And the Results are In

So, we’re back from Leah’s big day. First I’d like to comment on the K9 Nose Work experience itself, which is governed by the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW), and how it differed from the Rally trials I have taken Toby to.

So far, of the three venues of dog sports I have tried, American Kennel Club’s Rally (AKC), Association of Pet Dog Trainers’ Rally (APDT), and now NACSW’s K9 Nose Work, I feel that K9 Nose Work is the most dog friendly, with APDT closely following. All I can say about the AKC is that the organization is older, and perhaps the newer organizations are putting more thought into both team members enjoyment of their sports.

The first difference I noted was that choke collars are not allowed at a Nose Work trial. Your dog must wear a flat collar, martingale/limited slip, or a regular walking harness only – which is pretty much the same equipment allowed at an APDT event. While all three venues prohibit the use of prong collars, e/shock collars, head halters, or no pull harnesses, the AKC persists in allowing the use of choke collars made of both nylon and chain.

To my surprise, there was a practice ring set up outside the building where the Odor Recognition Test (ORT) was held, so you could run your dog through a search before they actually tested. All I can say about that is - wow. If I could do a practice run at either AKC or APDT trials, Toby would do awesome. (Toby and I are in what my Rally trainer, Sue Reising, calls the “Best of Two” club. We always do better on our second run!)

Another thing of note is that when your dog finds the Birch – you get to reward them. Food, toys, whatever – it’s your choice. You can even carry a bait bag into the ring with you! And, if your dog does not find the odor, the Judge encourages you to do another practice run when you leave – so you can end on a good note. APDT allows rewards, but the food must be hidden inside your pocket, no bait bags allowed. AKC does not allow rewards; in fact, you are disqualified if you even touch your dog while competing.

One thing I noticed that made a big impression on me was that I entered the building with a confidence that I’ve never felt while handling Toby at a trial. Although Leah is a well behaved dog, I honestly wasn’t sure if we would succeed – yet regardless of my doubts about passing the test, I didn’t feel stressed like I do with Toby. When thinking this over, I realized that the biggest two stressors to me about competing in Rally don’t exist in Nose Work, which is probably why I felt so at ease.

First, I didn’t have to worry about my dog running out of the ring and taking off. At a Nose Work trial, you either compete on leash, or inside of an enclosed/fenced – safe – area.

Secondly, I didn’t have to worry about my dog running up to a strange dog inside the ring and getting bit. In APDT there are never strange dogs in the ring with you, but in AKC, there is another dog in the ring when you compete at the Excellent level. This dog is called the 'Honor Dog,' and there is really nothing preventing your dog from approaching it if he/she feels the urge to do so. Because K9 Nose Work was originally created so that ‘reactive’ dogs could compete in a fun sport too, only one dog is allowed to compete at a time. In fact, the event is coordinated in such an extreme manner that the dogs don’t even pass one another while entering and exiting the building – so dog fights are never an issue.

However, this particular rule was also a bit of a negative to me as well.

I am not in the habit of leaving my dogs unattended in cars, and was lucky that Nick was with me to watch Leah while I registered and then later attended the handler briefing before the actual test began. Had I gone alone, I’m not so sure I’d be happy about leaving my dog alone in a new place – especially because some of the handlers had to park down side streets in a strange neighborhood. We were lucky enough to be able to park directly behind the building, one of the ‘perks’ of having a reactive dog.

In addition to not being able to supervise my dog, the only other two negatives I found were:

We couldn’t take photos or videos of the actual test – and I really like to have those types of keepsakes, (and share them on my blog), so that was a major disappointment.

They do not allow any spectators except for one immediate family member. One thing I enjoy about AKC and APDT events is spending the day at a dog show, walking around, watching the other handlers, and rooting my friends on. At this test, Nick and I sat in the car until it was my turn to run Leah, and then we left.

I do understand that two of these rules were made to prevent the dogs from being distracted and to set them up to succeed, so I guess I can’t really argue it – just saying it was a little less fun (for me the handler) because of them. In all honesty, if spectators/videos/photos were allowed, and if the dogs could join their handlers (perhaps remain safely in covered crates when it was not their turns?), to me, this sport would be ideal.

As a whole though, I enjoyed the event and will definitely attend more. I’d also like to say that the judges, volunteers, and coordinators of the ORT, which was hosted by Start Nosing For Fun (SNiFF), were extremely friendly, answered everyone’s questions, and went out of their way to make sure each and every handler (and dog) had a good time.

Oh, and in case you were wondering – Leah and I passed the ORT!