What if everything you thought you knew about reading your dog in scent work needed a second look? This eye-opening myth-busting episode challenges common misconceptions that might be holding back your detection team.

We start by tackling the belief that a trained final response means you can ignore your dog's more subtle communications. The truth? Those changes of behavior as your dog works through the odor puzzle are just as crucial as their final alert. We discuss why depending solely on that end behavior can cause you to miss inaccessible hides or struggle when your dog can't perform their typical alert.

Perhaps most fascinating is our exploration of the "my dog lies" misconception. Dogs don't have the capacity to intentionally deceive us about odor. What appears as deception is actually a training gap or communication breakdown that we can solve by better understanding our canine partners.

Whether you're looking to strengthen your handling skills or simply want to understand your dog's odor detection process more deeply, this episode offers practical wisdom for handlers at all levels. 

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This month Jill Kovacevich and Aleks Woodroffe, your CO-Hosts, tackle a wide range of myths circulating in scent detection sports ("Nosework"? "Scent Work"? we dive into that too!). Drawing from their experience as trainers, judges, officals and competitors, they systematically dismantle misconceptions that might be limiting your dog's potential OR your perception of your dog's limitations!

The conversation dives into three critical areas: myths about dogs, handlers, and the environment. Ever heard that panting dogs can't detect odor? Or that small dogs are at a disadvantage? Perhaps you've been told fast-working dogs are inherently better performers? These are just a few of the beliefs the hosts analyze and refute with compelling examples from their experiences.

Whether you're new to scent sports or a seasoned competitor, this episode offers fresh perspectives that will transform how you approach training and trials. Listen now, and stay tuned for the second installment where they'll tackle HANDLER myths that might be sabotaging your search success!

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PART THREE- Yes, Part Three ! Who knew this topic would be this expansive. In this EPISODE we take on ELITE to SUMMIT trial prep and include AKC Detective in the mix. 

We are looking at the trial levels  of  Elite Select, Elite, Elite Premier and Summit and the AKC equivalent and the skill sets needed for THIS trial level with a template for assessing where your canine team IS as of now and how to determine what to train for your next trial SUCCESS.

Here is the ASSESS- TRAIN AND MEASURE TEMPLATE to REVISIT from our PARTS ONE and TWO that IS a best practice to apply to your compeition Nosework Team in preparing for TRIAL.

ASSESS YOUR TEAM

1- SKILLS TESTED - What is measured or tested for each trial level;

2- DOGS SKILLS - Is the dog's search work effective and efficient for THAT trial level;

3- PROBLEM SOLVING- Is the Dog's and/ or Handlers problem solving effective for that level;

4- SEARCH WORK Ds- Duration, Distance, Difficulty, Distraction- for the level tested

We cover HOW TO  apply training to your TEAM assessment including:

OBJECTIVES

1- PROGRESSIVE TRAINING - Use progressive training level to level and skill sets within each level;

2-TRAIN NOT TEST- limit testing; testing IS blind hides without help; complex puzzles above the dogs skill set; prior to trial- focus on the specific skill sets to train for that level or foundation for the trial level you are entering- rather than training above;

3- TRAIN THE SKILLS- Understand the trial level and its search, hide, time parameters and skills for both dog and handler to be tested

And then break down EACH TRIAL LEVEL by the skills tested at that TRIAL level for NACSW and AKC

LEVEL APPROPRIATE- 4 AREAS TO CONSIDER FOR EACH LEVEL

SKILLS TESTED- What skills for dog and handler are tested for the trial level

SEARCH PARAMETERS- Elements; Search Area; Hides; Time; Distractions 

SKILL SETS REQUIRED- to meet Title Level

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We share essential tips and insights on preparing for trial season, focusing on gear essentials and communication strategies. Key elements discussed include checklists, hospitality management, and effective team interactions.

• Importance of creating thorough checklists for trial preparation 
• Essential supplies needed for the score room 
• Strategies for effective communication among team members 
• Significance of hospitality in enhancing participant experiences 
• Role of flexibility and problem-solving on trial day 
• Organizing materials for easy access during trials 
• Discussion on adapting to various trial settings and conditions 
• Insights on updating equipment and supplies for efficiency 
• Encouragement for sharing experiences within the trial community 

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Welcome to another enlightening episode where we pull back the curtain on the intricacies of hosting K9 scent trials. From sharing insights on managing waitlists to navigating the challenges of trial day logistics, this episode is packed with wisdom from experienced hosts in the community. We delve into the often-overlooked aspect of vehicle management, tackling how to protect volunteers' cars while ensuring our furry competitors have a safe space to shine.

The conversation dives deep into the emotional challenge of receiving negative feedback from competitors, offering proactive communication strategies that help ease concerns and maintain community trust. We also shed light on volunteer retention—how can hosts cultivate a heartfelt environment where every helper feels valued?

Join us as we share experiences, tips, and heartfelt discussions that will resonate. This episode is valuable for seasoned hosts and new hosts alike, aiming to foster an enriching K9 scent trial experience. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to keep the conversation going!

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PART TWO- In this PODCAST we are looking at the trial levels  of NW3 and AKC equivalent and the skill sets needed for THIS trial level with a template for assessing where your canine team IS as of now and how to determine what to train for your next trial SUCCESS.

Here is the ASSESS- TRAIN AND MEASURE TEMPLATE that IS a best practice to apply to your compeition Nosework Team in preparing for TRIAL.

STAY TUNED FOR PART THREE- Yes, Part Three ! Who knew this topic would be this expansive. In March we will take on ELITE & SUMMIT trial prep and include AKC Detective in the mix. 

ASSESS YOUR TEAM

1- SKILLS TESTED - What is measured or tested for each trial level;

2- DOGS SKILLS - Is the dog's search work effective and efficient for THAT trial level;

3- PROBLEM SOLVING- Is the Dog's and/ or Handlers problem solving effective for that level;

4- SEARCH WORK Ds- Duration, Distance, Difficulty, Distraction- for the level tested

We cover HOW TO  apply training to your TEAM assessment including:

OBJECTIVES

1- PROGRESSIVE TRAINING - Use progressive training level to level and skill sets within each level;

2-TRAIN NOT TEST- limit testing; testing IS blind hides without help; complex puzzles above the dogs skill set; prior to trial- focus on the specific skill sets to train for that level or foundation for the trial level you are entering- rather than training above;

3- TRAIN THE SKILLS- Understand the trial level and its search, hide, time parameters and skills for both dog and handler to be tested

And then break down EACH TRIAL LEVEL by the skills tested at that TRIAL level for NACSW and AKC

LEVEL APPROPRIATE- 4 AREAS TO CONSIDER FOR EACH LEVEL

SKILLS TESTED- What skills for dog and handler are tested for the trial level

SEARCH PARAMETERS- Elements; Search Area; Hides; Time; Distractions 

SKILL SETS REQUIRED- to meet Title Level

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PART ONE - In this PODCAST we break down the skill sets needed for each trial levels and provide a template for assessing where your canine team IS as of now and how to determine what to train for your next trial at that trial level.

SKILL SETS FOR TRIAL PREP- ORT (NW1 CONTAINER -SAME) NW1-NW2 NACSW and NOVICE- ADVANCED AKC

ASSESS YOUR TEAM

1- SKILLS TESTED - What is measured or tested for each trial level;

2- DOGS SKILLS - Is the dog's search work effective and efficient for THAT trial level;

3- PROBLEM SOLVING- Is the Dog's and/ or Handlers problem solving effective for that level;

4- SEARCH WORK Ds- Duration, Distance, Difficulty, Distraction- for the level tested

We cover how to apply training to your TEAM assessment including:

OBJECTIVES

1- PROGRESSIVE TRAINING - Use progressive training level to level and skill sets within each level;

2-TRAIN NOT TEST- limit testing; testing IS blind hides without help; complex puzzles above the dogs skill set; prior to trial- focus on the specific skill sets to train for that level or foundation for the trial level you are entering- rather than training above;

3- TRAIN THE SKILLS- Understand the trial level and its search, hide, time parameters and skills for both dog and handler to be tested

And then break down EACH TRIAL LEVEL by the skills tested at that TRIAL level for NACSW and AKC

LEVEL APPROPRIATE- 4 AREAS TO CONSIDER FOR EACH LEVEL

SKILLS TESTED- What skills for dog and handler are tested for the trial level

SEARCH PARAMETERS- Elements; Search Area; Hides; Time; Distractions 

SKILL SETS REQUIRED- to meet Title Level

Send us a text

JANUARY 27 2025  TRAIN TO TRIAL - TRIAL TO TRAIN 
MENTAL GAME ON TRIAL DAY !

Our 2025 NOSEWORK SEASON is off and "running" ! Lets chat about TRIAL DAY and all the tips and tricks to be the BEST TRIAL TEAM we can be AND the BEST handler to our amazing search canine ! 

In this PODCAST we discuss taking our TRAINING TO TRIAL and supporting our dogs and ourselves for a FUN and PRODUCTIVE trial day. From once your IN the trial, thinking of travel, lodging, time frame to get to trial morning with the best frame of mind to build a Growth Mindset and Mental Game "ON".

Lets cover from how to prep before and during Trial Day to build your skill sets and MOST IMPORTANT plan and execute a FUN and FULFILLING day engaged with your dog in the activity and sport we LOVE !

We have PART ONE AND PART TWO for January and will follow up with AFTER TRIAL DAY and building your MENTAL GAME for future training and trial.


Mountain Dogs LLC
Jill E. Kovacevich, CNWI
[email protected]

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Our 2025 NOSEWORK SEASON is off and "running" ! Lets chat about TRIAL DAY and all the tips and tricks to be the BEST TRIAL TEAM we can be AND the BEST handler to our amazing search canine ! 

In this PODCAST we discuss taking our TRAINING TO TRIAL and supporting our dogs and ourselves for a FUN and PRODUCTIVE trial day. From once your IN the trial, thinking of travel, lodging, time frame to get to trial morning with the best frame of mind to build a Growth Mindset and Mental Game "ON".

Lets cover from how to prep before and during Trial Day to build your skill sets and MOST IMPORTANT plan and execute a FUN and FULFILLING day engaged with your dog in the activity and sport we LOVE !

We have PART ONE AND PART TWO for January and will follow up with AFTER TRIAL DAY and building your MENTAL GAME for future training and trial.


Mountain Dogs LLC
Jill E. Kovacevich, CNWI
[email protected]

Send us a text

DECEMBER 30 2024  TRAIN TO TRIAL - TRIAL TO TRAIN 
DECEMBER TO REMEMBER - LOOK BACK- VISUALIZE FORWARD

2024- A NOSEWORK-SEARCHING YEAR TO REMEMBER!

Lets CELEBRATE all the WINS - THE TAKEAWAYS AND the JOY of Learning Nosework with our K9s ! 

2025- Set new goals and BUILD a SMART plan to succeed !

Mountain Dogs LLC
Jill E. Kovacevich, CNWI
[email protected]

Send us a text