Air scenting is as it sounds, where the dog is taught to detect scents in the air and determine the source. Air scenting is as it sounds, where the dog is taught to detect scents in the air and determine the source.
Tugsel is a way the dog is taught to show you that they have found the person - article and let you know it is time for you to follow them.
The Air scent is usually off-leash so you need to be able to have your dog under control and not run away chasing wildlife. It is a more disciplined teaching where you and your dog will bond deeper.
• Class size 4-6 students
• 6 hours usually over 3 days of up to 2 hours each.
• Cost $375
• Dates will be determined depending on the availability of class time.
What is not allowed on the course:
• Choke Collar
• Prong Collar
• Electric shock collar
A regular collar and/or harness is all that is required with a leash.
We promote a positive attitude with the dogs so they enjoy the time.
What is required for the course:
• Being reasonably fit
• Be prepared to be physically involved. At first, there is a great deal of bending over to show your dog where the item is.
• Wear clothing appropriate to the weather, this will be done outside.
• A collar with a bell on it
• 1' of rope you can hang on your belt
• Treats, usually a good supply of hotdogs are a good source to encourage your dog. If they prefer something else you may bring that.
• If your dog has a favourite toy, you can bring it for your dog as a reward.
• A lot of encouragement for your dog and a positive attitude. We do not use negative reinforcement when training our dogs, we want the dog to enjoy the 'game'.
What is involved in Tugsel Training?
INDICATION FOR A PERSON FIND
The principle of training is to back-chain the behaviour chain, this way the dog is always moving towards a more familiar behaviour and this will be the glue that keeps the behaviour chain together.
Foundation behaviours required:
1. Nose targeting a target stick/any other object
2. Paw targeting or going to the mat.
Training plan, starting from the last component:
SHOW ME (a ‘lost’ person required)
TUG on the ‘TUGSEL’ (only handler required)
COMBINE TUG AND SHOW ME (a ‘lost’ person required)
SEARCH/FIND IT (a ‘lost’ person required)
COMBINE EVERYTHING
Cue SEARCH
The final chain will be as follows:
- SEARCH: the dog runs to the person
To do the above will probably take 1-2 months with a little bit of training every day.
PROOFING and moving into actual searches: