These Search and Rescue K9 videos are not perfect. They are intended for learning and education about SAR dog training. The handlers are human, and we all make mistakes. These videos sometimes help us learn from our mistakes and illustrate some of our training methods (unique to each handler) We hope you enjoy watching, and feel free to
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Cooper is learning something new in this sequence of 5 videos (5 quick exercises). He is being trained for a Recall/Refind with a Bark Indication. Previously, we only asked for 1 bark in his indication. Today we want 3 or more barks. So we have simplified and shortened the exercise, and we have added verbal cues back in to help him learn this new rule. In videos 2 and 3 - we stepped backwards 1-chain in the indication sequence to simplifiy & help him recognize the new desired behavior. Watch his learning progression -as he offers different behaviors to try and "pull the handle" on the "slot machine" and get his reward. Cooper eventually figures it out in the 5th video with a flawless indication for a very quick reward.
Boudica is being trained for a Recall/Refind with a Tug Indication. The first video is the most recent - and illustrates her air scenting in an open field and performing her trained indication from far away. The second video shows an earlier sequence where the subject runs away after tesing the dog up. The 3rd video gives a closeup of her tugging on the Ball, and the 4th video shows Boudica performing her indication in the woods. The final video was the earliest, with a quick glance at her tug indication on another trail.
Sirius is learning a new behavior in a sequence of steps - all in order to get his reward (play & toys). He "finds" the person and returns to his Handler, where he is supposed to Jump on him to "indicate". Sirius is young and still learning, so on the first attempt, he leaves before indicating, which fails to get him his toys. So he bounces back to his Handler - and performs the desired Jump - upon which his "subject - comes alive" and he can run back and get his reward. This short sequence is a small part of the big picture which will eventually become Sirius searching for hours and indicating a "find" with this Jump.
Pepper is training for a jump indication in search and rescue work. She almost outweighs her Handler - as is evidence by this video. This is her first checkmark drill. She sees the person run away, then is turned around while the person changes positions. When she is released, she goes to where the person was last seen, but has to use her nose to find the new location. Wind is key in setting up this problem.