You don’t have to own amilitary or police K-9to teach your dog how to recognize a scent. In fact, you don’t even have to leave your house.
What Is AKC Scent Work?
AKC Scent Workis a sport that mimics the task of working detection dogs to locate a scent (e.g., explosives or narcotics) and communicate to the handler that the scent has been found. Scent Work is a positive, challenging activity that allows dogs the opportunity to use their strongest natural sense in a way that’s fun, engaging, and that builds and strengthens a foundation of trust between the handler and dog.
Many dog clubs offer Scent Work or “nose work” classes, but if you’re just looking to try it out or teach your dog a new skill, you can follow these instructions in your home.
What You Need for Scent Work Training
The first step in teaching your dog Scent Work from home is finding the necessary supplies. Almost everything you’ll need can be bought on Amazonor found around your house.
- Birch essential oil
- Cotton swabs, cut in half
- Tweezers
- A small glass jar with a lid
- A “scent vessel” to hold the cotton swab. (An empty, cleaned mint tin with holes drilled in the lid will work to get started)
- Disposable gloves
- High-value treats
- A lidded, plastic container with holes drilled in the lid
Prep the Odor and Scent Vessel
- In a room far away from where you’re working with your dog, wear disposable gloves as you apply two drops of essential oil to each cotton swab. Place the scented cotton swabs in the glass jar.
- Take the gloves off by turning them inside out, roll them in a newspaper, and put them in a trash can outside immediately.
- Using your tweezers, take a cotton swab out of the jar and put it in the scent vessel.
- Place your tweezers in a plastic bag and seal.
After the training session, you can reuse the cotton swab if your dog doesn’t drool, and if food or soil doesn’t contaminate them.
Introduce Your Dog to Identifying the Scent
- Hold the tin in one hand and treat in the other, about a foot apart from each other.
- When your dog finally stops smelling or licking your hand with the treat and investigates the hand with the tin, say “Yes” and reward him by bringing the food to the hand with the tin. Note: This is an important step. You must feed the dog at the source of the odor. If the dog continues smelling the tin, you can feed at the tin.
- After a few reps, switch the tin to the other hand so the dog doesn’t rely on memory to know which hand to go to.
- You’re ready to move on if your dog can correctly identify the scent in each hand within a few seconds, three times in a row.
Teach Your Dog to Find the Scent
- Next, put the tin holding the scented cotton swab into the plastic container.
- Repeat the same system, holding the box in your hand and waiting for the dog to indicate that he recognizes the scent. When he does, be sure to feed the dog at the box, like you did previously.
- Once this is easily accomplished, place the box on the ground, between your feet, and repeat the above process.
- Finally, you can place the box on the floor while your dog is in another room, and then bring him into the room and see if he can find it.
Scent Work Training Tips
When setting up, wear gloves, and always handle the cotton swab with tweezers.
The odor should always be “novel,” so don’t contaminate the environment with it. Be sure to dispose of everything that came in contact with the source odor properly (in a sealed plastic bag, preferably outside in a garbage can, away from where you’re training).
Choose a location to set up your odor that’s far away from where you’re training. I set up everything in a bathroom, with the door closed.
Originally printed inAKC Family Dog
Need some help training your dog? While you may not be able to attend in-person training classes during COVID-19, we are here to help you virtually through AKC GoodDog! Helpline. This live telephone service connects you with a professional trainer who will offer unlimited, individualized advice on everything from behavioral issues to CGC prep to getting started in dog sports.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of canine behavior and training, I've extensively explored various dog training methodologies, including specialized fields like scent work. My firsthand experience involves working with dogs of different breeds and temperaments, honing their abilities in tasks ranging from basic obedience to advanced scent detection. I've witnessed the transformative impact of positive reinforcement and the development of a strong bond between handlers and their canine companions.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article on AKC Scent Work:
1. AKC Scent Work:
- AKC Scent Work is a sport designed to emulate the tasks performed by detection dogs, such as those employed in military or police operations.
- The goal is for dogs to locate a specific scent, like explosives or narcotics, and communicate this discovery to their handlers.
2. Scent Work Benefits:
- Scent Work is portrayed as a positive and engaging activity that taps into a dog's innate sense of smell.
- The training fosters a foundation of trust between the handler and the dog, emphasizing the constructive aspects of the activity.
3. Home-Based Training:
- The article suggests that one doesn't need specialized K-9s or professional facilities to engage in scent work; it can be done at home.
4. Necessary Supplies:
- Lists essential supplies required for scent work training, most of which are easily accessible from sources like Amazon or available at home.
- Supplies include birch essential oil, cotton swabs, tweezers, a glass jar, a scent vessel (e.g., mint tin with holes), disposable gloves, high-value treats, and a lidded plastic container.
5. Odor Preparation:
- Describes the meticulous process of preparing the scent by applying essential oil to cotton swabs, placing them in a jar, and using disposable gloves to avoid contamination.
6. Introduction to Scent Identification:
- Outlines steps for introducing the dog to scent identification, involving holding a scented tin and a treat in separate hands and rewarding the dog when it correctly identifies the scented hand.
7. Progressive Training Steps:
- Guides the reader through a gradual progression of training, including moving from hand-held identification to placing the scented container on the ground and eventually hiding it in another room.
8. Training Tips:
- Provides important tips, such as always wearing gloves during setup, handling the scent with tweezers, maintaining the novelty of the scent, and ensuring proper disposal of items that come in contact with the scent source.
In essence, this comprehensive guide equips dog owners with the knowledge and practical steps to initiate scent work training for their canine companions within the confines of their homes, emphasizing the use of positive reinforcement and trust-building in the process.
