RUFF  work 

TRAINING THOUGHTS

 Snow Caves / Victim Training

Every drill should start with a GOAL. In most cases this dictates the setup.

A couple of important elements are; site construction and victim training.

 

I’ve seen good and bad snow caves and these can have an effect on what the dog is learning (being taught, rewarded for doing).

Snow Caves (like Fig 1) are easier to dig but it is difficult to seal the victim in the cave.  This takes more time and adds shoveler scent to the area.  This construction also tends to crumble in on the victim after just a small amount of digging and you lose the “frustration/excitement increase” that can be a reward in itself.  Also shown is a large cave with victim at back.  The dog breaks through and sees the victim.  If repeated this can lead to a lack of “Victim Loyalty” -----–break through—take a look—leave site—dog senses search is over—big deal—

and all this can insidiously lessen the motivation to work

 

A snow cave (Fig.2a) that has a tunnel and a” T” vic area (Fig. 2b) is harder to dig but it can be sealed off quickly and the whole chunk wall won’t collapse [note flat bottom at entry and overhang above]. 

 

 

 

 

The vic area should provide enough room for minimal movement.  Victim should roll their back to the wall area where dog is digging and about to penetrate into cave.  This leads to a more realistic and exciting conclusion.  The dog digs the snow away and contacts a person and scratches on their back.  The victim’s reward timing should have been established [victim training] before burying them.  The dog’s skill level will influence the GOAL for the drill, and together, these will let you decide what, when (timing) and how to reward the dog.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember, at this point in your drill the Victim is the Trainer. 

You will need to school them on what they can expect and how they are to react