Skip to content

Nose Work Brag

Basenji Training
  • Today, really yesterday since it is now after midnight, I took a trip with my mom down to Orange County to my first Odor Recognition Test (ORT) held by the National Association of Canine Scent Work. My mom has been taking classes with her dogs for a couple of months now. I started working informally at about the same time but have not had a chance to attend any formal classes or seminars yet. I am signed up for an Intro to Nosework seminar on June 20th. My mom urged me to just bring Sophie down and give it try since right now there are not alot of opportunities to take an ORT and even if we didn't pass it would be like attending a fun match to get experience. At first I was reluctant since I haven't had a chance to much practicing lately in places other than my backyard but figured my mom was right and no matter the outcome I would learn something from it.

    When I got Sophie out of the car, she was eager to find out what game we were there to play. She seemed to realize with all the people and dogs we were there for some game. I had got her out with about 3 dogs left ahead of us so we would be "on deck" when called. Finally, our turn came and we entered the room, they escorted us to the start area and read us the rules. The boxes each had 6 holes in the top about inch in diameter. I think there were 20 boxes in two rows but I didn't count. Sophie found the box really quickly, none of her usual checking out every box but I missed her alert and by the time I realized she had alerted she was casting about checking some of the other boxes. At this point, I figured I had blown it but encouraged her to keep searching and she casually checked out two more boxes and then came back and alerted again so I called it and she was right on. So much to my surprise, Sophie is certified on Birch.

    My mom's girl Bella also certified on Birch today. Since only the exhibitor being tested is allowed in the room during each test, I don't know exactly how it went.

    I believe that Bella and Sophie may be the first basenjis to pass the ORT for Birch.

  • Congratulations! I don't know much (coughanythingcough) about nose work but it does sound very exciting and brag-worthy. I'll have to do some googling and read up on it.
    Sounds like you have some very smart Bs. :)

Suggested Topics

  • Big Brag for Diva

    Basenji Training
    5
    0 Votes
    5 Posts
    18k Views
    R
    This is an UPDATED BRAG for Diva. Today, Nov. 9,2013 Diva was BEST IN FIELD for a 5 pt major at the IWAGS Lure Trial. Just two more for her Championship. Love this little spitfire of a dog ! Kathryn
  • Basenji with me at work.

    Basenji Training
    20
    0 Votes
    20 Posts
    7k Views
    Kalima62K
    @agilebasenji: Could you put her in a pen behind the counter? Or section off an area for her. That way she could be with you, socialize, be the store mascot but not be out in the store where she could slip out the door. i dont think that hub will want to change the disposition of things…she'd just learn how to jump over the counter as soon as she figures it out!!!:D
  • Veteran Brags

    Basenji Training
    14
    0 Votes
    14 Posts
    4k Views
    S
    Lovely photos…thanks for sharing. What an action dog you have!!!!!!!
  • LC Brags! BIF #2

    Basenji Training
    6
    0 Votes
    6 Posts
    3k Views
    nomrbddgsN
    Congrats, I love watching them race.
  • Lure Coursing Brag!

    Basenji Training
    11
    0 Votes
    11 Posts
    4k Views
    lvossL
    This coming weekend there is LGRA and NOTRA in Orange County. My mom has the information. I think there is also some racing in December in Orange County. Don't know what the show schedule looks like or if these conflict with any. I do know this time of year is the racing season in So Cal since the parks are available.
  • Training Brags

    Basenji Training
    43
    0 Votes
    43 Posts
    13k Views
    DukeD
    @Quercus: I would probably do that. But the benefit to taking them each to class is that they learn to do the behaviors in a distracting environment. The flip side to that is how on earth would you be able to train both dogs at the same time in the class? LOL!! I was thinking that my son would come with me and train Daisy, while I train Duke. Duke is the toughest student - REALLY spastic. :eek: Everything is a distraction. Daisy is much calmer. So I should bring Duke to class and then go thru the same training exercises at home with Daisy. I agree that training in a distracting environment WITH instructor's help is best. But, yeah - I should save some $$ and only take one. Gasoline prices are killing my budget! :mad: