DIAMOND IN THE RUFF DOG TRAINING
Greater Burlington, VT
Need help with training?
Call 1-802-829-2819 or email diamonddogtraining@gmail.com
SMOOTHING OUT THE ROUGH, AND ADDING MORE RUFF!!
Interested in learning more about us?
NOSEWORK: EXTERIORS AND VEHICLES
(OFFERED IN WARMER WEATHER)
None scheduled at this time.
This class will introduce dogs to focused searches outdoors. They will be searching building exteriors, lawns and fields, and wooded areas. They will also begin searching vehicle exteriors. Due to the structure of the class--one dog searching at a time--dogs who are not working need to be comfortable in a crate nearby, or waiting alone in their vehicle between their turns to search. We can accommodate mild to moderately reactive dogs. Contact Holly directly if your dog has reactivity issues or for questions about the class.
Prerequisite: Intro to Nosework or permission of instructor. Dogs who are just beginning the Nosework game should start with the Interior class as there are fewer distractions indoors so they learn the game faster. However, if your dog has significant practice finding things outdoors it may be OK to start with this class and take Interiors later. Please contact Holly to discuss this possibility.
Some dogs march to the beat of
a different drummer. We love working with these dogs!
NOSEWORK: ODOR 1
None offered at this time.
For dogs who have taken an Introduction to Nosework/Scentwork class (here or elsewhere) and
searched for food or scent. In this class dogs learn to find hidden scented articles instead of food,
and dogs and their people learn how to communicate more closely. This is the first step for
those wanting to compete, and where the fun really begins!
Dogs need to be on a flat collar or harness, with a 6-10’ regular leash.
You will need to bring lots of yummy treat rewards.
Participants will need to purchase an odor kit for $20 from Holly at the first class.
FIRST CLASS IS FOR HUMANS ONLY.
Because only one dog searches at a time, dogs need to be able to stay safely in your vehicle, or in a crate
in an adjoining room, between searches. We CAN accommodate mildly-reactive dogs.
BASIC MANNERS
None offered at this time
6 wks. For dogs 4 mos. to adult with little or no training. Get your dog started on being a “welcome anywhere” companion who loves learning! Covers: seeing things from the dog's point of view, how to train, importance of meeting dogs' needs before and as part of training, motivation, dogs making good decisions and not just obeying commands. Skills included: focus on handler, recall, sit, stay, down, no-jump greetings, wait, leave it, polite leash walking. We teach dog and handler skills for the real world!
NOSEWORK/SCENTWORK
WHAT IS IT?
Using the amazing equipment (nose) and hunting instinct that every dog has, we train your dog to do a focused search for food or essential oils. Nosework has become an international competitive dog sport, where dogs do timed searches of four different elements: containers (boxes, luggage, etc), interiors (within buildings), exteriors (the great outdoors), and vehicles exteriors. Any dog with a nose and mobility can play (incl. blind, deaf, and senior dogs), and it requires minimum physical exertion from handlers.
Only one dog searches at a time, so even dogs who are mild to moderately reactive can play. This sport builds confidence in shy or fearful dogs, provides mental and physical stimulation for busy dogs, and builds your relationship as you and your dog learn to communicate with each other during the search.
Dogs need to be able to wait in your car, or quietly in a crate in an adjacent room, between searches.
For a nosework demo see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkXtAup14Sg
To see the benefits of nosework for a timid dog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5ddss9bfR0
CURRENT DOG TRAINING CLASSES
HOLLY IS NOT OFFERING GROUP CLASSES AT THIS TIME.
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Questions about Nosework ?
Q: Why does only one dog search at a time? Can't my quiet dog stay next to me while another dog searches?
A: It is important that only one dog be in the search area at a time, and is one of the rules of the sport. This allows the searching dog to focus completely on the search and not be distracted (through fear, food guarding, or curiosity) by the presence of other dogs. This allows dogs with fear/reactivity issues to play the game, and often helps them get past these issues. It is also important that handlers watch as others search, as observation of other dogs and handlers is part of the learning process.
We can accommodate dogs with mild to moderate reactivity to dogs or people if:
1) they have never bitten any person or dog
2) they can safely be within 6 feet of people who are seated
3) they can stay safely in your vehicle when they are not searching
If you think your dog may be able to do this but are not sure, please contact Holly at 802-540-0219.
All dogs will need proof of current vaccinations.
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Past students' comments about learning Nosework:
"My little Sisseroo, a chihuahua mix, is quite elderly and no longer sees well, goes for long walks, or jumps
up on furniture. But she still loves nosework and is very determined to make the find and get her reward!
It definitely helps keep her stay "in the game" of life! "
"I work with a dog named Gypsy, a very undersocialized rescue from the south who is terrified of unfamiliar people. For her first several months she didn't want to be in an open space like a field, where she felt vulnerable--she just wanted to hide in the bushes. Since I started doing nosework with her, indoors and out, she has become way more bold. She is comfortable in open spaces, will walk on wobbly boards, jump up on things, and come and find me when I hide outdoors. She never would have done those things before. We are now to the point where we can actually work on overcoming
her fear of people, and are making progress." - H.G.
"Tabitha is afraid of a lot of things; it takes a lot of effort to get her used to new situations without stressing her out.
We wondered if she could deal with a class. The nosework class has been the perfect activity for her--she gets to socialize with people and dogs from a safe distance, learn new skills, and best of all, build confidence. Every time she conquers a fear, she walks a little taller, and that means the world to both of us. We are excited to keep progressing to the next levels
of nosework, and see how much more she can grow!" - M.L.
"My dog Jasper, who is typically a fearful guy, shows so much joy and focus when involved in nosework.
He starts jumping with anticipation as soon as he sees the building where class is held." - M.S.
Update: Wanted to let you know I've discovered a new (wonderful) side effect of nosework...
Now that's it's summer, Jasper has been extra stressed out due to thunderstorms, firecrackers, and construction in the basement below my apartment. But I discovered that no matter how scared he is, he's always up for nosework. After a couple rounds of "Find It," he goes from cowering/trembling/heavy panting to happy with tail held high. This is so awesome!!!
I'm sure I'll be using this technique all summer to calm him down.
FUN DOG TRICKS!
None offered at this time
Looking for a fun way to spend time with your dog during the cold winter months? Teach her some tricks!
It could be an army crawl, spin around, jump through a hoop, or more complicated things like
opening/shutting a door, weaving through your legs, or riding a skateboard.
Trick training improves your training skills as well as your relationship with your dog. Dogs need
to have basic skills: sit, stay, come. Experience with marker training, with a word or clicker,
is helpful but not essential. Not suitable for overly-barky or reactive dogs.
INTRODUCTION TO NOSEWORK
None offered at this time.
In this 6 week class we will cover the basics of searching, odor movement, and leash handling. Further classes increase scent challenges and prepare for competition if desired. Dogs attend all 6 weeks. For a demo see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BycQ2MA1o_k
Dogs need to be on a flat collar or harness, with a 6-10’ regular leash.
You will need to bring lots of yummy treat rewards.
Because only one dog searches at a time, dogs need to be able to stay safely in your vehicle or in a crate in an adjoining room between searches. We CAN accommodate moderately-reactive dogs. All vaccination records need to be shown the first week of class.
REACTIVE DOG?
Understand that your dog is not trying to give you a hard time.
They're having a hard time.
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