Introduction to Scent Detection

Service Description

Scent detection training offers numerous benefits to dog's and their humans, some of which I have listed below. Scent work engages a dog's powerful sense of smell and is a great mental workout. Just 10–20 minutes of sniffing can be as tiring as a long walk. Scent work gives dogs a fun and rewarding task to focus on, which can act as a natural stress reliever and help them decompress. For shy or nervous dogs, scent training builds confidence as they learn to trust their instincts and are rewarded for their successes. The physiological process of sniffing and searching can have a calming effect, which helps dogs to feel more relaxed and less stressed. Scent training can also be beneficial for dogs that are reactive, have a high prey drive, or have difficulty staying still. It can also prevent boredom and destructive behaviors by providing a productive outlet for a dog's natural instincts, which can reduce boredom and prevent undesirable behaviors like chewing or digging that may stem from frustration or lack of stimulation. As dog's work to find a scent, they must concentrate and problem-solve, which can lead to improved focus. Working together on a scent game strengthens the relationship between a dog and their owner, as it's a fun, collaborative activity. It promotes a positive outlet and is a fun activity for both the dog and the owner, creating positive shared experiences. Scent work can be a great way to tire a dog out, similar to a physical workout. It is also an excellent way to keep older dogs and dogs that benefit from low impact exercise mentally sharp without putting undue strain on their bodies. In our four weeks together we will imprint your dog to a specific odour, once they recognise the odour as their target odour they will become driven to find that specific odour. During the classes we will use some equipment such as pot line ups and target equipment whilst also using the environment inside and out. It is lovely to watch the dogs and handlers learning together to be super sniffing teams. I can't wait to meet you and your dogs. Please don't hesitate to message me with any questions or queries. A good place to start with your dog before we meet is to get yourselves and your dogs familiarised with a clicker training. The clicker is a great tool for the beginning stages of scent detection.