Firstly, a huge thank you to Jo and the K9 Scent and Search team for having me over to judge this level 1 trial, and providing a great scribe and two helpers (lucky me) to ensure a smooth running of the day.
We had 13 dog/handler teams entered (2 handlers with a second dog), and for some of them it was their first attempt at a trial- so well done for plucking up the courage to get out there and give it a whirl- I hope you enjoyed your day as much as I did.
I arrived at the venue in the midst of a torrential downpour, but this passed quickly and the clouds broke leaving us with a very cold and windy, but at least mostly dry day. After a quick discussion with the Trial Manager we decided to take advantage of the break in the weather and planned to get both outdoor searches out of the way whilst the going was good!! This, I think is always a challenge- it would always be my preferance to settle competitors in with a nice indoor search where gale force winds are not coming in to play- but rise to the challenge they definitely did.

Vehicle Search- 11 out of 13 got their finds here, with some very quick searches by Prince and Olive- 9 and 11 seconds respectively- wow wow wow! Muffins search was beautiful to watch as he picked up the scent on the wind on the other side of the car and worked it back to source with confidence whilst his handler patiently waited for his indication- well done. Lovely search by little Woody who knew his job and set to work straight away. It was distracting out there- swirling wind, rattling fences, etc and handlers really took their time to set their dogs up well and get them in ‘the zone’ at the start line which really paid off.

External- The challenge here was picking items that didn’t get blown away in the wind……Hides were in a motorcycle helmet and a dustbin lid (for the two dog teams) and the search took place on a piece of concrete hardstanding. 12 out of 13 got their finds here, an unfortunate call for Pollys handler after Polly gave a convincing false alert (possibly pooled odour as it was in the direction the wind was blowing). Zen and Amba put in sub 10 second times and a high proportion of handlers opted not to be told the 3 possible items on which the scent may be hidden because they didn’t want their handling to be biased. Patient and gentle handling was observed in all candidates. Bodgers handler waited patiently for his comittment as he worked hard on the article (bicycle helmet) to locate the precise location of source- super job.

Table and Chairs- I think everyone was releived to move indoors out of the chill and on this search 11 out of 13 called the correct chair. Brilliant searching by all – the Cirneco Dell’etna pals didn’t want to be outdone by each other; both putting in really nicely worked 17 second searches – fab! A smart search was put in by Rosie who was able to work the scent from the opposite side of the table, navigating herself round after realising it wasn’t practical to go under; nice handling- well done. Arfa rocked his search in a real workmanlike fashion, new his job and gave a nice indication. Pollys indoor search had us on the judging team holding our breath, as she stuck to her guns on a really solid indication whilst her handler plucked up the courage to put in the call after her unlucky ‘falsie’ on the previous search- nice one!

Boxes and luggage- Hides were in carboard boxes and 11 out of 13 alerted correctly. Great handling from Skyes owner; a methodical dog that gave nothing away on the first two times checking over the box with the hidden scent, handler kept her cool (which isnt easy as time is ticking) and it paid off. Olive worked hard for this find and handler communicated well to her when she looked for direction- well done Jo for being patient enough to wait for a firm comittment.

All in all 11 out of the 13 teams qualified. The standard of handling was really high. All handlers worked hard not to get in the way of their dogs search, read their body language well, and knew how best to get them focussed or back on task- really well done, you should all feel proud.

4th place went to Amba and Sue – a handler with great lead handling skills allowing Amba to pick her route to source, and a dog that clearly enjoys the game (often still sniffing away on the way out of the search area)
3rd place went to Bodger and Sarah – a methodical searcher that knew his job and enjoys it. Sarah you read him very well.
2nd place went to Zenzero and Catherine- missing out on top spot on time alone. A fabulously keen dog whose handler works hard to get the needed focus before starting so as soon as the search is underway she is comitted to the task in hand. Worked on lead, the handler does really well at not impeeding Zens path despite her enthusiasm.
1st place went to Moley and Kathrin -their first trial and a first place-amazing! A super fast searcher who is really motivated to get his find and subsequent reward. A real pleasure to watch this team and a well deserved success. I look forward to seeing updates on your Scentwork journey- well done.