What to listen for:
“That's the part that just takes it over the edge for me - I know that my dog feels my excitement, my anticipation, my disappointment. They’re just taking all of this in. And in the beginning, there's no way you could see all of that. In the very beginning it is, ‘I see my dog sniffing, I see my dog following a trail. Good dog.’”
Ever wondered what it's like to see the world through your dog's eyes? Our hosts, Robin Greubel, Stacy Barnett, and Crystal Wing reflect on the two-episode series (#102, #103) with Martha Hoffman. From the observant gaze that discerns the subtlest of animal signals to the challenges shorter dogs face in detection work, they uncover the profound connection between keen observation and effective communication with our canine companions.
This episode is not just about dogs; it's about fostering a partnership that transcends species, focusing on the importance of empathy in training. They examine how dogs (and even Robin’s mini-donkeys), perceive their environment and discuss how this understanding can revolutionize the way we interact with them. Heightened awareness of an animal's sensory experience isn't just about improving performance; it's about strengthening the bonds we share with our canine companions and seeing the world from a unique vantage point.
The journey doesn't stop at observation—it extends to critical thinking and the power of kindness, both in the canine training arena and online communities. Through the wisdom shared by Martha and our hosts’ collective experiences, they highlight the importance of temperament testing and selecting the right dog for the right role. The essence of this episode lies in the thrill of predicting canine behavior, the value of mentorship in honing our skills, and ultimately, the continuous pursuit of creating a harmonious relationship with the animals in our lives.
Key Topics:
5000 Hour Eyes (01:57)
Dog Vocalizations and Perspective (07:15)
Dog Training and Sensory Experiences (10:02)
Blindly Repeating Training Techniques without Critical Thinking (23:20)
Dog Behavior and Temperament (31:13)
Breeding and Temperament Tests (36:18)
Dog Breeds and Abilities in Nosework (40:41)
Empathy in Dog Training (43:39)
Takeaways and Wrap-Up (45:36)
Resources:
Books:
Lend Me An Ear: The Temperament, Selection and Training of the Hearing Ear Dog
Cracking the Canine Code: Unleashing the Secrets of Your Dog’s Body Language (Martha’s photography illustrates this dog behavior book)
We want to hear from you:
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K9Sensus Foundation can be found on Facebook and Instagram. We have a Trainer’s Group on Facebook!
Scentsabilities Nosework is also on Facebook. Here is a Facebook group you should join!
Crystal Wing K9 Coach can be found here at CB K9 and here at Evolution Working Dog Club. Also, check out her Functional Obedience Class here.
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