Name: Bert
Breed: Lagotto Romagnolo
Age: 2.5 Years (2024)
Reward: Food
Location: Araluen, NSW.
Previous Training:
Truffle training oil (edible). Rewarded for sniffing it, for approaching, for finding it in progressively harder locations.
Main areas to work on:
Increasing focus
Prevent running off
?Possible low drive ?Correct reward system
Strengthening canine/human communication.
Reducing canine frustration
Course:
After a discussion with Bert’s owner I decided Bert was at the intermediate level. Bert’s owners opted to come down from NSW, in April 2024, to do the training face to face instead of online. So, we began the intermediate course first with theory then practical sessions over the course of the two days they were in Victoria.
Upon seeing Bert’s first truffle search with his owner it was clear Bert had high drive and the correct reward system. Bert’s previous training had been done so well that he understood the game perfectly and was super keen to find the truffles. However, would get frustrated, lose interest and beginning getting distraction after the first few hides which were found. It was clear to me that a breakdown in canine/human communication was what was fueling Bert’s frustration and ultimately loss of interest/distraction. Once we had really delved into this aspect and I explained what Bert was trying say, the teamwork between them became easier and Bert became focused and very keen to search.
On day two when the backyard, then street became too easy, we took him to more distracting environments. Where people milling around, a footy game in the oval next to the search area, other dogs nearby and he was thriving.
Summery/Future:
Bert’s young age and high drive became problematic as he wanted to find the truffles so fast but was becoming frustrated by his humans not quite understanding what he was saying quick enough. Once we had smoothed over this communication his humans were able to understand him at a speed which he was comfortable with. This led to a happier dog who is now able to work and not get frustrated.
On June 16th 2024, a few months after his April intermediate training course, Bert found his first truffles.
During the 2024 season I had a phone consultation with Bert’s owners where we went through aspects of the advanced course as they were keen to take Bert to the next level.