K9 Nose Work Rock Star!

I just have to brag about Peaches!!!

This weekend we put on a "mock" K9 Nose Work Trial in Portland in preparation for putting on a sanctioned NACSW K9 Nose Work Trial in the spring. It was run exactly like a real trial with a certified judge (in fact he was one of the founders) and in all other aspects.

Well, my miss Peaches rocked!    

Peach won:

• 1st Overall

• 1st in the Team event (cumulative of 3 events on an assigned 3 dog team)

• 1st in the Vehicle Search (in the pouring rain)

• 2nd in the Interior Search

• 3rd in the Exterior Search (during a crazy snow and sleet storm!)

• 6th in the Container Search (where the time difference between 1st and 6th was less than 3 seconds) 

• She also got her "mock" version of the NW1 Title
• In addition the judge gave us "Pronounced" indications in all four elements
(The judge may ‘Pronounce’ teams demonstrating exceptional technique and/or teamwork at each trial and title level. This is not part of the title, but rather an acknowledgement of exceptional teamwork on that particular trial day. To be considered for pronouncement, teams must have scored 100 points.  The judge will evaluate the following elements in the teamwork: Professionalism, handler and dog safety, observational skills, leash handling technique, off-leash control, speed and efficiency, accuracy, stamina, enthusiasm, clarity of alert, odor obedience.)

This is the first competition event either Peaches or I have done!  I can't even begin to tell you how proud of her I am!  She was confident as soon as she crossed the start line knowing exactly what we were doing and what her job was. She did really well being around other dogs on leash, which has been a challenge for her and part of the reason we are doing Nose Work as they make accommodation in the trial set up such that no dogs ever interact, so we don't even have to worry about it, it lets us focus totally on the work.

Here is Peach and her ribbons:

Some photos from each of the four elements in the trial.

Container Search, checking each box.

Found it!  Clearly alerting her find with a look at me.

Vehicle Search. Ready to work mom!
Let's go search those vehicles.

She knew immediately it was on the vehicle on the far left of the three.

She know's she is close
but not directly on "source" yet.

Now she is dead on the "source"...

 ...and alerts with a direct look at me.

Interior Search, here she has picked up the odor in the school classroom.

Found it! Tucked under the edge of the desk.

Alerts and is waiting for her reward.

The Exterior Search in snow!  Let's go find it, who cares about the weather.

 You can barely see Peach but she id dead on the "source" and about to alert.