Nosework

Basenji Training
Log in to reply
  • lvossL

    I have just recently started a new dog activity called Nosework. There are a few articles about it at this site, http://www.k9nosework.com/press.html

    The idea is to teach your dog to find target odors in various places. Right now we are just starting out so the dogs are just trying to find their bait bag hidden in one of several boxes. It is really neat to watch the different dogs work, they each have their own styles. It is also amazing how exhausting this work is for them. Each dog gets three turns to play the game in a session and as they get good at the game their turns are not very long, Sophie's 3rd turn tonight was all of like 20 seconds and yet she is curled up fast asleep now.

    This game is really fun and I would really recommend if there is a class or seminar in your area that you try it out. This game is even good for reactive dogs because only one dog is out at a time so they don't have to work around other dogs.

    If anyone else is giving this a try, let me know. I would love to hear how other people are doing.

    0
  • tanzaT

    This type of game is often used in OB training for fetching the dumbell for the retrieve excerise. Ann does it all the time with Crystal and Kobey

    Pat Fragassi

    Tanza Basenjis

    www.tanzabasenjis.net

    0
  • nobarkusN

    This is like tracking except the target isn't moving. They love this kind of game trying to find things. I see it just out on walks and Buddy will go crazy just trying to find some little piece of cookie or something a kid dropped that he got a slight whiff of.

    Buddy, Paolo and Dan

    0
  • MacPackM

    Wow, that looks wonderful. I guarantee my Nicky would excel, she can smell a biscuit crumb from across a 5 acre park!

    Anne in Tampa

    Chipley, Missy & Lucky

    Topper, Nicky & Eddie in the clouds

    0
  • wizardW

    I've also seen this called "tracking". One of the obedience clubs here offers this and I was thinking of seeing if Gossy would like it - if we can match times.

    0
  • lvossL

    Nosework is different than tracking though it is a related sport. The dogs are not following a laid track. They are brought into an area and must find a target odor, birch, anise, or clove, hidden in that area. At least that is the long term goal. At the beginning, we are using either a prized toy or treat as their target. It is sort of like the work a drug sniffing dog would do.

    0

Suggested Topics

  • Beth314B

    Shock collars!

    Basenji Training
    1
    0 Votes
    1 Posts
    1k Views
    No one has replied
  • eeeefarmE

    Know when to walk away....

    Basenji Training
    3
    1 Votes
    3 Posts
    574 Views
    elbrantE
    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.
  • F

    Puppy teething/biting

    Basenji Training
    18
    0 Votes
    18 Posts
    2k Views
    tanzaT
    @zande - I have place pups at 9wks, but typically to prior Basenji owners, they know the "ropes"... also I do eyes at 9wks, so 10 works better for me in placing pups and yes...(LOL) mine are raised in the home, no kennel.... and the breeders that I know that use kennel runs, still have their pups in the house for house time and "education".....
  • sanjibasenjiS

    Hunting Dog Training

    Basenji Training
    17
    0 Votes
    17 Posts
    1k Views
    sanjibasenjiS
    @sanjibasenji Looks like you said that difference in your second post, so we are on the same page.
  • L

    Brain stimulating

    Basenji Training
    11
    1 Votes
    11 Posts
    1k Views
    S
    Chase is great... if he's chasing you. But if you're chasing him, this is very bad. Playing chase, with him chasing you, will also help with engagement. Play chase with food. Also, I would recommend hand-feeding for (at least) a month. You want to build value in you. In addition, it has to be said, that some puppies are just lazy and like being bummy. You can encourage active behavior by making yourself valuable (so he wants to be around you) and by making activities valuable. At 6 months however, you might be out of luck. Still, it's your dog, so it's probably worth it to give it a dedicated try. You also, might want to try using more valuable food rewards (like steak, cheese, etc. (whatever he loves and doesn't typically get much of)). Best of luck.
  • lvossL

    Puppy Nosework

    Basenji Training
    4
    0 Votes
    4 Posts
    2k Views
    lvossL
    I will try to be good and update each week so if you want to follow along you can. The things that you need is at least 5 boxes, one that should be labeled "Food" and is the only box that gets food in it, so the others aren't cotaminated with the food scent, treats that your dog really loves, and some different areas to work in. The first week the boxes are all in a line. Before I set L'Ox down to work, show him that I am putting the treats in the treat box then I do a "shell game" with the box, tapping it against the other boxes in the line and usually saying things like, "Where's your treat? Is it in this box? Oh, look at this box it looks so good." etc, and at some point switching the food box with one of the other boxes so that he doesn't just cue into the last box I was at and has to really work to find the treats. We do 3 searches in a training session and our goal for the week is to work in 5 locations. Mine will probably be the kitchen, the living room, the backyard, the school down the street, and at a friend's house. It makes things much easier if you have someone to help you but you can work by yourself using a tether or baby gate.