Leerburg / Ask Cindy / Categories / Obedience / I was wondering what you guys think of using one c...

May 22, 2013

I was wondering what you guys think of using one certain piece of equipment just for nosework that tells the dog when you wear this you are working. I've heard guide dog and tracking people say that they only use a particular harness when the dog is working and they get the idea that when they put that one thing on it's time to go to work. What do you think?

Full Question:

Hi Cindy!!

Well, Dexter loves his walkeez harness!! I may have to get one or two more in different colors!! :)

We just started in nosework--we've had two whole classes! I was wondering what you guys think of using one certain piece of equipment just for nosework (say a particular collar or harness) that tells the dog "when you wear this you are working." I've heard guide dog and tracking people say that they only use a particular harness when the dog is working and they get the idea that when they put that one thing on it's time to go to work. What do you think?

I am debating on whether to use Dexter's new harness just for nosework or all the time.

Thanks for all your help and can't wait for those new DVDs!!!!

Cindy's Answer:

I think for a dog that struggles with motivation or a dog that has a "real" job like guide dog or service dog, keeping a separate piece of equipment for a specific activity is a great idea.

For companion dogs with high levels of drive and motivation, I don't think it matters that much. My dog, Rush, associates a harness with FUN whether that be bitework, pulling me on the bike or doing nosework. He looks at the harness as a precursor to some type of playtime.

It certainly doesn't hurt anything though, if you want a specific harness just for nosework.

Cindy Rhodes

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