Nosework Seminar

Yesterday, Rundle had the opportunity to get a working spot in a local Nosework seminar. Nosework has been in the U.S. for a few years now but it is a brand new sport to Canada, with the Sporting Detection Dogs Association (www.sportingdetectiondogs.ca) just starting up this past year.  In a Nosework test, dogs must find the target odours (wintergreen, pine and thyme) that are hidden in various spots (in boxes and/or interior rooms and/or vehicles, depending on the level you are testing at).  It is much like how drug detection dogs learn to find various substances only our dogs learn to find substances (odours) that are not illegal. Dogs of all breeds (mixed or not), sizes and ages can learn this game.

We had a lot of fun at the seminar and Rundle had a blast searching the boxes and getting cookies for finding the box with the target scent (we used wintergreen). This is a sport that I am interested in continuing with. Once Rundle knows what he is supposed to be searching for, it will not take much room or time to practice, and it is perfect for those bad weather days when it is tough to get outside.  It is so great to see dogs using their noses - it is such a natural thing for them so I am sure it is very rewarding for them to get to be allowed to use their natural abilities.  

Here are a couple videos that my awesome friends took for me (I didn't know anyone was video taping). 

The first video is when we started using the boxes. There is the wintergreen scent in the box along with some food. When the dog finds the box with the scent, we put more food in the box to make it very rewarding. (Thanks Amanda for the video).

 

The next video is after we have done a few sessions with the boxes. There is no longer food in the boxes but we still reward heavily as soon as our dog's head goes into the box with the scent. We really want to make that connection with the smell and good things (food) happening. You can see Rundle is very excited to get to the boxes! (Thanks Jolene for the video).

Rundle Beginning Nosework

Now I just need to find some good boxes to hide scent in and we can get started training at home. It is great timing too as suddenly our nice autumn weather has turned to cold and snow.