Scent Detection For Dog Sports

This lecture explains that Scent Training is suitable for dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds, including dogs with mobility issues, and blind or deaf dogs. Not all dogs will be suitable for Trials (Competitions) but all dogs will benefit from the mental stimulation that Scent Training brings.

This lecture gives general advice on the different types of collar, harness and leash that are suitable (and not suitable) for Scent Work. Students will need to check the specific official Rules of the sport that they intend to participate in.

This lecture describes ideal requirements for training locations for the initial training process, and gives some examples of the sorts of locations that would be needed later on in the training progression.

This lecture discusses the best types of food rewards to use in training. It is recommended that students use a food reward that is not crumbly, sticky or greasy. The food rewards should be something that the dog really likes to eat.

This lecture describes what a Target Odour is, and demonstrates how to prepare Essential Oils as used for a Target Odour, for both training and offical Australian trialling purposes. The Lecture explains that Official Dog Sports each have their individual designated Target Odours which are specified in the Rules of the particular Organisation.

This lecture explains why it is important to use a scent vessel (a small container, with the scented cotton bud placed inside) and shows a selection of different scent vessel options, as well as demonstrating some ways to secure the containers in place.

This lecture explains some of the differences between the various types of training clicker that are commercially available, so that students can choose a clicker that suits both them and their dog.

This lecture shows students the training aids they will need for the course, including plastic boxes with holes in the lids, PVC pipe elbows fixed onto a wooden base, cardboard boxes and bricks.

This lecture is about the use of positive reinforcement and a clicker

This lecture discusses Canine Olfaction (sense of smell) and some of the more common behaviour changes that we can see when the dog is searching for odour, and locating the source of the odour.

This lecture discusses some ways to help ensure that the dog is sufficiently food motivated, so that the dog enjoys the training and wants to earn the food rewards.

This lecture demonstrates how to teach the dog the meaning of a reward signal, in this course a Clicker and/or the word Yes. It's best to teach this before starting to train the dog's Indication behaviour.

This lecture describes some of the ways that odour moves in the environment, to help give students a better understanding of what their dog is doing and why, and how to avoid creating training situations that are unworkable for the dog

This document describes various safety aspects to consider when doing Scent Detection training, including potential hazards to be aware of and avoid

This lecture explains what an Indication Behaviour is, the various different types of Indication Behaviour, and their suitability for different purposes.

This lesson demonstrates three different Foundation Exercises that will help the dog learn how to freeze and stare, in preparation for learning a freeze/stare as an indication behaviour to pinpoint the location of the hidden odour. The three exercises are: 1) the dog stares at the handler's closed fist, which contains a piece of food 2) the dog freezes and stares at a bowl or box, into which the handler drops pieces of food 3) the dog pushes it's nose into a PVC pipe or cardboard tube and freezes.

This lecture explains that we will be creating a positive association with the chosen target odour, so that the dog is attracted to the odour.

This lecture demonstrates how to use a tin or pot to teach the dog a positive association with the target odour

This lecture demonstrates how to use a kitchen colander (strainer) to teach the dog a positive association with the target odour

This lecture demonstrates how to use a plastic or rubber bucket to teach the dog a positive association with the target odour

This Lecture demonstrates how to make and use an Training or Food Delivery Box

How to clean and store your training equipment after use

This lecture demonstrates how to introduce the dog to the target odour inside a pvc pipe, and how to start to teach a passive indication (freeze), with the option of sit and/or lie down, with the dog's nose in, or very close to, the pipe opening.

This lecture demonstrates how to introduce the dog to the target odour inside a plastic box, and either reward the dog from the top of the box, or click and reward the dog away from the box. Options to prevent two common problems (pawing at the box, and nose-nudging at the box) are provided.

This lecture demonstrates how to use a house brick with target odour placed in a hole in the brick, to teach the dog to perform a passive indication. Cardboard boxes are only introduced at a later stage in the training, to avoid problems with the dog nudging or pawing at the cardboard box. Using a brick helps prevent this habit developing.

This lecture demonstrates how to start building duration into the passive indication (extending the length of time that the dog holds the freeze indication)

This lecture demonstrates how to increase the distance that the dog moves in order to reach the odour source.

This lecture demonstrates how to teach the dog to ignore distractions, in particular handler movement, and maintain a focused passive indication.

This lecture describes the process of teaching the dog to "choose" the correct item (the one that contains odour) from two or more identical items, including when to commence this training, and how to carry it out.

This lecture demonstrates a Training Game called Hot Or Cold, in which the dog is presented with two identical-looking items, one containing odour, and one without odour. The dog receives food, or a click, when it goes to the "Hot" item, and is ignored if it goes to the "Cold" item. The dog will soon understand that going to the "Hot" item is the correct choice.

This lecture demonstrates a training game called "The Shell Game" in which the dog is presented with three identical items, and rewarded for choosing the correct (Hot) item. Then the items are moved, and the dog encouraged to choose again. Two versions of the game are demonstrated - small tins on the floor, and also tins with magnets inside, placed on a refrigerator. This game is perfect for small spaces.

This lecture demonstrates how to use a "Line Up" or a row of containers and/or PVC pipes to teach the dog to search methodically and check each of the containers.

This lecture explains how to make and use a Scent Wall constructed from cardboard boxes

This lecture discusses the different ways that we cue (signal) our dog to go and search for the target odour, including presenting training props (pvc pipes, boxes), adding specific training equipment (collar, harness) and introducing a verbal cue. The development of a suitable start line ritual is also discussed.

This lecture describes how to manage the lead (leash) during searching, by using one hand to hold surplus lead, and the other hand to lift the lead up so the dog can move freely without becoming tangled. Practice this on regular walks to gain proficiency.

This lecture demonstrates how to transfer your trained passive indication from the training props (pvc pipe, plastic container) to a cardboard box, by following a strategic process that will help avoid your dog developing undesirable behaviours such as pawing, biting or jumping on the cardboard boxes.

This lecture discusses starting Container Searches and shows examples.

This lecture discusses some things to consider when starting interior searches, and shows some examples of what practicing an interior search at home might look like

This lecture demonstrates how to start doing Exterior Searches, either on-lead, or off-lead (in a safe enclosed area).

This lecture discusses  what a vehicle search is, and demonstrates how to teach your dog a pattern of moving all the way around the vehicle to check for the hide

This lecture describes and shows the three stages that we should see a dog go through during a search

1) purposefully searching the area

2) encountering the odour and pinpointing the source

3) performing the trained passive indication

This lecture describes how to reward the dog for finding the source of the odour, and then sending the dog back to the same place and waiting for a stronger indication with longer duration. Examples are shown of dogs performing this.

This lecture highlights the importance of continuing to maintain (practice) the foundation steps in particular the freeze indication

These written notes discuss the likely requirements for entering a Trial/Test, what to take on the day, some options for how the Trial may be run (this will depend on the organisation hosting the Trial) and etiquette to follow when participating.

This lecture discusses how to reduce the strength of the odour, and how to "age" the hides, in preparation for trialing.

Tis lecture explains what a Blind Search is (a search in which a helper hides the odour, so the handler doesn't know where it is) and why Blind Searches are important to practice before Trialing/Competing. Performing a Blind Search can be stressful for the Handler, but rehearsal of this skill before an actual event can aid in overcoming Handler nerves.

This lecture explains what a Start Line is, what it's purpose is (official timing of your search), and how to get ready to cross the start line

This lecture explains the "Alert", which is how you communicate to the Judge that your dog has located the source of the odour. You may be required to use a specific word in accordance with the official Rules you are entering under. Under the Australian National Kennel Council Scent Work Rules, the word to be used is "Alert". If the Judge has seen the dog clearly indicate on the correct spot, the Judge will tell you "Correct". If the dog has not indicated the location clearly, the Judge may ask you "Where" and you will have to point to where you think the odour is hidden.

This lecture discusses the importance of familiarising your dog with new places prior to practicing Scent Work in other locations. This is due to dogs being poor at "generalisation" meaning they can have difficulty transferring learning to new places.

This lecture thanks participants and refers to the Resources List provided