The secret to a calmer dog!
Are you looking for a fun way to interact with your dog while using their most powerful sense? Scent work is a fun way to build the relationship you have with your dog, get them tired, all while simultaneously building their confidence!
Scent work (also called nosework) is teaching your dog to find specific odors. Nosework is taught without the use of training tools, and it is a great way to add some fun and mental stimulation into your training regimen based on positive reinforcement! Aside from being a fun and mentally stimulating activity for your canine companion, nosework will help deepen the bond you have with your dog as you learn to read changes of behavior when your dog is in odor and participate as a cohesive team in solving fun “puzzles.”
Nosework hinges on teaching your dog the target odor. In our case, these odors are essential oils derived from plant materials. The odor becomes a cue for them to perform a specific behavior to let you (their handler) know and announce the specific location of the ‘hide.’ This is a great way to teach dogs to ignore distractions and show impulse control. The skills they learn transfer over to working with dogs that are reactive or very high energy. Give your dog a job!
Our Nosework 1 program will focus on teaching you the fundamentals of how and why your dog would want to find odor. We will also teach you how to make the odor relevant to your dog (imprinting), how to train the indication, and how to train the needed search skills to be successful in the AKC Scent Work Novice division.
Many organizations (AKC, UKC, NACSW) have scent work programs you can compete in with your dog to earn titles. If competing and titles aren’t your thing, nosework is still a great way to stimulate your dog’s mind and burn energy without having to leave your home. This is especially helpful in the wintertime and on days long walks and playing outside aren’t possible.
K9 Guide would love to help you and your dog get started in this fun activity, and, if you so desire, help you and your companion participate and achieve success in AKC trials! Contact us today for more information!
Fill out our questionnaire to receive more information as well as a syllabus of everything your pup will learn in Nosework 1!