Your dog's nose is an amazing tool. Did you know they have 40 times the olfactory receptors than humans? Scent training for dogs taps into this superpower, turning everyday moments into exciting sniff-fests. It's enriching for all types of dogs – reactive, shy, or simply adventurous. Ready to explore the world of scent work for dogs? Let's get started.
That’s why scent training (which is often referred to as nose training, nose work, or Scent Work) is so much fun. Not only does training your dog in Scent Work allow your dog or puppy to use its incredible nose, it gives you an excuse to spend time together in a highly enriching experience.
Per Sniffspot’s proprietary research survey, 32% of dog guardians have tried scent training with their dog — and 65% of people that have never tried scent training with their dog would love to try it.
Scent Work is when you train a dog to find a hidden odor or odors. Those odors may be dog scents, human scents, or even the scent of essential oils or drugs. While some dogs do it as, well, a career of sorts (as in the dogs at the airport), some dogs just do it for fun and to spend a little extra time with their humans.
One of the best things about Scent Work is that with just a little bit of time and some simple puppy scent training, you can help your dog learn to hunt down all kinds of scents. Scent training for dogs can reap all kinds of benefits–for both you and your beloved animals. All you need are a few simple dog games and some time!
Here is a list of most to least common breeds to have tried scent training based on Sniffspot’s proprietary survey:
Doberman Pinscher, Border Collie, German Shepherd Dog, Labrador Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog, Mixed breed, Golden Retriever, Pitbull / American Staffordshire Terrier, Beagle, Great Dane, Siberian Husky, Boxer, Chihuahua
Well, that’s how your dog feels about his or her ability to pick up scents. A dog’s incredible nose can not only pick up more scents than a human’s, it can even tell how long an odor has been in a certain place and can even distinguish the different scents within a scent (and we’re not just talking about strong scents here–they can also pick up super-subtle scents as well). When you help nurture your dog’s sense of smell through Scent Work, you help stimulate their mind and make them feel like they’re doing something great so give them a chance to show off by cultivating this natural gift!
The training process typically starts by introducing your dog to a target scent, rewarding them for showing interest, and then gradually increasing the difficulty. Many trainers recommend starting with birch essential oil, as it's unfamiliar to most dogs and easy to find. You can easily teach your dog scent work at home with minimal supplies. The American Kennel Club offers a helpful guide on how to get started.
Initially, you might start with the scent vessel right in your hand, letting your dog sniff and investigate. As they grow more comfortable with the target scent, you can place the vessel on the ground and eventually hide it in more challenging spots. Remember to always reward your dog at the source of the scent to reinforce the behavior. This positive reinforcement helps them understand what you're asking and keeps them engaged in the learning process. You can find more helpful tips on Sniffspot's blog, which covers a variety of dog-related topics.
As your dog progresses, you can introduce new scents and more complex hiding scenarios. Some dog owners even create fun obstacle courses for their dogs to explore while searching for the hidden scent. This not only enhances the mental challenge but also provides physical activity. If you're looking for dog-friendly places to practice, Sniffspot offers a variety of locations where you and your dog can enjoy time together.
Here’s a helpful guide to get you started:
Here’s an easy puppy scent training game to get you started that’s basically a combination of Scent Work and “Hide and Go Seek”: have someone hold your puppy while you find a good hiding spot, leaving a trail of treats as you go. Once you’re hidden, have that person release the puppy. They may take some time sniffing their way treat by treat to find you, but we can almost guarantee that little puppy’s incredible nose will eventually find your scent trail as dogs are very adept at picking human scents! When they find you, give them a treat as a reward. Repeat the process a few more times, hiding in a new spot without your fresh scent so they’re not just retracing their steps. Believe it or not, you’ve already completed the first step of Scent Work!
Here’s another great puppy scent training game: take your puppy or dog’s favorite toy and have them play with it a bit. After a while, take it from them and hide it some place where it will be relatively easy for them to find. Walk back to the puppy (when you do, follow your exact steps so you don’t leave another scent trail). Release your puppy and say “Go find it!” wait as they follow the scent traces back to the toy. When they do, use praise and a treat as rewards.
After a few days of this, hide the ball while the dog isn’t there (making sure it still has enough of the oil on it that the dog will be able to find it), leaving a scent trail of tiny pieces of paper that have been doused with the oil (dog park rentals are great places to do this since it will be devoid of dog or human scents already familiar to him or her). Have the pieces of paper lead to the ball. When you bring your dog into the room, say “Go find it!” and watch as he or she uses their nose to find the ball. When they do, use praise and a treat as rewards.
You can also use the “Shell Game” version of this game to teach Scent Work. With about three or four cups you can hide a treat under one of the cups. When it’s clear your dog is zeroing in on one of the cups because he or she is picking up on the scent of the treat under the cup, pick it up, and then let them have the treat, praising them as you do.
That should at least give you a great foundation for getting your dog started in Scent Work. Even if your dog never becomes a bomb sniffing dog or ends up winning medals, playing scent training games is a wonderful way to spend some great, focused time together and make them feel great about their own natural abilities!
This is the trainer that reviewed this article:
Beth Joy, CPDT-KA, PMCT
Owner and Lead Trainer Unleashed Joy Dog Training – Mt. Airy, MD.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
www.unleashedjoy.com
Can scent training help with behavioral issues besides reactivity? Absolutely. Scent training can be beneficial for dogs with a variety of behavioral challenges. It provides a positive outlet for pent-up energy and can help redirect obsessive behaviors. The mental stimulation and focus required can also be helpful for dogs who struggle with anxiety or impulsivity.
Are there any specific breeds that excel at scent work? While some breeds are traditionally known for their scenting abilities (like hounds and herding dogs), any dog can enjoy and benefit from scent work. It's all about tapping into their natural instincts and providing the right training and encouragement. Even dogs with shorter snouts can be surprisingly good at it!
What's the difference between scent work and tracking? While both activities involve a dog using its nose, they have distinct differences. Scent work focuses on finding a specific hidden scent, while tracking involves following a trail laid by a person or animal. Think of scent work as finding a hidden object and tracking as following footprints.
Where can I find more information about competitive scent work? Organizations like the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) offer resources, trials, and information about competitive scent work. They can provide guidance on the rules, regulations, and different levels of competition. You can also connect with other scent work enthusiasts through online forums and local training groups.
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Your dog's nose is an amazing tool. Did you know they have 40 times the olfactory receptors than humans? Scent training for dogs taps into this superpower, turning everyday moments into exciting sniff-fests. It's enriching for all types of dogs – reactive, shy, or simply adventurous. Ready to explore the world of scent work for dogs? Let's get started.
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
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