@charlie I don't if you saw the programme 'The Secret Life of Puppies' on TV late night, but they had one film which was interesting of a 12 week old (well I think it was around that age, can't be 100% though) basset hound pup doing some scent type work. Apparently when it comes to scent the basset is second to the bloodhound for sensitivity. Using the basset's favourite treats (fish), they held some under his nose for the scent, then shut him indoors while they went to hide the treats outside in the garden, under a broken flower pot for him to find. While not going directly to the treats, the pup found the treats without any guidance and was rewarded by being allowed to eat the treats. So I would say it's fine to treat Charlie when he finds his toy and that using smelly food etc is fine if that's what your dog likes. One thought I had was perhaps you could use the scent game to get Charlie interested in his new dummy when it arrives rather than just for retrieving.
Thanks Rosemary, oh I forgot that programme was on, how annoying. That's interesting, I will use smelly treats too to make it a bit more interesting. I hid the toy is some difficult places first inside wrapped up in a towel, inside a welly, outside under some under a broken flower pot and under some chopped up christmas tree (yes I know it's still there for burning in our fire as it smells so lovely!) piles of leaves, so I think he did a pretty good job and he didn't need a lot of guidance. I am going to try if without guidance to see how he gets on. Good idea about the dummy too x
Just wanted to say thanks @JulieT for this.... we went to another agility session last night and it was a bit fraught....and Pongo was at his very worst distractedness.... but I kept the mantra "ignore anyone who turns their nose up" running in my head and I think it will be OK....! As long as he is happy. (Sorry for hijacking the scentwork thread!)
@charlie It sounds to me that Charlie is a natural It's great that you have found something he is really enjoying and that you can continue to work on and make a little harder one step at a time. I'm trying to work out what smell would appeal to Juno, apart from cheese
I hope so, I am going to build it up slowly and eventually hope to be able to do some on a walk - one day, one day Have you thought about using the fish skin cubes, they are really smelly so Juno might like those? I seem to remember you bought some fishy stuff from Skippers. x
Yes, I bought the 'jerky' sticks and the dried sea bass. I've just bought a kg size bag of the jerky as she likes them and they last well. I'm not sure that Juno's that bothered about the smell though. Tripe sticks don't seem that high on her list of favourite smells Shhh! Don't tell anyone, we don't do kongs. Juno's never had one
Charlie and I are really getting into this and is it was pretty hot here yesterday we did some more in the yard as it was shady. I sat him inside out of sight and hid the toy under a pile of gravel, under a large shell, under a log, behind various objects. I also did the same with a fish skin cube, my lovely boy had absolutely no problem and didn't need any guidance from me whatsoever and very happily delivered the toy to me every time. He is also getting quicker too Wow I am finding this really fun thing to do with Charlie and he is obviously enjoying it as he has a big smile on his face xx
@charlie That's absolutely fabulous. You must be so happy to have found something which Charlie is obviously loving. Won't be long before you can try it on a walk. I'm so pleased for you
Progress!!! I have just moved out in to our garden with the scent work and he covered extensive ground, Charlie was in his element keeping his eye on me for limited instruction as it was a new environment. I hid the smelly toy in thick cover, in schrubs, on a pillar etc. also hid some fish cubes. He didn't fail once to find the treat or toy always delivering to hand and he was very happy boy. This is really great for us because Charlie would usually choose to run around so being able to keep him focused was a delight. Also managed to do some great stop whistle training for a tennis ball reward and agility. Happy days! x
Brilliant !!! I remember how difficult it was for you to keep Charlie's attention in the "exciting garden". Let's hope you've found Charlie's motivation, using his nose. It certainly sounds like you have. Well done Charlie !!!
If Charlie being half German Pointer can't do scent work then it really is time to give up! The best part is it's so much fun for us and I am really hoping at some point in the future, way in the future to incorporate it into walks hiding toys and treats for him to hunt. x
Never mind way in the future. A bit more practise maybe then your off. You and the boys will be able to have lots of fun smelly hide and seek on a walk with charlie it will be great and will keep Charlie's attention off smells you don't want him picking up like the dreaded deer.
BUT I don't think anything will keep him off a deer scent not even the boys and me with my tripe stick stinky toy!! x
You never know. I bet you never thought you'd get that much attention and control from charlie in the "exciting garden" but you have.
It's great that Charlie is doing so well and also a bit surprising ( I don't mean that rudely) because I know how hard you've worked to get him interested in retrieving, and isn't scentwork essentially a blind retrieve? Anyway, well done.
You're right Joy I hadn't thought of it like that, I suppose it is so I wonder why hiding a stinky toy rather than a ball or dummy just seems to work with him? Any ideas anyone? x
Just the way he's wired I think with scent coming out over retriever heritage. I guess it's a bit like why some dogs work for treats and another works for a toy or ball. I am so, so pleased for your and Charlie. Going from strength to strength together - absolutely wonderful
