In this exercise we’re looking at the effect of multiple odors between VEHICLES. We’ll experiment with different vehicle configurations and locations of odor. All hides should be relatively accessible but out of obvious visual sight. What you need to do is determine what length of leash to use and how to stay out of your dog’s way! 🙂

NOTE: These don’t have to be done in any particular order. Reduce the number of hides if you feel it’s necessary. I know vehicles can be hard to come by! Do the best you can and make any adjustments y0u need to! 🙂

Part A: Situate 3 vehicles (or 2 vehicles and an object-like-vehicle, big cart, industrial trash bin, etc. to act as the 3rd vehicle) in a triangular configuration. Place one hide somewhere in the middle of each side. Don’t forget, it’s not a bad idea to work the outsides of the vehicles since it may help your dog to sort out the problem.

Part B: Take 2 vehicles and place them parallel to each other. Place 3-4 hides: One at the front wheel area, one at the back wheel area opposite (kitty-corner) and one on the outside of either vehicle. How can you support your dog to work through the convergence of odors in the middle without getting in the way? (Hint: Paying out the line is helpful! 🙂 )

Part C: Set 3 vehicles in an “offset” type of configuration where you can place 2 hides directly across from each other and a 3rd hide on the other side of the 3rd vehicle. Does your dog skip one of those hides? How can you help your dog navigate this search so they’re sure to check all parts of these vehicles?

What we’re looking for is how the dogs work the convergence of odor when there is a central point they can work off of from one hide to the next (and do they recognize this?) and when there is a stronger draw to another hide outside of that convergence. Do they figure out there is a hide between? Once they solve two hides do they get the 3rd/Final hide? What can you do to help?

Happy sniffing! 🙂