Nosework Training Begins
I've witnessed Piper’s incredible journey firsthand – a path paved with resilience, companionship, and an unwavering spirit. When the spunky treeing walker coonhound and her brother Wishbone were abandoned by their previous owners before Hurricane Ian struck, they endured the harrowing storm as strays. Our paths crossed after they survived the aftermath, and I could scarcely imagine the challenges that lay ahead for these resilient pups.
The trauma left its mark, and Piper struggled with fear and anxiety, terrified of simple things like doorways and entering the house. In the beginning, I offered reiki daily to Piper and Wishbone every day, but the real healers in this journey were my three gentle Great Pyrenees pups - Arya, Baldr, and Loki. They taught me that they were not only protectors and guardians but also profound healers. Their unconditional love and presence provided a safe space for Piper and Wishbone to rest, restore, and heal from their traumatic past. My eyes fill with tears when I think of witnessing the sheer beauty of their nurturing spirits enveloping these two resilient pups.
In those tender moments, Arya, Baldr, and Loki exemplified the depth of the human-animal bond. It was a humbling experience to bear witness to the transformative power of their love. Their calm presence and unwavering companionship provided Piper with the security and comfort she so desperately needed. Gradually, I began to see her confidence blossom once more, and soon she even mustered the courage to share her silly, curious side. The nose hound was here!
Recognizing Piper's potential, I began researching ways to nurture her newfound self-assurance. Countless articles and recommendations pointed to the wonders of nosework – a dog sport that taps into a canine's extraordinary sense of smell. By harnessing this natural ability, nosework promised to unlock a world of positive reinforcement and achievement for a pup like Piper.
Months passed as my search for the perfect nosework class proved elusive. Then, fate intervened at an energy healing workshop I attended, where I crossed paths with a dog trainer specializing in this very discipline. The stars had aligned, and Piper's nosework journey began in earnest this week.
I watch Piper and I am filled with immense pride and joy at her already huge transformation. The hope is that with each training session her belief in herself is reinforced, building upon the resilience she already demonstrated. With her furry mentors by her side and the guidance of an amazing trainer, I know Piper is poised to unleash her full potential, one scent at a time. Oh, the possibilities! And who knows, maybe she is on a path to competitions or even barn work!!
This heartwarming journey is just the beginning for Piper as we start the next chapter with her nosework training. I am excited to document and share her progress, for I truly believe she was made for this. With scent work ingrained in her treeing walker coonhound DNA, I cannot wait to see Piper shine and unleash her full potential in this sport that taps into her natural abilities.
After the darkness she endured, Piper now stands at the precipice of new beginnings - a world of trust, security, and the promise of blossoming confidence. The gentle guidance of Arya, Baldr, and Loki ushered her out of fear and into a safe space where she can explore, learn, and thrive. I feel immensely grateful not only to witness her continued growth but to provide an outlet for this remarkable pup's spirit to be celebrated.
Nosework will be Piper's chance to showcase her resilience, instincts, and zest for life. With each training session, I know she will radiate more self-assurance and joy. Her story is a testament to the power of patience, support, and the unbreakable human-animal bond that can transform lives. I feel immensely blessed to be part of this journey and can't wait to see Piper shine. Shine baby, shine!
Originally Published April 3, 2024
My name is Melissa, and I bring to you these insights as a certified holistic pet health coach, pet nutritionist, canine herbalist, animal communicator, Reiki Master and animal energy healer, allowing me to provide holistic solutions for your furry and feathered family. I live on a farm sanctuary where I'm surrounded by a bunch of adorable creatures, including seven dogs and four cats. So you can trust that I also have plenty of firsthand experience in the world of animal care and wellness. Your beloved pets are in good hands.
Thank you for taking the time to explore ways to enhance the quality of life for your furry companions. I hope my tips and recommendations prove invaluable to both you and your beloved pets. For more information and to discover how I can assist you further, please visit my website at calmingcreek.com.
I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have stories to share or questions to ask, don't hesitate to join the conversation in the comments section below.