Where's That Smell?

"Find It"

Nose work is fascinating.  I have been working with Chance and Blaze since discovering the game "Find It."  Putting a treat in a plastic jar or container and having them "find" by successfully getting it out of the jar.

Recently, I upped the stakes by placing the the treat in a toy and then hiding the toy in a room while they stayed in another.  I then rub the treat on my hand, ask them to smell my hand and tell them to "Find It."  Chance's nose is strong, especially when it comes to food.  Blaze takes a while to warm up, but she is also a slick and will go back and forth between looking for the treat and staying close to Chance in order to snatch it out from under him when he finds it.

I have done this in the house a couple of times, the results were something like this:

The first hide, easy out in open:  They each find toy with treat

The second time, this time out of plain sight:  Chance realizes he not going to just 'find it' and his nose turns on so loud you can hear him sniffing hard.  Blaze is also aware she can't just see and find it and keeps close tabs on Chance for any indication he is close to treat.  Even so much so that she will slide up by his side and grab the treat at first sign he has found it.

The third time, toy is place inside something or up high:  Chance is wearing down and Blaze takes advantage of this as her nose begins to warm up.  They each find a treat.

After the third time, Chance looks like someone bonked him on the head with a silly stick.  Blaze seems no worse for wear.  She is proud of herself for her slick moves and outmaneuvering Chance and is ready to go again now that Chance is wearing down and feels she has the upper hand. 

ZONK!!

The whole event was hilarious and fascinating.  I was intrigued the most when Chance realized he had to use his nose and 'work' to find the treat.  When he begins to comprehend this, his entire demeanor immediately changes to that of sheer concentration and focus.  I'm sure that using both dogs together helps to spur on the competitive nature of the game.  Chance is about following the rules and pleasing me.  If I ask him to find it, he is going to do everything in his power to do that.  For Blaze it is about beating and outsmarting your opponent.  She isn't doing this for me, she is out to prove how her wit and clever intelligence will win the game.  And it is all about winning the game. 

Each style is unique and compliment the other. I have praised both of them for the strength and skills.    Although if I was ever lost in the woods, I think I'd rather have someone send Chance to find me!

Are you sure about that?? 

He couldn't last more than three rounds!