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

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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]

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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]

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RECENT TRIAL- Wondering IF you have holes and how those might be filled ??? Ive KNOW Ive got ideas for all the teams I watched-- maybe you know who you are ! Both Alex and myself will do online privates to review your recent trial success or misses with or without trial video and suggest a 2025 New Year training plan ! 

COMMUNICATION PODCAST SERIES CONTINUED!

Objective - Lets brainstorm the parts and pieces of "communication" in scent detection ! Lets explore the semantics, the words and the concepts to describe those training and trialing ideas.

EPISODE 3- TEAM COMMUNICATION- GETTING TO THE ZEN SEARCH !

In Episodes 1 and 2 we had an amazing conversation about DOG and HANDLER communication in training, trialing and in our lives with our dogs! If you missed it check it out in our September and October K9 Scent Fix Episodes. It's truly a fun and fascinating discussion.

For our final Episode 3 to round out our Train to Trial and Trial to Train Communication Series, WE will bring it all together and brainstorm the 1001 ways to COMMUNICATE as a TEAM. It's a dialogue, a harmony, a story to tell between YOU and YOUR dog during the SEARCH.

When your dog communicates an odor pathway what DO YOU do ? What do you say with your body, leash, and enthusiasm?
 
How DOES your DOG respond to your "I gotcha" response DURING your dog's search persistence?

Is your dance step timely ? Are you in sync with ebb and flow of odor and WITH THE search area? Do you dance the dance, Tangle the Tango or Rumble in the Rumba ?

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Your K9 SCENT FIX - Host Support Podcast Team has been working diligently behind the scenes to craft our Podcast Progression and Facebook Support group to bring our scent detection sport dog hosting community closer together to share ideas and inspire each other to Host !  

IN our HOST SUPPORT PROGRESSION- We have broken down the Sport Scent Detection Event Hosting TO DO List and added in basic and needed concepts along the way, pertinent for most every host, new or seasoned from Site Acquisition to Its a Wrap - Event Closure ! 

For October (uploaded October 321, 2024- just in the nick of time to count for October) we jump back into more pre-planing ideas including Forms submission and what we need to GET the TRIAL SITE approval completed. We want to add in some focus on finances so we have TWO PARTS filled with information and educaiton to at the very least insprice more questions and an exchange of ideas.

PART TWO- FINANCES - TRIAL PLANNING AND BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS

CoHosts- Jill Kovacevich of Mountain Dogs; Aleks Woodroffe of Release Canine and Jen Fleming of Georgia Nosework together with input from veteran host Tracey Gamley - contributor.

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