“Group (*) ” classes: Nose work Games and Reactive dogs and/or just simply some recall/lead work

(*) we call them Group but each dog is “worked” individually

We know that our dogs are “noses on legs”. Using this olfactory skill has many beneficial effects: amongst other things, it increases self-confidence and their ability to concentrate, improves their perception of their body in space and helps them to learn how to “play” calmly. We invite you to discover or rediscover some fun ideas on how to keep your dog happy, healthy and relaxed. On the program: treat searches, searching for toys or objects, the “lost retrieve”, scent discrimination, initiation to man-traling/tracking …

We also offer sessions to improve your overall relationship with your 4 legged friend

• to learn about the importance of your and your dog’s body langage
• to help dogs who need to be better acquainted with other dogs/people/objects/cars… i.e. lunging, barking, growling, straining on the lead etc: “Parallel Walking Sessions”.
• on how to teach your dog how to walk on a loose lead
• on how to have a better recall

If you have not been before you are more than welcome

• Without a dog – as an observer = free and almost always space
• With dog – the cost per participating dog is €35 (if only one dog participates, by mutual agreement, this will become a 1 to1 – cost €60 – or will be cancelled). Only:
  • after observing a group course at least 3 times (free)
  • or after having had a 1 to1 evaluation in zoom or in person (cost €60)
• First come first served. Almost always on Sundays. The time (morning) and place (a car park near LLN) are usually communicated by email +/- 48 hours before.
• Count on an average of +/- 1 hour per number of dogs (3 dogs = 3 hours); each dog is “worked” separately – usually 2 sessions with rest in the car between the 2 sessions.
• Turid Rugaas’ book “On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals”  and Rosie Lowry ’s book “Understanding the silent communication of dogs”  are prerequisites for working with us.  Both are available  online or we have some in stock

On the day

• We will show you where to park and ask you to please not take your dog out of the car when you arrive, wait for the team to give you the go ahead
• Please bring the following equipment:
  • Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing for the weather.
  • Bring tasty treats and water
  • Prepare the car so that the dog can wait comfortably (separation if necessary, warm and comfortable blanket, water, something to chew,…)
  • An ergonomic harness and a long lead.
    Why an ergonomic harness? Because an unsuitable harness or collar (especially a choke chain) causes pain and pain always changes behaviour.
    Why a long leash? To allow our dog to be a dog and to do normal and natural activities for a dog. If you don’t have a harness or lead , we can lend you one or both. Could you please send us the measurement of your dog’s rib cage 3 or 4 cm behind the armpits (on the above link “ergonomic harness”, you have a short video showing you how to do it).
  • Make sure your dog has peed and pooed before (but have some bags just in case).

Mantrailing

As with all nose-work, the benefits of man-trailing for our dogs are great from boosting self-confidence to improving the relationship between dog and human as well as building trust and mutual respect.

Dogs of all breeds and age can track. The sessions usually take place in the am, you need a car and your dog should be happy to wait in it between tracks. Please set aside between 2 and 4 hours (it is usually in the mornings). We usually do 1 or 2 tracks per dog except for beginners who do more to allow them to understand what we are asking them to do. We need a minimum of 2 participants and maximum 4 although 3 is best.

We take bookings on a first-come-first-served basis. IF you have never been to any of our sessions, we require a 1 to1 assessment/mini man-trailing sessions, the cost is 60€. Thereafter you can book the man trailing sessions at 35€ per dog, if the dog is able to stay on his own in the car. Please contact us PRIOR to booking should this not be the case. Because it involves so much organising we ask that, should you have to, you cancel 72 hours (3 days) prior to the date, otherwise payment will be due.first-come-first-served basis. The cost per dog is 35€ – if the dog is able to stay on his own in the car (please contact us PRIOR to booking should this not be the case). Because it involves so much organising we ask that, should you have to, you cancel 72 hours (3 days) prior to the date, otherwise payment will be due.

A few days before, all participants will receive an email with details of the number of dogs, tracks, time, address etc… but in the meantime.. a few details

To start mantrailing with us you will need:

• a 1to1 evaluation of +/- 1 hour which may include 1 or 2 tracks (60euros) – time and date to be agreed
• to acquire 2 books “On talking terms with dogs: Calming signals” by Turid Rugaas and “Understanding the silent communication of dogs” by Rosie Lowry (we have both in stock) both are to be read (and re-read)!
• an ergonomic harness (should you need one at the beginning, we can lend you one)
• a tracking lead (to start you off, if necessary we can lend you one)

Each time you come man-trailing please bring

• A small backpack or similar.
• Delicious treats, pâté or similar, it must be something to lick – no dry treats. Have them ready to eat in small jars so that your dog can have some at the end of each track (especially at the beginning at least 2 per track).
• Water and a bowl with you to offer some water to your dog at the end of each track
• A smeller, old T-shirt or similar, preferably cotton, with your scent on it – in a resealable bag (not used before and not noisy) or even better in a glass jar with a lid. You give this to the person tracking you and they give you the rewards to give their dog when they find you.
• Ergonomic harness
• Long leash of +/- 10 m (we always have a long lead you can borrow)
• Remember to bring poo bags

On the day

• Should your dog need it, make sure you have something to cover your car and in hot weather this is imperative
• Dress for the weather

*when you are the “runner” (the person being tracked)

• Do not retrace your steps (unless it is part of the trail).
• Try, if possible, to make the trail easy to follow
• When you are found, reward and praise the dog calmly. For some dogs it will be necessary to leave the backpack with rewards a few metres in front of your hiding place.
• Watch your body language around the dogs – and when the dog finds you when you are the runner – always be POLITE to him/her.

*When you are man-trailing

• Follow your dog
• Trust your dog
• Do not speak to your dog
• Praise your dog when he finds the “runner”