Nose work with D'light - Part 2

While D'light, Catty and I do take a formal nose work class, I wanted to show how easy and fun nose work can be at home.  You will also see how each of our dogs "work" differently.  With nose work the dog can eventually works up to locating a targeted odor (Birch, Anise, Clove) and both D'light and Catty can locate these scents. Searching for odor is often done without boxes but it's searching interiors, exteriors, vehicles along with other cool and fun things.  However, at home we still do a lot of box work. It reinforces the basics and for D'light, it keeps his mind working and he's always successful.

 

So what do you need to start nose work at home? 

 

- Boxes

-High value (preferably stinky) treats

 

Really that's all you need! 

 

Then you chose your "food" box and start laying out all the other boxes.  Start the work in just one room so your dog can be successful quickly and learn the game.  When I'm laying out the boxes, I have the dogs put away.  We are dealing with "smarty pants" terriers and they quickly figure out that if they watch you when you place the food box, that's the first box they go after.   Rember this is NOSE work!

 

  

With D'light his motto is slow and steady wins the "find". He likes this work as there's no pressure from anyone or anything.  All he has to do is use his nose to find the reward. 

"Found it"

Having D'light participate in nose work, we've seen an increase in his curiosity, a decrease in his anxiety and he's willing to take more general risks!  All of these things have been challenging to him over the years.  So, when he takes a risk by sticking his head in a box - he gets a tasty reward. And this "self rewarding" has been a wonderful experience for him.  D'light has complete control over where he goes, what decisions he makes and he can take as much time as he needs.

 

You can see that D'light starts out somewhat tentative and then he gets into his grove as the searches go on.

 And it's getting a little harder for him with the flap down.  I'm particular about which boxes I use with D'light since my goal is to set him up for success. 

 

So, if you have a fearful, nervous, under confident dog - tuck in the flaps or find boxes without flaps.  As your dog gains confidence and is comfortable with the game, you can add in boxes with a flap out and build on adding more exposed flaps.

 

 

 

Mixing it up we are now working two rooms!

 

 

The above video was a challening "find" for D'light. Because the box was under the table.  Working in small spaces takes some bravery on D'light's part.  Way to be brave sweet boy!

 

It's time for an easy "find" and in the below video, he locates both "finds".  Good boy D'light.

 

 

 

See how easy this is to do at home!