K9 NOSE WORK

What is K9 Nose Work

What is scent work?

Through K9 Nose Work we aim to encourage the natural hunting and searching instincts of your dog. In this activity we can observe the dog in a way that is inhabited by our needs or wants, free of obedience or any other controls placed upon them.

What is scent work in the context of the “Game”?

The “Game” is very similar to playing tug or fetch with your dog. The many possibilities are only limited to your imagination and the actual interest of your dog. Examples might include looking/hunting for toys, a novel target odour or finding food.

What is scent work in the context of the “Sport”?

When referred to as the “Sport” we are referring to competitions that use a novel odour to reproduce a search one might see in working dogs like at the airport, Police K9 unit or military working dogs. Each organization might structure their rules slightly differently; however, the concept aims to make use of the dog’s natural abilities to find an odour.
The most critical concept with K9 Nose Work is that through use of the “Game” we can move to the “Sport”. Regardless of “Game” or “Sport” we are using the “Game” to build the search/hunt skill.

Is there a difference between “Scent Work”, “Nose Work” or Detection?

Conceptually speaking No. All the above terms refer to the use of a dog to search for a target odour. The word Detection however takes the concept of using the dogs searching for a target odour to the professional level doing a job that is often life-and-death or dangerous. Many aspects of the professional dog team are similar to our civilian games, the difference is target odour and our observation of the safety for our civilian dogs. In Scent Work and Nose Work we never ask our dogs to perform any potentially dangerous activity. Scent Work and Nose Work are for the fun of the “Game” and the “Sport”.
As such , please do not take this too seriously and remember the goal is FUN!

Is Scent Work/Nose Work different to Tracking?

The biggest difference is that tracking the dog is scored on the ability to follow a track closely and eventually find the article that is the target.
With Scent Work/Nose Work the task is to find the odour and we are not concerned about how they get there.

What is the training Method used in K9 Nose Work?

The training methodology was developed by the NACSW (National Association of Canine Scent Work).
The focus behind the K9 Nose Work Training Method is the dog, allowing them to take the lead in the search, organically building their hunt drive and independence as a hunter.

Do we use marker words or clickers?

No, the terminology is “Operant Training”. These methods are handler-focused and require more training to “Get It Right”. Our focus is on making the “Game” fun for both the handler and the dog. Building handler skills and the recognition of these skills in the dog can be potentially confusing and removes the fun we experience using the K9 Nose Work Method.

How do we teach hunting if we aren’t telling the dog they have done it right?

Using “Primary” (food reward) we take the handler skills required in other methods out of the equation. The dog gets paid for a job well done by having found this extra yummy food. This course is about how to make this happen and when it is appropriate to go searching for food.

Does my dog need to be well behaved with other dogs?

No, the “Game” and the sport are independent of interaction with other dogs. This “Game” and “Sport” are of particular use when a dog is reactive to other dogs. As long as the dog is not reactive in an aggressive way to humans; we are in a position to build fun and interest in the “Game” and a “Sport”. Not only can the dog be involved in the sport, “behavioural modification” to otherwise limited dogs can be had and open new possibilities for rescue or socially awkward dogs. For some handler/dog teams this can be liberating.

Foundation Nose Work Skills

Introduction to K9 Nose Work

Point Cook

20 minutes of Nose Work is more enriching than an hour walk.