Scent Training For Dogs – A Comprehensive Guide

There is one thing that everyone knows about dogs. That is how excellent sniffers they are. Our special forces recognize this trait of a dog. Hence, many dog breeds have successfully made it to the armed forces and served our nation in ensuring the safety and security of different prominent landmarks. Dogs have led from the front in several special military operations.

Dogs get trained to detect certain odors to help other animals and humans.

While you are probably not looking to make your dog work to earn a livelihood, there is one great activity you can do so that you can harness the power of that prominent nose and scent training.

Canine scent training has been gaining steadily in popularity, and this is because it uses the natural talent of your dog in a way that stimulates and entertains them at once.

Scent training for dogs – what is it?

Canine scent training is also known as nose work. It is a dog sport that provides all the opportunities to use their excellent noses to detect various scents. In a nutshell, scent training teaches dogs how to catch different odors using different essential oils.

In this sport, they learn to communicate that they have detected a smell. The thing with scent training exercises is that they help to fulfill the need your dog has for play and enrichment.

Getting started with scent training for your dog 

Doing scent training with your dog can be described as simple as doing basic training with them. All you would need is some patience and a few supplies. The thing with such activity is that you can do it virtually anywhere.

These days, you have nose work facilities and scent work clubs where you get classes that can assist you in getting started and teaching scent work to your dog successfully. You can also get information on the Internet.

Some easy scent work activities that you can do with your dog 

The best options that you have may be enumerated below:

• box search
• muffin tin puzzle
• shell game

Box search is a game for dog parents looking to initiate the process of scent work at home. In a muffin tin puzzle, you would need to hide a couple of treats in two or one muffin tin hole and cover all the holes with tennis balls. It is the dog version of the old magic trick with three cups and something underneath one of them.

What are dog scent training kits?

In a dog scent training kit, you have all the tools that are important for starting the process of scent training with your dog and getting them ready for such competitions. They include the following:

• cotton swabs
• tweezers
• essential oils such as birch, clove, anise, and cypress
• harness and leash
• Mini mason jars for storing cotton swabs
• carrying case for the supplies
• Mini metal tins – you would have to make holes in these tins

These days, it is possible to order pre-assembled kits on the internet to make things easier for you.

Read Also: Tips To Get Rid Of Dog Smell In Your House

AKC Scent Work – what is it?

AKC (American Kennel Club) Scent Work is a sport that replicates the task performed by specialist detection dogs who locate scents such as narcotics and explosives and afterward communicate to their handlers that they have found a scent.

It can be a challenging and positive activity that allows dogs to use what can be described as their most robust natural sense, defined as engaging and fun. It also strengthens and builds the bond you share with your dog.

The process of starting scent training

Before you start scent training your dog, ensuring they know the basic commands is significant. It includes the likes of recall and sits. As a dog parent, you must know how to read their body language.

It would make sure they are happy when training them and not have negative feelings. Anxiety is something you need to keep an eye out for in this context. You must house-train your pup before you get started with scent training.

Scent work competitions

If you see that your dog has developed a genuine talent for scent work, you can take them to various competitions organized by AKC. It would be the next step in their evolution in this particular respect. However, they must have been registered with the governing body to be considered eligible for the competition.

If they are of a mixed breed, they should at least have a Canine Partners number from AKC to be allowed to participate in such contests. There are two divisions in the competition – Odor Search and Handler Discrimination.

Dog hide and seek 

This particular game can be called a combination of basic problem-solving and scent work. It is trial and error for some canines, but it is a fun way to get started with nose work for them.

You can ask your dog to wait somewhere or ask someone else to hold them and then go and hide somewhere in the house. First, please go pretty close, as your dog will get the hang of this fun new game of puppy scent training.

How does dog scent training work?

As expected, how much training is conducted depends on why your dog would sniff – fun, sport, or work. Dogs who are professional sniffers get trained by accredited organizations such as CCPDT (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers) and WDDO (World Detector Dog Organization).

However, since they are supposed to detect scents such as mold, cadavers, and narcotics, to name a few, they may need specialized training and accreditation from NAPWDA (North American Police Work Dog Association) and NESDCA (National Entomology Scent Detection Canine Association). As a dog parent, you would find professional trainers for your little one.

Benefits of scent training dogs

Your dog may not have to use their senses to track down bombs or drugs, but still a lot of benefits of scent work.

Following are the various benefits of scent training dogs:

• It can be done with all kinds of dogs.
• You can start training them on your own.
• Such work stimulates their brains and allows them to use their innate ability to pick up scents.
• It is a great way to spend time together with your dog.

Conclusion

So, there are certain things you would do well to remember about this. It is always better to start with small steps. First, could you learn how your dog follows a scent? It would be best if you encouraged your dog rather than distract them.

Try to create the smartest trails to develop them further. Make the scent strong to make your dog successful in the activity. Celebrate their success with them and remember that practice makes it perfect.

FAQs

Q: How do you start scent-training dogs?

A: The first step would be introducing your dog to the scent. It is also important to have treats with you to reward them for successfully finding the scent.

Q: How do I start scent work with my dog?

A: You can start by putting a little piece of food or a treat in your fist and asking your dog to find it. Using nutrition and treats with strong scents, such as meat, is better.

Q: How do I get started in AKC Scent Work?

A: If you want to enter your dog in an AKC Scent Work trial, you must submit the official entry form that you would find in the premium list.

Q: At what age can dogs start scent training?

A: You can start scent training your dog when they are eight weeks old. You can use their motivation for food in these cases.

Q: Which scents should I train my dog for?

A: If you wish to enter your dog as a competitor in the AKC Scent Work sport, start training them on birch essential oil, as this is what they would search for at the novice level.