Did you know that your dog's nose could make you rich? Dogs and their people work together to find truffles in certain parts of the world, such as Italy and the Pacific Northwest. These culinary delicacies can fetch over $6,000 per pound.
Dogs' noses and the part of their brain related to scent are much more powerful than ours. Your brain has six million scent receptors, while your dog has a staggering 300,000,000. Your dog's sense of smell is a vital part of their life.
Scent training is for more than just professional working dogs. Keep reading to learn more about how to scent train a dog and the positive benefits for both of you.
What is Scent Training?
When a dog has their nose to the ground, they're making sense of their world. Dogs rely on their sense of smell to detect other animals in the area, locate food, and identify individuals. Many dogs rely more on their nose than on their eyes.
You might be familiar with scentwork in drug and explosive detection dogs or search and rescue dogs. However, any dog can perform scentwork with the proper training and can even compete in scentwork (also called nosework) trials.
During scentwork training, dogs are taught to find a target odor in a process called imprinting. After the dog is properly imprinted on a scent, she is then asked to find the same scents in different locations. During training, dogs also learn to indicate to their handler when they find the target owner by sitting, laying down, barking, or any other recognizable behavior.
Scentwork is the only dog sport where the dog leads the team instead of the human handler. They direct the search, moving around a space and checking different locations. When they indicate they have found their target odor, it is their handler’s job to notify the judge their dog has found the scent. As your dog’s handler, you will help your dog stay on task and provide a well-deserved reward when they've reached their target.
The Benefits of Scent Training
Spending time with your dog is always beneficial. However, when that time offers mental and physical exercise, your dog benefits even more. Scent training accomplishes both.
Reduced Anxiety
Dogs can experience anxiety just like we do. Scent training for dogs requires your dog's focus and attention. These tasks engage your dog's mind and give them a mental workout. Studies have also shown that dogs are more relaxed during and after using their nose.When your dog's mind is stimulated, they're better able to relax afterward. Combine this with the physical aspect of locating the scent, and you may see a reduction in your dog's anxiety.
Increased Confidence
Shy dogs might be uncomfortable in high-stimulation situations like group classes. They can get distracted or nervous in these environments.
Scent training is an activity that you and your dog can do alone or in small groups. When your dog understands how to complete the task, they receive a reward and their confidence increases. Each time they succeed at scentwork, your dog learns to trust their abilities and communicate with their handler, which often leads to an increase in confidence.
Letting Your Dog Be a Dog
Modern dogs have to learn to ignore many of their instincts. Since scent is a dog's most powerful sense, giving them a chance to use it is a gift.
When you give your dog the time to work with a scent, you also give them time to be themselves. Many dogs need these kinds of opportunities. You'll be able to see how enthusiastic your dog is right away.
What to Expect from Scent Training Classes
You can do basic scentwork with your dog at home. However, when you take a scent training for dogs class, you'll have the chance to work with a trainer who knows how to train scent-detection dogs. Scent training tips from an expert are invaluable.
A Brief Assessment of Your Dog
To succeed at scentwork, your dog should know the basics. Your dog should understand the commands for sit, stay, and come. Your dog should also be comfortable on a leash.
Your scentwork trainer will observe your dog to ensure they're safe while learning a new task. Your trainer will let you know if an extra training course is necessary.
Scent Training Basics
As you know, food and toys are excellent motivators for dogs. When you begin scentwork with your dog, you'll start by presenting the target odor to your dog, and when they put their nose to the scent, you will reward them with their preferred treat or toy.
Essential Oils and Other Scents
Dog-safe essential oils are perfect for scentwork. Clove and anise essential oils work well because they have a strong odor that your dog will remember. Your trainer will hide scented cotton swabs in accessible locations for your dog to find.
As your dog's tracking skills improve, finding the scented cotton swabs will get more complicated. Soon your dog's confidence will grow, and they'll become a scent expert.
Meet Our Trainer
When you start a new program with your dog, you want a trainer you can trust.
Michelle Mace has worked with animals since she was young and has a professional career that includes working as a veterinary technician, groomer, and dog trainer. Helping dogs and their owners understand each other is a key goal in all aspects of Michelle's work.
In 1998, Michelle began working with search and rescue dogs. Since then, she's successfully trained four certified search and rescue dogs. Her dogs have shown outstanding results, with several successful searches under their collars.
Michelle has experience with many dog breeds, including Belgian Malinois, Portuguese Water Dogs, German Shepherds, and many mixed breeds. She enjoys working with a variety of dogs and seeing them reach their full potential.
As a lifelong equestrian, Michelle also enjoys training and showing horses. Trail riding is one of her favorite pastimes.
Enroll in a Class for More Scent Training Tips
At Pine Hill Ranch Canine Center, we want you and your dog to learn how to live your best lives. With scent training classes, you're giving your dog the gift of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and the chance to be themselves.
Click here to view our class schedule and sign up today! Our team looks forward to meeting you and your dog and helping you both become a scent-sational team.
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