I had a lovely day in Sharnbrook for the Level 1 & 2 Scentwork trials.

Marianne was a lovely host and was there ready with a packed van when I arrived. I knew I was in the right place as Merri was looking out from the van to greet me!

After deciding which order to run the day, we set out the exterior search for level 1. I tried my best to make everyone feel at ease as I know a test situation can make handlers very nervous! It was a great start to the day with all 7 teams finding the scented article (between 2 white pots) from the 3 items I had chosen. Both Teresa and Katherine held off calling the alert until they were sure of the item, with Archie being very interested in the chair (not one of the chosen 3 items) and Handley being quite interested in the grass and the fencing. The handlers did very well to hold their nerve and both dogs alerted just in time. Phew!

Next up was the level 1 vehicle search (the hide was in the front grill on the right). This was a fast round with Tracey & Hardy in top place alerting within 9 seconds. Wow! The slowest time was only 27 seconds so lots of confidence alerting on the vehicle today with very positive indications from the dogs.

We then did the level 2 exterior search where Karen proved she knew her dog Zelda very well. Zelda was very interested in the red boxes in the top left hand corner of the search area but Karen waited until a more positive indication was made on the green rolled up garden edging in the top right position. Very good handling. The second article was placed between the 2 files midway on the left hand side. Both articles were successfully alerted by both Karen’s.

The level 2 vehicle search had distractions as the car park was busy and the bowls teams had a match on! I’m pleased to say that neither dog was tempted by the moving bowls and concentrated on the task in hand, but, sadly Zsa Zsa was indicating on the rear wheel arch of the decoy vehicle. Karen understandably called the alert from her behaviour which was incorrect on this occasion. She did very well with finding the second article on the wind though (placed low down in the front grill of the black clio) and called this find correctly. The second hide was in the rear wheel arch of the white van
(driver’s side).

While the sun was still shining (thundery showers were forecast) we moved indoors for the level 1 container search. We then discovered that the floor had been recently polished! This proved the hardest challenge of the day as only 3 of the 7 teams found the article. Julia was unlucky here as her dog Winter was indicating on the wrong bag. I understand why she called the alert from reading his behaviour. The hide was actually in the half opened pocket of the black rucksack.

We tried to come prepared for the days’ eventualities thinking a dog may foul an area at some point through nerves. Nobody did. I was however, unprepared for our first contestant on the tables and chairs test. Archie found the article and then decided it would be nice for lunch! He pulled it from the tape underneath the chair and promptly swallowed it, meaning we had to wait 10 minutes for the next scent to cook. We had some fantastic quick alerts from Katherine & Handley, Geof & Bug and Karen & Malik. Winter had sat between 2 chairs and Julia was stood behind the ‘other’ chair. I feel if she had continued to walk and not stand still, Winter would have searched longer for the source and alerted on the correct chair.

Both Karen’s gave good guiding arm movements to encourage their dogs where to search in level 2. They worked thorough methodical searches in both directions on the room perimeter / tables and chairs and successfully pinpointed the articles.

With all the tests completed we gathered indoors for a very welcomed drink and to find out the results of the day. Certificates, rosettes and trophies
were then handed out and photographs were taken of the day’s achievements.

I’d like to thank Marianne for organising the day and also her two helpers Becky Harris and Nicky White. There is a lot of activity going on behind the scenes to make these trials happen, and I’d also like to thank our competitors for their patience and co-operation while the different tests were being set up. Special thanks go to Mister Kai for his fast, accurate performances as our white dog, with Marianne of course.

Well done to all of you. I hope you enjoyed the day and the experience encourages you through to your next levels!