What is Nose Work?
Nose work is a wonderful sport that is similar to detection work for drugs or bomb detection. The dogs are trained to find 'novel' odors such as birch oil. It is then our job as handlers/owners to learn to read/understand when they have scent and to read their 'alert' or 'it's here!' to us! It is a game that you and your dog will love. You get to search vehicles (think cars, tractors, even zamboni's!), containers (boxes, paint cans, luggage!), interiors (schools, cabins, even baseball stadiums!), and exteriors (campgrounds, 4H camps, and colleges) in your search for these 'scent's'.
Nose work exercises your dog both mentally and physically. A tired dog is a good dog! Dogs who are shy, timid, or lack confidence can become more confident. The dog learns to overcome environmental issues because he enjoys hunting for odor, he enjoys the reward and party at the end, and he learns to problem solve on his own and gain confidence in himself! Dogs who are reactive towards other dogs or have similar problems towards people can experience the same success as those dogs that are unconfident. Being in safe environments that are rewarding and positive can help these dogs to become less reactive. Nose work is all positive, all fun, and extremely rewarding for you and your dog. |