Wilderness Search with Allan M.

Wilderness Search is an excellent alternative to tracking for high-energy dogs, both small and large, whose handlers want to build skills, teamwork, and communication with their dogs by engaging in exciting and focused “search and find” activities.

Wilderness search is a very beneficial and fun game for a wide variety of dogs: for high-drive dogs with a work ethic who would benefit from a “job”; for dogs who love to run, hunt, and air scent; for rescued dogs to build a trusting, bonded relationship with their new guardian. It is also effective as a therapy to build confidence in dogs who are insecure, fearful, or distrustful of strangers.

This fun-filled series follows a 3-level curriculum to an advanced level. It takes place outdoors in both forested and light urban areas.

Level 1
Teaching the foundation of air scenting while building the hunt. The beginnings of an indication of a find is developed and a secondary recall. This is a fun and social class for both handlers and dogs.

This course consists of 5 classes, 1.5-2 hours in length. Space is reserved for 4 dogs per class in Coquitlam.

Level 2 continues with the basic principles of air scenting, and increasing the building of the hunt with more distance.

Level 3 continues with generalizing the run outs to different locations, including semi urban locations. Dogs learn to find and indicate larger lost or discarded articles of clothing or accessories. Indications of finds and recalls are more reliable at this level. A very exciting conclusion to this series.

Levels 2 and 3 are offered on an ongoing drop-in basis on Sunday mornings in Coquitlam.