What we’re working on.
This page tracks Gunner’s training as it happens. It shows what we’re working on now, how far each skill has come, and the field notes behind it. I update it as he changes, so parts of it will already be out of date.
GunnerBelgian Malinois6 monthsUpdated Oct 1, 2026
Current priorities.
The priorities change as the dog changes.
- 01
Engagement around distraction
Getting him to choose me when the environment is offering something better.
- 02
Place duration
Holding place while things get exciting around him, like the scent pouch coming out.
- 03
Scent foundations
Early nose work. Right now it’s mostly about building value for the game.
Where each skill stands.
Every skill moves through the same four stages. Each one links to the field notes tagged with it, so you can see how it got there.
- 01 foundationLearning what the behavior is.
- 02 developingKnows it in easy places. Building reps and duration.
- 03 generalizingNew places, bigger distractions, more arousal.
- 04 maintainingReliable. Kept sharp with the occasional rep.
The tracker is Gunner’s half. This is mine.
Where each of us is in our own curriculum. The reasoning behind having two lives on the Philosophy page.
Foundation phase
- Skills tracked
- 6
- Generalizing or better
- 1
- Next phase
- To come
Handler Curriculum
- 01 · Engagement and Motivationwritten
- 02 · Reward Mechanics and Communicationnext
- 03 · To comelater
The method, written down.
I’m still tightening this. Once the framework holds up across enough sessions, it goes here. Until then, Philosophy covers what I believe and the field notes show what I actually do.
Where the details live.
This page stays short on purpose. The depth sits one click down.
Latest field notes.
Check back. He’ll be further along, and so will I.