Finding the Balance

In Scent Work, there are two players at work: the dog and the handler. Who is taking a leading role and who is supporting? Who is making the decisions, when, why and how? What are these players communicating and are they listening to one another?

The roles within the search exist on a shared spectrum of extremes. On one polar extreme, the dog is doing everything and on the other, the handler is directing the entire time. All of us have our preferences for how we want our searches to look and feel or where we will fall on this spectrum. This is where finding the balance comes into play.

Reaching the ideal equilibrium for our specific team is a continual endeavor that will never end. Furthermore, our approach should be fluid and malleable, changing and adjusting depending on the given circumstances.

Our dog tackling a search they can competently and confidently knock out of the park may have a starkly different approach or game plan to when they are tasked with something brand new or if they demonstrate they are unsure, worried or even concerned.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of not only finding the balance but embracing the journey to discover it. This path will almost certainly have a fair amount of bumps, switchbacks and unexpected turns, but can be exciting and thrilling if we allow it.

Speaker: Dianna L. Santos

• Single Hides v. Multi-Hides Livestream with Michael McManus
• Vehicle Search Mechanics: The Handler's Role Webinar with Michele Ellertson
• Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Training Webinar with Tony Gravley
• Know Your Role: The Handler’s Role in Trialing Webinar with Tony Gravley
• The Handler's Role: Managing Behavioral Challenges Webinar with Nancy Reyes

Click here to read the transcript.

Scent Work University is an online dog training platform focused on all things Scent Work. Our online courses, seminars, webinars and eBooks are not only for those who are interested in competition, but also for those dog owners who are simply looking for something fun and engaging to do with their dogs. Check out Scent Work University today!

Interested in other dog sports, helping a new dog or puppy learn the ropes to be more successful at home and when out and about? Check out the Pet Dog U program, where we offer a variety of online dog training services and resources you and your dog will love.

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