Canine Culture: Is Your Dog Unemployed? (Blog)

Does your dog need a job? If relentless energy and annoying behaviors are any indication, chances are he does! But even actively engaged dogs can become bored with their regular routine.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of recreational pursuits for dogs and owners of all ages, shapes, sizes and talents. Two relatively new canine activities include K9 Nose Work® and Treibball.

K9 Nose Work® is an exciting detection-style sport. Dogs learn to identify three different odors – birch, anise and clove oils – while performing interior, exterior, vehicle and container searches. K9 Nose Work® was founded by three professional canine handlers with a variety of search and rescue experience, including bomb detection and police dog training. This sport requires no prior training, is a great confidence builder for shy dogs, and allows pet dogs of all breeds to do what they do naturally ... SNIFF. We haven’t met a dog yet who doesn’t love it!

Treibball is the latest sport to make its way to the Midwest. It’s perfect for high-energy dogs and herding breeds with no sheep! Treibball is a timed event that involves teaching dogs to work off-leash and herd large fitness balls into soccer nets with instruction from the handler. This “urban herding” sport is fantastic exercise, builds concentration and fosters communication between dog and handler.

Wanna try Treibball? Canine Craze is offering an introductory workshop on Saturday, December 1, from 1-5 p.m. Working spots ($75 with dog) and auditing spots ($50 without dog) are available. Registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 30. For more info, visit www.CanineCraze.com.

Teamwork! No matter what activity or sport you do with your dog, teamwork is an essential element. Both K9 NoseWork® and Treibball build teamwork in different ways. In Treibball, the handler cues the dog to perform specific tasks to complete a goal. While the dog may demonstrate independent thinking, it’s in response to the handler’s directive. In K9 Nose Work®, the handler steps back and lets the dog take the lead with his nose and natural instincts. In the end, everyone has fun and the relationship wins!

Classes for K9 Nose Work® and Treibball are offered indoors year-round at Canine Craze Performance Center in Urbandale. Next session begins January 2013. So make a New Year’s resolution to try something new this winter and find your unemployed pooch a job!

More info:
K9 Nose Work® http://k9nosework.com
Treibball http://www.americantreibballassociation.org2013
2013 Classes Coming Soon www.CanineCraze.com

Ask the Trainer: Renee Jetter, ABCTC, CPCT
• Professional dog trainer; co-owner of Canine Craze Performance Center in Urbandale – an 15,000 sq-ft.professional dog training and events facility. Animal Behavior College, 2006 graduate.
• Expertise: puppy development; positive reinforcement training; obedience; competition; agility; tricks;freestyle; scent detection; canine good citizen/therapy dog testing; service dogtrainer.