Terra's Got To Be Real

Terra and I submitted this routine toward our second leg for our Standard Freestyle Dog title with MDSA last month. Live competition events are few and far between, so we are lucky to have three opportunities a year to submit a video routine.

In standard division, throughout the two-and-a-half minute routine the handler's cues should be very subtle and the dog's attention rock-solid. The routine must show changes of pace, distance work, the ability to heel on the left and right side of the handler's body, and creative elements choreographed to the music. 

If you'd like to learn more about training your dog in the exciting sport of musical freestyle, I teach three levels of freestyle classes for dogs of all ability levels at Port Chester Obedience Training Club. www.teachrover.com 

Odor Recognition Test, what's that?

I'm happy to report that on March 16th, Terra passed her Odor Recognition Test for Birch!

She had three minutes to identify which of the twelve identical boxes held birch odor, and she found it in less than ten seconds! There are no special prizes for speed, but she was certain about her decision without even sniffing all 12 boxes. 

Once a dog passes an ORT, they are eligible to compete in K9 Nosework trials, where they will hunt for the same odor (birch) in four elements: interior searches, exterior searches, vehicle searches, and container searches.

To learn more: www.nacsw.net

Working toward Standard Freestyle Dog

Terra just received her qualifying score (42/50) and a leg toward her Standard Freestyle Dog Title!

We spent all of 2013 rehabbing and trying to avoid having surgery on her torn CCL (the human equivalent is an ACL). Ultimately surgery was the best option, and 6 months later we were able to get back to doing what we love most: canine musical freestyle!!

In 2012 Terra earned her Novice Freestyle Dog title with three qualifying routines, so now we are after our Standard title. Next routine is due in April!