As the competition nose work dog moves up through the levels, searches become increasingly complex. One parameter of this new complexity is the introduction of multiple-hide searches. If the dog’s learning history involves getting clicked for repeating a single scent target multiple times per training session, or the dog is used to getting paid heavily for sticking a hide to help build value for odor, this shift to multi-hide searches can be confusing. Essentially, multi-hide searches change the rules from “stay at odor” to “move away from (and sometimes even avoid) odor” if that hide has already been found.

In this Learning Lab, we will start with the idea that moving off a hide on cue and not repeating it later are skills best taught in training sessions, not on the fly while the dog is also puzzling through the complexities of a full search. The long-term goal is for the dog to understand the new rule structure independently without needing handler prompts. Working teams will learn an errorless progression that teaches exactly what the “find another” cue means. The Lab will also cover: how to encourage dogs to seek out new hides continuously instead of repeating old ones, handling tips for multi-hide searches, and the pros and cons of repaying for repeating a hide in certain situations.

Exercises and learning games we may play depending on time and the level of participating teams include:

• “Find Another” progression using colanders

• Next One’s Even Better game

• Can’t Go Back drill

• Multi-hide Search Skills Taught with Food

• It’s Everything, and then It’s Gone (Pulled Hides Progression)

CEUs may only be earned by 2022 ClickerExpo LIVE registrants. Closed captioning is available on the full version of this course.