Get your dog thinking with nosework

As a dog owner, it's important to ensure your beloved dog gets both physical and mental exercise. Nosework is an exciting and fun way to keep your dog engaged. This article explains what nosework is and how you and your dog can start training or competing.

1. What is nosework?

2. Training nosework at home

3. Competing in nosework

4. Why nosework is both useful and fun

What is nosework?

As the name suggests, nosework is a sport where the dog uses its nose and brain, which most dogs love! This dog sport originated in the United States, where it was developed in shelters to keep dogs active and mentally stimulated. Interest has grown significantly, and it became an official dog sport in Sweden in 2017.

The goal of nosework is for the dog, with its handler, to find a specific scent in various locations. If you're training just for fun, your dog can search for almost anything. If you're interested in competing, the first scent your dog will learn is eucalyptus.

Training nosework at home

If you're keen to start nosework training with your dog, we've put together a 10-step guide to get you going:

Step 1: Get your kit

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need:

• Dog treats or other rewards. Lassie's top tip: these tasty treats

• Hydrolat (scent)

• A container – for example, a shoebox or similar

• Collar/harness and lead (optional)

Step 2: Introduce the scent – 'pairing'

Start by introducing your dog to the chosen scent. Use a small cotton pad or similar and add a drop of the hydrolat. Let your dog sniff it and reward them each time they do, creating a positive association.

Step 3: Choose a search area

Pick a quiet spot in your home with minimal distractions. This helps your dog focus and understand the task.

Step 4: Prepare the containers

Get a few shoeboxes and place the scented item in one. Position the boxes in your chosen search area, leaving them half-open so your dog can easily access the scent.

Step 5: Time to search

If needed, you can use a lead to guide your dog to the search area. Then, let them explore the area and boxes independently.

Step 6: Reward success

When your dog finds the box with the scent, reward them generously with treats and praise. This is where you want to create a positive, joyful experience for your dog. Use cues like "search" or "find" so your dog understands it's time to use their nose.

Step 7: Gradually increase the difficulty

As your dog gets better, you can make it a little trickier. Try placing the boxes in harder-to-reach spots, increasing the number of boxes, using a larger room, or switching to a new scent.

Step 8: Add challenges

You can also make training more challenging by closing the boxes or placing the scent in a drawer. This will encourage your dog to give a signal when they find the correct container.

Step 9: Refine the signal

Now, teach your dog to indicate when they've found the scent. Many use a 'sit' or 'down' as a signal, but some dogs develop their own unique way of marking. Be consistent when teaching this and reward the correct signal.

Step 10: Practice, practice, practice!

Practice makes perfect. Regularly practice nosework with your dog and gradually increase the difficulty. Once you've both become pros at indoor searches, you can start practicing outdoors in places like parks or fields with more distractions.

Competing in nosework

There are three classes in nosework competitions: NW1, NW2, and NW3. Each class has a specific scent (an aqueous solution called hydrolat) that the dog must find. Class 1 uses eucalyptus, Class 2 uses bay leaf, and Class 3 uses lavender. Each class includes four elements:

• Container search: The dog searches for the scent hidden in containers, such as boxes or luggage.

• Indoor search: The dog searches for the scent inside buildings or rooms, navigating around furniture and other obstacles.

• Outdoor search: The dog searches for the scent outdoors, such as in a park or field, where there are more distractions like natural scents.

• Vehicle search: The dog searches for a scent hidden in or around a vehicle, like cars or trucks.

The handler must work closely with their dog, using voice and body language to guide them. The dog then needs to communicate finding the scent to the handler through a specific signal, like sitting or lying down by the find.

Before you can compete, your dog must pass a scent test. Dogs must be at least 10 months old to be eligible for this test.

Why nosework is both useful and fun

1. Mental stimulation:

   Nosework engages your dog's mind, challenging them to find and follow scent trails. Mental stimulation is crucial as it can help reduce anxiety and destructive behaviours, making nosework suitable for dogs of all ages.

2. Physical exercise:Although nosework is primarily a mental activity, it also encourages physical movement.

3. Builds self-confidence:Successfully locating a scent boosts your dog's confidence, which can positively influence their overall behaviour.

4. Builds your bond:Nosework requires close teamwork between handler and dog, strengthening your relationship as you work together to solve a task.

5. Suitable for everyone:Just as nosework suits dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages, it's also an activity perfect for handlers of any age.

6. Can be done anywhere:Nosework is incredibly versatile – you can practice it almost anywhere, anytime. It's a great option for days with less favourable weather.

For more tips on how to stimulate your dog, read more here

Good luck!