“It was amazing, this is the first time I’ve seen Rosie really enjoy an activity. I mean, we’ve tried pretty much everything but today she’s been amazing and really comfortable around the other dogs too”
“Sam was so excited to get out of the house and start exploring round the car. He even put his paws up and climbed in on his own – this from a dog that used to panic and run away if there was any chance of being asked to get into the car!”
Yep – they had a job to do which was enjoyable, channelled their energy and focus, and helped them cope better with the environment.
It wasn’t even the same job – Rosie was taking part in an Introduction to Canicross (trail running with your dog on a harness) and Sam was learning Scentwork (sniffing for cheese).
But both dogs were able to relax much faster, and made big progress too.
We don’t know exactly what’s going on in our dog’s brains (or ours!) but some of the research suggests that there are different combinations of circuits involved in the key emotional states. So if we can activate something called the SEEKING system rather than ANXIETY/FEAR system for example, then we’re doing more than just distracting the dog from something scary. (But don’t worry, sometimes distraction is the best tool too!)
Running and sniffing are pretty fundamental activities for most dogs, but learning to do them in a structured fashion WITH you as part of the team – well that really can be life changing!
There’s a lot more to it of course, and I’m busy writing a book all about scentwork for common behavioural challenges.
But if you want to get a head start on the practical stuff why not learn how to give your dog a job!
Sniffing School and Scentwork for Reactive Dogs
Half day workshop (9.30-12.30) Saturday 2nd February PawPark, Sand HuttonOpen to anyone who has trained with us or had a behavioural assessment.
Not sure if this session is right for your dog? Email Clare to discuss: clare@wellconnectedcanine.co.uk
Book Scentwork for Reactive Dogs
Canicross for Reactive Dogs – message us to book!
Individual sessions that include kit fitting (for you and the dog), starting with basic commands and running alongside another staff dog.Once you’ve completed this session most people can join our classes or the FREE weekly social run
Not sure if this session is right for your dog? Message Morag to discuss: morag@wellconnectedcanine.co.uk
Happy Monday!
Morag, the Collie Girls and the Big Yin
What’s going on in WCC land?
Three Week Intensives: Stay By My Side, Baby Come Back, Mind Your Manners
Classes run on Mondays (foundation) and Wednesdays (advanced) in the evening at Yorkshire Museum of Farming- Max of two dogs per class.
- Concentrate on training what really matters to you!
Scentwork and Sniffing School
Channel your dog’s natural talent for sniffing with our Introduction to Scentwork workshops, and then enrol in Sniffing School for structured weekly challenges.Getting Started
- Introduction to Scentwork EVENING (6th + 13th Feb 7pm) Yorkshire Museum of Farming
- Introduction to Scentwork DAYTIME (Saturday 9th Feb 9.30am) PawPark, Sand Hutton
Scentwork for Reactive Dogs (2 spaces left)
Half day workshop (9.30-12.30)Saturday 2nd February PawPark, Sand Hutton
Open to anyone who has trained with us or had a behavioural assessment.
Not sure if this session is right for your dog? Email Clare to discuss: clare@wellconnectedcanine.co.uk
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