Scentsible K9 Dog Training

WHY TRY SCENT DETECTION?

This curriculum is inspired by professional detection dog training methods, adapted for civilian dogs seeking an engaging sport or outlet for their high drive. The NACSW's Instructor Certification Program ensures a standard of quality, teaching candidates the philosophy, concepts, and training methodology for K9 Nose Work®.

For more information on the National Association of Canine Scent Work and their training methodology, please visit their official website.

Our Process

1. Intro to Nose Work (6 Weeks)
In this foundational course, your dog will learn to build their hunt drive through a series of engaging games involving cardboard boxes. Here’s how it works:

Dogs start by searching for their primary reward (usually food) hidden among multiple boxes.
As their hunt drive develops, we gradually reduce the amount of food until only one box contains the reward.
We then increase difficulty by hiding a single piece of food under a stack of boxes, encouraging problem-solving and persistence.

By the end of this course, your dog will have a strong hunt drive and be ready to progress to scent detection with specific odors.

2. Intro to Odor (6 Weeks)
Building on the skills from Intro to Nose Work, this course introduces your dog to specific odors: birch, clove, or anise. Using the pairing method, your dog learns to associate these scents with their primary reward:

We pair the target odor with food, creating a conditioned response every time they find food, they’re also finding the scent.
Gradually, we phase out the food until your dog learns to find only the target odor.
We then teach them to alert you when they’ve located the scent.

Ready to unleash your dog’s sniffing potential? Contact us today to enroll!

TRAINING ODORS

Essential Oils Used for Training

Safety First:

Treat these oils like narcotics. Avoid direct dog contact as some can be toxic if ingested.
Always wear gloves or use tweezers to handle oils and prevent contamination.

Maintaining Drive:

Minimize accidental exposure: Frequent exposure to the scent without reward can diminish your dog's drive and desire to find it.

National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) recognizes:

Birch
Anise
Clove

*Scentsible K9 Training operates under the NACSW curriculum

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at scentsible.k9training@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What is scent detection?

Scent detection is a fun and engaging activity where dogs use their natural ability to find hidden items/odors. It’s like a hide and seek game that taps into your dog’s instinctive drives, providing them with mental stimulation, physical exercise, and a sense of purpose. It’s not related to working dog tasks or service dog functions—it’s simply a sport designed to enrich your dog’s life.

Is this sport the same as working or service dog training?

No, the sport of scent detection is not the same as working or service dog training. While working dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for humans (like detection work for law enforcement or search and rescue), and service dogs assist people with disabilities, scent detection for sports is purely recreational. It’s a game designed to fulfill your dog’s natural instincts in a safe, enjoyable, and non-pressured way.

How is it different than other sports?

Unlike some other dog sports, nose work focuses on your dog's natural abilities and allows them to lead the search. It's not about obedience or following commands, but rather about celebrating your dog's amazing scent detection skills

Is this sport suitable for all dogs?

Does your dog have a nose? Then yes! Scent detection is a versatile sport that can be adapted to dogs of all ages, breeds, and activity levels. Whether you have a high-energy working dog or a more laid-back companion, scent detection offers a fulfilling challenge.

What will my dog learn?

Your dog will learn to search for specific odors and find the source. They will start by searching for their favorite food or toy, and then, if you choose, they can learn to search for target odors like birch, anise, and clove. The focus is on building your dog's hunt drive and problem-solving skills in a fun and supportive environment.

What does the training involve?

Training begins with your dog searching for their favorite food or toy. This lets them build their desire to hunt, their stamina for searching, and their skills in many different environments. The training focuses on the dog's independent problem-solving skills. Handlers also learn how to observe their dog during searches

Do I need to be an expert to get started?

Not at all! Scent detection is accessible to all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance your dog’s abilities, there are plenty of resources, classes, and community events to guide you.

Unleash Your Dog's inner detective

WHY TRY SCENT DETECTION?

Our Process

TRAINING ODORS

Essential Oils Used for Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in scent detection?

Interested in scent detection?

Tell me about your dog!

Unleash Your Dog's inner detective

WHY TRY SCENT DETECTION?

Our Process

TRAINING ODORS

Essential Oils Used for Training

View our Scent Detection Class Recaps on Instagram!

Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in scent detection?

Interested in scent detection?

Tell me about your dog!

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