Writing
Notes from the search.
My original training posts, search videos, and judging debriefs—collected in one place. Curiosity, confidence, and connection in practice.
Can Your Dog Take the Search Back?
After a handler offers a suggestion, can the dog investigate, dismiss it, and take the search back?
When Assumptions Enter the Search
Three Master Interior areas in Tacoma: how expectations about space, coverage, and hide count can change the search.
Present. Patient. Purposeful.
Chiron’s Master Exterior search at Wenatchee, and the deliberate decision to offer no suggestion without useful information.
Your Dog Is Not a Metal Detector
Why covering every inch is not the same as trusting a trained searcher.
COB Is a Clue, Not a Conclusion
Change of behavior can tell us where to pay attention. It does not always tell us where source is.
Build the Start Drive
The launch, the hunt, and the decision to expand when the first area gives nothing back.
If My Dog Can’t Tell Me I’m Wrong, I’ve Got a Problem.
A dog who can show me I am wrong makes our team stronger. Sandra on staying open to the dog’s next decision.
Stay Curious
Jelly works through pooled odor at an NW3 interior search. Watch the search and read Sandra’s handling notes.