In this video we are working on the basics of three exercises. The first you’ll see is the directed retrieve. Right now Kara is still in the phase where she wants to kill the glove. We are working on that separately! So for the concept of retrieving the object I indicate, we’re using two scent sticks. And you’ll notice we’re pretty close and don’t do the turn required in the finished exercise. The only thing we’re working on it retrieving the object I direct her to. If you watch carefully you’ll see she anticipates the second one.

Next is the down signal. Unfortunately you can see me give the signal but you can see her down in place. It’s the perfect position I want with no movement forward. You’ll also notice I say yes instead of clicking. I use both interchangeably.

Next is scent discrimination with the real articles. We’ve been working metal and at this point I have 3 other metal and two leather out in the “pile.” You’ll notice she loves this so much I have to work to keep her from going to the pile before I give the cue. Sometimes I put her in her crate in between. You might think she sees me place it, but I block her view when I put it down and you can see she’s using her nose to find the right one.