Category Archives: Nosework
Loki and Erica
~Summer Snow on Mt. Hood
Thought I’d share some of our fun so far this summer.
A few weeks ago we did some training on Mt. Hood— you have to work a little harder to find snow in the summer!
This is Loki peering into the cave at the subject he just found— he had to dig in to get his toy!
Yesterday (on the 4th of July) we had a chance to participate in our American Hero’s parade. It was by far the largest group of people we’ve been around— Loki just wanted to say “hi” to everyone along the route… not our best loose-leash heel haha.
After Hood, I decided to start training Loki to wear Rex Specs for super bright conditions… the first step is to introduce him to the frames without the lenses… I think he is less than impressed. But he gets lots of treats when he has them on!
Hope you and Cliff are doing well 🙂
-Erica (With Loki –Search and Rescue Training)
Breeder Comment
We are always amazed at your success–you are doing an excellent job with Loki. We loved the share from your work on Mt. Hood as well as the American Heroes Parade. The both of you make us proud.
It seems the Rex Specs probably seem like a punishment (Haha), but they are an excellent idea. Let us know how it comes along. I think it is like everything else you are doing with Loki–keep after it, and you will master it. He will learn to accept the goggles. I am positive. Anyhow you can tell Loki he is not the first OwyheeStar to don these goggles–click here.
Titles Earned
Hello there from the snowy Rocky Mountains!
~ Julia and Shiny–Nosework
A couple weeks ago, Shiny earned his second title in nosework from the NACSW (National Association of Canine Nosework). He was tested on 2 different odors – birch and anise, as well as his ability to distinguish between converging odors in interior spaces, exterior spaces, on vehicles and in containers. To attain the level 2 title, he had to search perfectly in all 4 of those challenges. He performed beautifully!! And was given all the most delicious treats his heart desired!!
He was very tired at the end of the day.
Thank you for such a wonderful dog and best friend!!
Breeder Comment
A Natural
Extremely Nosey
~In a Good Way
I didn’ t realize that Henry has only been learning scent-work since March. We got involved because being an energetic, 3-year-old Weim, with a flair for being extreme nosey, it seemed to be fit. Also, I found the science behind a dogs nose fascinating.
What We Accomplished
Henry has completed Level 1, 2, 3 and working in level 4. More than anything though, it has been an experience for me! I have learned more about myself in the last few months and for that, I am most grateful to my handsome Blue boy. Scentwork is a team trust sport.
Your dog knows what to do, however until dogs and humans can speak the same language, the sport is much more about learning patience, watching your dogs every move, and even more important, trust. We have had good trials and not so good, one thing is certain Henry loves this sport and so do I. We take away something new from each practice or trial. We figure a way through false alerts and keep rewarding the sourced odor.
Henry’s hard work has left us with 3 titles, Level 1 and 2 C-WAGS, Level 1 ABC games, Noteworthy, in our seemingly short period of time. I am very lucky to have Henry enjoy this sport as much as I do. It’s a special bond with a Weimaraner, I’m finding out truly how extraordinary Henry is. Thank-you Cliff and Shela!!
Breeder Comment
We are happy to hear about your continued success. Congratulations to you Patti–what a great team the two of you make. Fun–that is something that is so important. If you are having a good time more than likely, the Weimaraner is as well. At least in Henry’s case, this seems to be his element. Keep up the good work!
Letter
From Asher
~ guess we found our niche
Hey Shela and Cliff, Asher here. It has been awhile but I wanted to update you with a Paw-Awesome report. My days are filled with many adventures from joy rides to the coffee shop, Farmers Markets, and any store that allow dogs. Funny thing about coffee shops is a friendly hello bark gets me treats. Seriously, that is all I have to do to get a treat. Love it! (Psst, if any other Weim’s are reading this—heads up Chick-fil-A does it too.)
Sniff, sniff, sniff…there is a game that my mom and I play it is called Nose Work. She hides treats and I find them. I know right—more treats—love this game! However, my mom tells me that she created a nose detective monster.
As I built my confidence in sniffing it came time for the Odor Recognition Tests (ORT’S). My mom questioned, if she was ready and if she should enter all three or just the one. I told her, “Mom—we got this!”
Paw-Awesome isn’t it?!? My mom and I make such a great team. We passed all three odors birch, anise and clove. She was so happy—I thought, “stop-it mom you’re embarrassing me” but don’t tell her. I was really jumping up and down inside!
And that is how it all began, mom and I trained for the next event our very first trial. She was nervous because it was the first time she has done anything like this. She said, “Okay God calm my butterflies and let Asher do what you created him to do!” She whispered in my little ear, “Okay, handsome—you got this! Let’s go have some fun!”
We had some fun all right. My mom was so excited; I think I even saw tears in her eyes—Gesh, woman! I tell ya! Well, here it is, nine months of preparation of training and confidence building. We received our first title in Detection Dog Class Novice.
Now that is my superstar moment but let me tell ya—the game of Rally-Obedience not so much. My trainer told me, ”My focus has been upgraded from a gnat to a small fly.” I know right, “Are you talking about me?”
Well that is a quick Paw-Awesome report, we have some more trials coming up later in the year and working towards our first competition in Rally-Obedience. A small fly—I’ll show them! Keeping my eye on the prize!!
But first, I am going back to bed!
Love,
Asher Von Owyheestar, DDCN
Henry
Wearing his Win!
Henry’s Mama writes…
And SOG, noteworthy in ABC games! He’s a busy boy!
Breeder Comment
In honor of Sunday shortness, let’s enjoy the moment’s success. We have been promised a detailed report/story. We could not wait to post this on the blog. Isn’t he adorable?
At Six Months
Updating You
~Loki’s Adventures
Now that spring seems to finally be here Loki and I are having all sorts of adventures. For the last month or so I’ve been working on introducing Loki to water. First, it was getting his toes wet, then the ankles, and so on. I’ve attached a video from this evening— we headed out to the lake after work. Needless to say, we’ve come a little ways from not getting our paws wet. You may notice the cord on the bumper— sometimes Loki needs to remember that the game is retrieving, not keep away, but the water work has seemed to really help this. Also great insurance in case he doesn’t go for it, so I don’t have to swim.
Other adventures include hide-and-go-seek at lunchtime on a trail system near my office. It’s a great game for anyone to play to help their pup remember to check in on hikes, but with Loki, in particular, we want to develop the idea that he can use his nose to find people. When we’re out on the trail, I wait until he gets just a little too far ahead of me, and I hide in the bushes next to the trail where I can still see him. He is quick to notice that I’m no longer in sight, so he runs back down the trail. He usually goes past me until he hits my scent (in the air), and then he usually works the scent cone back towards me. When he finds me, we enthusiastically play with his favorite toy.
Another new thing is teaching Loki to pull me on my longboard. I keep it short and easy so as to not stress his joints, but it’s a great way to practice verbal directive commands. And to take the edge off the wiggles!Loki is also turning into quite a camping dog. Last week was his first tent camping adventure in Glacier National Park over Memorial Day weekend.The two pictures I’m sharing here show our work on the down-stay (he’s not tied in either). You can see the drool starting to come with the cheese! That’s what happens to those who attempt to counter surf. He got no cheese.
As always, we constantly incorporate sit-down-stay-heel-come into our daily routine. The heel is finally taking hold— at least 50% loose-leash on a flat collar, and his off-leash heel is almost better. The red harness he’s wearing in the picture is his working harness and includes a handle to help keep him safe on the chairlift. We are working on associating it with good listening and lots of fun search games.
Anyway, I can’t believe he’s 6 months old already! It has gone so fast. ~ Erica
Breeder Comment
Skye and Haze
You might remember reading about Skye and Haze a few days ago–Part One of the Three Part Series. Then Part Two featured Skye. Here is the final segment featuring the lovely Haze. It is good news that there are not two dominant (run-the-show) girls.
About Nancy’s Haze
~ Part Three
Haze is very submissive and larger. She weighs about 70 pounds. Hazey loves to hunt… her instincts are incredible. She will track the smallest feather on the ground. She stalks and catches birds… woodpeckers on our decks, turkeys in the yard. It’s too bad we aren’t people that hunt with dogs!!
Haze competes in Rally as well and also is working on completing her Excellent title by this summer.
We keep the girls in weekly classes at our dog training club to keep them socialized, and to give them something for their minds to work on. We are delighted with our pups and can’t imagine life without them! Blessings to you! ~ Jean & Nancy
Skye and Haze
You might remember reading about Skye and Haze a few days ago–Part One of the Three Part Series. This segment features Skye.
About Jean’s Skye
~ Part Two
- “What do you mean that I am dominant? I just run the show!”
Skye is dominant, small but mighty. She weighs about 50 pounds and petite. Her size doesn’t matter as she controls all the goings on in the house as well as the other dogs. Fetch is her game, although she doesn’t like to give the ball back, so it takes 2 balls to play with her. She keeps one in her mouth and chases the other, which we have to go retrieve ourselves once she “tags” it with her foot. Oh well, keeps us in shape too!
Skye loves to compete in AKC Rally competitions and also AKC Nosework competitions. She is competing at the Rally Excellent level currently and should complete her title by this summer.
Breeder Comment
Skye is amazing and challenging. Jean, you have done a fabulous job with this girl. It takes knack, follow-through, and more. Despite the challenge, you have been able to achieve great success–these titles are no small thing. You know all too well what is required to achieve merit in any competition. Great job–we are honored to call you our friend, as well as an OwyheeStar client. Thank you, for all you do!
Loki
The Basics
~Part Two– Off to a Grand Beginning
- Learning
Now that Loki’s had a solid start on the basics (potty and crate training), we’re adding some simple commands. He’s beginning to learn the house rules that my roommate’s dog is expected to follow—sitting and waiting before charging out the door, not jumping up on furniture and being respectful at mealtimes. For the last few days Loki has had to work for his food—he is now responding to “sit,” “down”, “wait”, and “ok!”. When he’s doing well I add something new, and if he’s having a more difficult time I go back and do something easy. I’ve noticed that he’s been more positive and respectful since I began this new meal routine. It also slows down his eating! More importantly, he is learning to settle and look to me– we began with that before I added any verbal commands.
- Training
Loki doesn’t know it yet, but there are some big plans for him. Right now he’s focused on being a puppy, but I’m learning and preparing for training a search and rescue canine. Loki’s formal training will begin once he’s passed the CGC test. For now, we are working on socialization and doing as many new things as possible (that are safe for him at this age, of course). He voluntarily walked for most of a two-hour hike in the snow, had a blast playing with his toy and riding an elevator up and down, and observed the other dogs during an HRD (Human Remains Detection) training. His best-behaved days are the ones where we’ve done something new and exciting, so I’m doing my best to keep him busy!
Breeder Comment—Watch for Part Three. Coming Soon!
Lucy and Toby
From Liberty Lake, Washington
Toby is sure a great dog. Full of love and cuddles and super soft. He’s got a great nose and is getting more and more adventurous!The adventures of Lucy Goose she was happy to get out and get those legs moving today. She treed a porcupine and I didn’t think to take one, only to get her away from it.It’s sure amazing what healthy dogs can do for your health! ~ Jeff
Owyheestar Weimaraner's News 