Wheel Modifications
- Containers (cans) were wiped down with Lysol Disenfectant Pads before Lily was asked to find Earl Grey Teabag (in magnetized tin) #1.
- Altho she circled the scent wheel several times, she definitely kept her nose away from the cans
- Sue said that she could smell the disinfectant smell; I could not
- Syn, however, repeatedly indicated on the tea odor
Trial Test 1:
- empty containers on the wheel
- all containers placed on wheel by Trainer 1
- (a) dog cued by Trainer 1
- (b) dog cued by Trainer 2
- one shaker contains odor; other containers empty
- all equipment handled by Trainer 1
- (a) dog cued by Trainer 1
- (b) dog cued by Trainer 2
(1a)
The containers have been rinsed in water and air dried overnight. It is early in the morning and Lily has just eaten. She quickly assessed the wheel and found no odor. She sniffed the lazy susan on the coffee table and the table on the opposite side of the wheel. Then looked at me for direction.
Single tin containing a year old tea bag in container 5 (same that Syn indicated yesterday).
(1b)
Lily was not sniffing. Test ends unsuccessfully after first cue. Second cue given to encourage dog to complete the behavior for second trainer. She did not.
2(b) not recorded on video. Search cue was given 3X. Lily indicated correct;y on third attempt.
CONCLUSIONS:
- Disinfectant wipes contain too strong an odor and are aversive to one of the two dogs. We will not use them to clean containers between dogs.
- Dogs have not been trained to work the scent wheel for trainers other than their own. We will have dogs cued by their own trainers and have other trainers set up testing scenario, Owner will deliver search cue but will be "blind" to the test.
- Search cue is to be given once.
- The first test will always contain an odor.