So you want to host a snifferdog instinct test?

The instinct test is pretty simple evaluators should be able to present documentation of an understanding of scent work. For example

• Titled tracking dog
• Operational SAR dog
• Hunt test certification
• Etc.

Contact Laura at vtotis@carr.org for an snifferdog instinct test evaluator application form. An instinct test kit containing

• 10 snifferdog instinct test forms
• 10 snifferdog instinct test certificates
• 1 snifferdog instinct test flyer
• 1 snifferdog instinct test report form
• Instructions for setting up the snifferdog instinct test.

Cost of the snifferdog instinct test kit is $25.00

Instinct tests are designed and intended to be used as fundraising for pet related service organizations and as an introduction for pet dogs to scent work. We generally offer the instinct test at events for $5.00 each and donate all profits to the organization we are supporting.

All you need is the cat the clicker the treats

Originally uploaded by Laura & the pack.

River is practicing to be the demo cat for our new clicks for cats class that we just started. Clicker training works well for cats since the number one question River has is what’s in it for him? The short answer is treats - lots of treats and attention, River’s two favorite things so he thought the idea was wonderful. Here he is getting a little bite of cooked ground beef for his treat. Try to use a treat that is easy to swallow and tiny so that you pop it into his mouth, and it is gone, and he is looking for more. Freeze dried liver also works really well since it is kind of like cotton candy it goes into his mouth and disappears. First we “load the clicker” that is we click the clicker then instantly give the cat a treat and repeat that until when River hears the click he is looking for his treat to come. (If your cat is a little sensitive cup the clicker in your hand and click it behind your back away from the cat at first, gradually you can move it closer but don’t start with it in his face or you might scare him away.) The simple rule is when the cat does something you like you click everytime you click you owe your cat a treat. On to the training plan we are going to start by teaching River to go into a box and out of it when I ask him to. At first I am going to teach him to touch his nose to a target stick. Then I am going to teach him to go inside the crate His cue to go into the crate is “load up”. Next I am going to lure him out by presenting the stick he is so excited about touching. He knows the word touch means touch his nose to the end of the stick so I present the stick just outside the door of the box ask him to “touch” the stick and as he comes out of the crate I click and treat. Once he is coming in and out of the crate I pair his action with the cue words “Load up” as he starts to go into the crate, and “come out” as he starts to come out of the crate. It is a good place to start it is easy and not difficult for me to figure out the steps to teach it, or for him to successfully get lots of treats. We did it through the course of a couple of days with just a few two or three minute training sessions each day. The goal is to provide River the opportunity to use his little cat mind and get some one on one interaction with me as well as encourage some useful and fun behaviors.

River touch the stick

Originally uploaded by Laura & the pack.

I present the target stick to the cat as he touches it I click and treat and take the stick away. Then present it someplace slightly different, where he gets a click and treat when he touches it. I quit while he still wants to play more, but keep doing this little game until he will touch the stick wherever I put it. As he touches the stick I put it on cue and say “touch” as he connects with his nose. Then click & treat.

River into the box

Originally uploaded by Laura & the pack.

OK so I have to confess the only lure here was River’s curiosity about what was inside the box. Getting him in consisted of opening the box door.

River expects treat with click

Originally uploaded by Laura & the pack.

Once in the box we make it a good place to be with lots of goodies.

rive out of box

Originally uploaded by Laura & the pack.

Success! Using my fingers or the target stick as a target we cue river to come out of the box. Of course, being a cat he has to get the last word and stop to sniff the door as he comes out to touch my fingers! It might not seem like much but getting the cat out of the crate at the vets often takes longer than the visit. We are not there yet he still needs to do this in and out thing in a variety of different places and with different distractions but we took the first step.