, indoors in the facility. Agility class began at the beginning of April for Gambit, its the first time I've ever tried agility and the temps have already gone from 20 at our first unheated class, to 77 degrees for our class this week. Gambit really loves the weaves and is quite attentive to working on the flat with me. My goal is to have us ready for next years BCOA nationals, which is less than an hour away at Purina Farms. There is only one more 6 week session of classes available before the trainer takes a 3 month break due to the high heat. Fortunately Purina Farms has drop in rent a ring every Tues in June and July. Last year we went and trained our rally over the summer in the nice air-conditioned building. This year I plan to work both rally and agility there in hopes that by Sept we can move up to the intermediate class which will prepare us for the JWW course.
Last week racing season began in IN and both girls earned their JOR title and Tempest earned her Oval Race Championship. We have more oval track this weekend in TN, then straight track in KS, followed by two weekends of ASFA in KS and IA, then a well deserved weekend off before our last AKC LC trial of the spring in OK. Hoping this summer is not as brutally hot and humid as last year was with over 60 days of 100 degree plus temp days coupled with high humidity.
Trog has a 3 day Nose Work seminar at the end of June. Joe and I will be taking an AKC LC judging seminar in WI in June, then we will spend the fall and winter apprenticing at various events around the Midwest to work on our AKC Judge qualifications.
I believe our breeder plans to use one of the girls for a litter this fall, so that works well into taking a rest from dog events till at least Feb other than our judging weekends. Just updated our website with our activities so far this year, as I say?its been busy. -
You do have a busy time, guessing your dogs are very well behaved with all the activities they do - not too much time to get into mischief. This is Kaiser's first winter we are coming into and I can already see his hesitance to venture outside, will have to come up with some inside games to keep him out of everything I don't want to be a grumpy mum.
Jolanda and Kaiser
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A tired dog is a happy dog, and makes for happy owners when they sleep well.
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Our indoor fun over the winter was lots of retrieving of the tennis ball or chasing the laser pointer, all 6 of mine love to chase.
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How well do B's do with scent work? There is a course here in June and I was thinking of putting Tucker in it as his nose is always to the ground? I'm thinking he would like it but wanted to talk to someone before I spent the money.
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My you are busy!
Our training season is a bit different here. We had highs in the 60's one day and highs in the teens the next. crazy weather
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Trog loves barn hunt which is scent work. One of my friends just earned a tracking title with her one yr old and I know several people who do nose work. I think they enjoy Sighthound sports more, but some do very well with scent
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I am currently doing nosework with my basenji, Rocco, we both love it. He's gotten his NW1 title and we are working towards getting his NW2. While it hasn't replaced the counter surfing, crumb hunting and dirty laundry seeking it has at least given him a job to use his natural talents.
Totally recommend it! -
Maybe I should sign up. There are only 7 working spots. I just wonder if I can go anywhere with it, where I am.
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Maybe I should sign up. There are only 7 working spots. I just wonder if I can go anywhere with it, where I am.
I would say give it a try. If you like to see them work, problem solve and hunt for stuff, it's worth it. It's great mental stimulation for them, and for Basejni's that like to problem solve, I think it's the perfect sport. No obedience, just find the source odor so i can have my cookie!
I would imagine that the instructor might bring a seasoned dog, so that you would be able to see what a more advanced level would look like, which is neat to watch. With seven working spots, there might also be a few audit spots too; which means there might be enough people in the area to get something going! You can also check the National Association of Canine Sent Work (NACSW) at http://www.funnosework.com/home.html. They have a list of instructors; however, it looks to be limited to the states, but they do update it from time to time.
I find the sport to be a bit more relaxed too, every one is super supportive! They are open and welcome reactive dogs (people or dog), and they give out a special award (The Harry Award) to a rescue dog that competed and showed outstanding performance and team work with the handler.
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Wow busy indeed. You can make up for it by providing wonderful videos and pictures from the nationals!
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No nationals for us this yr as its a 3 day drive each way, but next yr we hope to try all the performance events.
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Sorry Lisa didn't mean to poach your thread. Too bad you weren't coming to nationals, would have been nice to meet you and talk about scent work.
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Lisa, please accept my apologies too.
