The end of August already. It’s been a hot warm summer packed with activity to keep Zeke occupied, train Oaken, and keeping them both cool. Cool mats, the paddling pool, and a water sprinkler have come in very handy. You can see the pics on our Instagram @Dogmatise.
This year we’ve managed a few more NNA Trials for Zeke, and gained a level – we’re still at the early stages as we’ve taken a step back to re do the basics. Having changed trainers, Zeke and I are learning a better indication for when he finds odour (gun oil). As we develop there will be more than one odour to find in a search, and his previous indication wouldn’t have worked in this setting. Have a look at the National Nosework Association if it’s something you might be interested in, you can find a Trainer in your local area.
Oaken has struggled with other dogs since being jumped by an off lead dog earlier this year. While he wasn’t physically hurt, unfortunetly it coincided with him hitting adolescence and another sensitive/fear period. Great that I know how to work with him, but it put a stop to us going away this summer. Instead, we’ve done a series of trips to carefully vetted remote spaces, bookable fields, and walks with known dogs (aka canine confidence givers). He gets a lot of confidence from Zeke, but I need him to be able to be okay on his own too.
Oaken has joined Zeke in his 121 nosework training, and Nat our trainer has come up with some great activities to bring on his confidence and to have some fun in a safe space. Yesterday we were in a noisy facility close to lots of lorries coming and going, Oaken wasn’t at all phased. And, I didn’t hear a peep from either of them all the way home.
I am training up in another dog activity later this year, I will share more when I am able. And I will try harder to keep my blog up to date!
Until next time
Jen
