Scent Detection, Scent work or Nosework for Pet Dogs

I employ this preliminary step to ensure the dog forms a positive first impression of the odour. It's crucial to perform this step only once to prevent the dog from associating the odour with us.

In this video, we build up the duration of the point towards the odour.

This video will show you how to add two tins into your search.

The next video shows you this same process with the dog further away from the odour.

This video will show you how to add three tins into your search.

The next video shows you this same process with the dog further away from the odour.

This video introduces the concept of alerts (specifically passive alerts) and the concept of dynamic alerts, and shows you how to start training the sit alert.

This video will show you to how progress the sit alert from one tin to two tins to multiple tins. The key thing to remember when doing this is to ensure you're not rewarding the dog for sitting before they pinpoint the odour. If they do, reset them. Only reward for sitting AFTER they pinpoint the odour.

This video will show you to how progress the drop alert from one tin to multiple tins. The key thing to remember when doing this is to ensure you're not rewarding the dog for dropping before they pinpoint the odour. If they do, reset them. Only reward for dropping AFTER they pinpoint the odour.

This next video shows Frankie working at a short distance with multiple tins, using his drop alert.

This video will show you to how progress the drop alert from one tin to two tins to multiple tins. The key thing to remember when doing this is to ensure you're not rewarding the dog for dropping before they pinpoint the odour. If they do, reset them. Only reward for dropping AFTER they pinpoint the odour.

Welcome to the final lecture of our scent training course! In this lesson, we will focus on incorporating both sit and drop alerts in various settings and introducing the "search" command to initiate the search process.

Step 1: Practicing Sit and Drop Alerts with Height Variations

At this stage, your dog should be comfortable with both sit and drop alerts for scent detection. Now, it's time to challenge your dog further by placing the scent at different heights. You should have practiced enough with your dog that they can differentiate between higher and lower odour placements.

1. Begin by placing the scent tin at a higher level, like on a countertop or a table. Command your dog to "search," and when they locate the odour, encourage them to sit as they indicate the source. Praise and reward them for the correct sit alert.

2. Next, place the scent tin at a lower level, such as on the floor or a low shelf. Again, instruct your dog to "search," and when they find the odour, encourage them to drop as they indicate the source. Praise and reward them for the correct drop alert.

Step 2: Implementing the "Search" Command

Now that your dog is confident in sit and drop alerts with varying odour heights, it's time to introduce the "search" command. This cue will signal to your dog that it's time to locate the scent and indicate the source.

1. Take your dog out of the room and place the scent tin on a high surface, like a refrigerator or a cabinet.

2. Bring your dog back into the room and say "search" in a clear and encouraging tone. Allow your dog to locate the odour and indicate the source with the appropriate alert.

3. When your dog successfully locates the scent and indicates it, praise them enthusiastically and provide a rewarding treat or toy.

By incorporating height variations and introducing the "search" command, you are helping your dog develop advanced scent detection skills, preparing them for real-world scenarios and potential professional roles. Congratulations on completing our scent training course! Keep practicing and refining these techniques with your dog to strengthen their abilities and bond.