Definition – Search: To try to find something by looking or otherwise seeking carefully and thoroughly.
Scentwork/Search work is fast becoming popular, it is simple thing to teach and great fun for your dog.
Scentwork isn’t about pointing your dog to the object or showing it where you are hiding it, the clue is firmly in the name of the game ‘scentwork’. Don’t be fooled in to parting with your money for anything less, ensure the course you attend is held by someone certified to teach scent work.
Definition – Scent: discern by the sense of smell.
Most beginners scent workshops will begin with food hidden in enclosed containers such as boxes, often toys or everyday objects but eventually you progress to finding scents such as clove scented cloths.
Beginners goals: For the dog to use its nose to find the hidden item and for the owner to closely observe their dogs body language and learn how it changes when they are ‘on’ the object.
I have been involved with scent work for many years with my own dogs but am now looking forward to attending a scent work day for trainers. Many classes are available for scent work now but unfortunately often taught by people who have simply attended a workshop themselves or ‘done a bit’ with their own dog. The course I will be attending is aimed not at learning scent work but learning to pass on that knowledge and teach it in the most beneficial way.
I cant wait!
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The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this article is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this article. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this article. Nina Fotara T/as Confident Canine disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this article.
