Scent Sports Dog Training Center

Building a rock solid ‘nose-on-source’ freeze alert & Foundation Scentwork Skills

As with any sport, the foundation training is the key to success. I have developed a fun, fast, and clear way to explain to the dog exactly what we want him to do. It is a skills based program focusing on these skills that the dog and handler need to succeed at each level. And as a whole, it is unlike any other course or program I have seen.

The 6 foundation training stages/steps eliminate confusion and frustration for the dog, thus eliminating several unwanted behaviors associated with frustration. The dog and handler do not need to be experienced with shaping to learn this method which relies more on pattern training. And the training is easy for the human, while also allowing them to practice essential skills they need.

The foundation skills set the team up for success and give them the ability to quickly start working on the next level (Spectacular Scentwork Skills) as soon as the nose freeze behavior and foundation searching skills are established.

For the Foundation class you will need:

  • LOTS OF TREATS! Make them as tiny as possible (List of tiny treats). If your dog really likes their kibble, you can use that too so you aren’t adding a lot of extra calories. But their enthusiasm for scentwork will only be as strong as their desire for the motivator you are using! So if they are ho-hum about the reward/motivator, they will be ho-hum about the searching. Use what they really LOVE!
    OTHER: You can also use toys and play once we get past the foundation steps.
  • A crate, a mat/station the dog has a strong ‘stay’ on, or your vehicle that can be parked near-by. The dog will have a break between searches and there will be times that the handler will be working on their own skills before they try them with the dog. So the dog needs a place to wait. I’ll have some tie back stations for dogs that don’t pull.
  • Scentwork odor– In-person students will be provided with AKC scented Q-tips. If you are doing long-distance sessions or want to compete in other scentwork/nosework venues (UKC, NACSW, etc.) then you’ll need to bring your own scented Q-tips. These are available online and prices vary greatly. Be sure you are getting oils specifically for scentwork/nosework! Places to shop in no particular order include: Clean Run, Leerburg, The K9 Nose, J&J, Paws4Fun.net, K9 Nosework Source and AllGoodDogs.biz
  • Q-tips should have PAPER shafts. I know the name brand has them and the Walmart brand might too. Oils don’t interact with plastic well when in contact for long term (storage), so plastic shafts can change the scent of the oils over time. And then you are training your dog to find something other than what they will encounter at trials.
  • Vessels– You always want to put the Q-tip with oil on it INTO something before you hide it. This keeps the oil from transferring to the hide surface and contaminating it. In-person students will get tins included in the class price. The cheapest vessel is a drinking straw. Just slip the Q-tip into the sleeve and cut to size. 1/4″ Heat Shrink Tubing is even better and you can make a lot of hides from one small roll. It’s available in the electrical section of home improvement stores. The places that sell the oils listed above also sell various vessels (tins, metal magnetic straws, and lots of other options). Anything that covers the Q-tip while allowing odor to escape and not react badly with the oils will work.

In this class, while working on the 6 progressive stages, the dog will learn and practice the following skills:

  • Recognize the target odor as significant
  • Understand that the target odor is associated with bringing the dog something he wants
  • Have a desire to search for and locate the target odor
  • Not rushing past threshold hides
  • Not destroying/damaging/changing the search area or components
  • Staying with the hide till handler calls it/rewards
  • Able to ignore the environment enough to be able to effectively search
  • Learning the “find more” cue
  • Recognize other common odors are insignificant (such as cardboard, sand, adhesives, human odor, etc.)
  • Searching effectively and confidently (to reduce search time)
  • Searching independently- doesn’t need handler encouragement/direction
  • A trained alert behavior
  • Understanding that the search doesn’t end with the first find
  • Understanding how to separate two odors if the space smells like both and simple airflow puzzles
  • Not going back to previously rewarded hides and waiting for payment again
  • “In-between” skills needed to successfully navigate a trial day. Dogs should be comfortable waiting (and actually resting) in their vehicle for long periods of time, should be able to wait while staging around other dogs for 10+ minutes, should be able to pee and poop on leash. For many teams, dogs should also be comfortable traveling long distances and with overnights in a strange place.

And the Handler will learn/practice these skills:

  • Recognize when the dog is in odor and has found the source
  • Effective leash handling skills
  • Staying out of the dog’s way, not crowding, not blocking areas, not being a distraction to the dog
  • Staying quiet and letting the dog work, unless the dog actually needs support
  • Understanding what the dog needs from them to help the dog be successful (silence, encouragement, distance, etc.)
  • Remembering to call alert
  • Remembering when to say finish
  • A solid start line routine and cue to tell the dog you want them to search
  • Clear, specific, and consistent cues from the handler.
  • Proper timing and effective delivery/use of motivators/’rewards’
  • Basic understanding of what effects odor and how it moves so they can set practice hides effectively and level appropriately
  • Good ‘odor hygiene’ / How to properly handle, use, dispose of odor, etc.