Ups and Downs of Nosework 2 Event (NW2)

In September 2023, Clover attended her fifth NW2 competitors. We didn’t earn a title that day, once more. The problem of nosework, not like different canine sports activities, is that the primary couple of titles require perfection all in a single day. You aren’t getting the construct towards titles till later. For NW1, it is 4 searches (with 1 conceal every) in a single day. Clover did that on her first strive. And, she *almost did it on her first strive at NW2. However, right here we discover ourselves, with out that elusive 5 excellent searches in a single day … but … as a result of the searches are tougher and might function a number of hides. This is how issues went. Do not miss the video of us looking on the backside of the web page!

NW2 Container Search

As if typically the case, the occasion ran 2 searches on the identical time by splitting the listing of canine in half or so. Virtually each time, we’re both actually crew #1 or someplace in mid-list that additionally makes us the primary on the road after they break up the listing. So, as crew #15, we had been the primary to look containers. In a approach, that is form of very best as a result of it means Clover will not need to deal with any smells from different canine. Once I volunteered at an occasion in 2022, I noticed how as soon as 1 canine false alerted, typically a number of different canine did as nicely in fast succession. 

My mantra for the day was Ready | Affected person | Optimistic, and whooo did I would like persistence for the container search. Clover form of went throughout and took her time discovering the primary sizzling field earlier than false alerting on a distraction field (with nuts in it, which we have educated to disregard). So, I knew instantly that we might NOT earn a NW2 that day, which was disappointing. 

Nonetheless, these good feedback from the choose helped. I like seeing somebody who does not know my mantra for the day utilizing a mantra phrase in an outline of our teamwork. The choose wrote, “Pretty persistence. Nice first alert name. Paper crinkling obtained her consideration. Nice search!”

NW2 Automobile Search

When you watch the video of Mr. Stix’s NW1 car search, you will see how I noticed I used to be standing TOO near him and that my location was retaining him caught in a spot. As soon as I moved again, he obtained again to work and located the conceal. Sadly, I made the identical mistake with Clover, did not notice it within the second, and known as a false alert. She was IN odor, however not on the supply, however my closeness to her stored her from persevering with to comply with the odor to the entrance of the third automobile. 

Nonetheless, it was nice to see her actually form of haul butt previous the primary automobile and to the entrance of the second automobile, the place I made my mistake. Clover completely KNOWS HER JOB. The failures are 100% mine. Gah!

NW2 Inside Search

Actually, blowing 2 searches in a row dented my confidence, however Clover appears to get pleasure from inside searches, so we rallied for the primary of two inside searches that day, and Clover nailed it. She did so nicely that the choose gave us a “pronounced” on our rating sheet, which is a approach of claiming we exceptionally nicely as a crew. The choose wrote, “Nice job studying Clover and making that decision!”

NW2 Exterior Search

I felt excited in regards to the 3-hide exterior search in a big area (after lunch) as a result of Clover excels at these and even earned a primary place and pronounced at a previous NW2 occasion. Alas, I obtained sidetracked by bunny smells that had constructed up in a stack of pallets. We even prepare with pallets at residence due to how they lure odor, and I had a good suggestion the place the primary conceal could be, however I rushed the decision when Clover tipped her head, which frequently means she is on the odor supply, and blew it. 

NW2 Inside Search

The ultimate search of the day included a hallway, a convention room, and an workplace. I will say now that the choose was VERY beneficiant about approving my alert name. It was an inaccessible conceal, and I knew Clover discovered it, however I wasn’t precisely positive the place it was, however since I known as ALERT when Clover’s nostril was in the suitable place, we obtained it. 

But, actually, my fav second of the whole day was how Clover cleared the clean convention room and let me know completely the the conceal was NOT on there. We apply clean searches in order that I do know the distinction of how she seems to be with and with none odor. 

Once more, this search required persistence, so it was a pleasant strategy to finish a troublesome day. The choose wrote, “She simply took a minute to determine easy methods to let you know in regards to the conceal.”

NW2 Search Movies

Due to my private improvement coach, I perceive how our brains course of successes and failures. For that purpose, I do watch our failed searches solely a few instances to see what I can be taught, then from there, I solely watch video of our successes. I watch our highlights loads, particularly earlier than one other NW2 occasion. I wish to bear in mind and really feel these successes and educate my mind that is the place my focus must be. 

Nonetheless, I compiled a single video of all of our NW2 searches from that day. You are welcome to observe what went nicely and what did not. Blissful to know in the event you see something I might need missed that would assist us subsequent time. 

There will not be any NW2 occasions wherever near us for the remainder of the 12 months, so we’ll be specializing in coaching and in search of our subsequent NW2 trial someday in 2024. I didn’t have the time / power to do the homework from our current on-line NW class in Oct-Nov, so I will be going again via these lectures and coaching set-ups alone over the winter, extra like self research.