Canine nosework is a relatively new and exciting sport, similar to other activities, such as agility and obedience, for dogs and their owners. But, canine nosework benefits reach well beyond the training room and can enhance your dog’s behavior, confidence, and quality of life. Sniff out all the details and learn how to get started in this introductory guide from the OC Working Dogs team.
The big sniff: Canine nosework origins
Humans have been capitalizing on the dog’s extraordinary sense of smell for official detection purposes since at least 1888. Today, U.S. law enforcement employs more than 100,00 dogs in various important roles, including finding human remains, firearms, explosives, narcotics, and search and rescue detection.
Canine nosework can be recreational or competitive. The dog sport is modeled after professional canine scent detection training and performance. Amateur dogs are trained like working canines to sniff out target odors (e.g., birch, anise, clove oil) in novel environments. Nosework was first developed in 2006, and the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) was formed around the same time. Since then, other titling organizations, including the American and United Kennel Clubs (AKC, UKC) and several smaller venues, have embraced the sport.
The nose knows: Your dog’s super sniffer
The canine nose is said to be 10 to 100,000 times more powerful than ours, with more than 30 million scent receptor cells (i.e., at least 50 for every one of ours). This vast difference can make conceptualizing how dogs perceive the world extremely difficult, so we prefer these visual illustrations:
- Dogs can detect a teaspoon of sugar dissolved in two Olympic-sized swimming pools.
- Dogs can pick out each distinct ingredient in marinara sauce— olive oil, onion, basil, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Dogs can “smell time” and differentiate between old and new smells. Trained dogs can detect months- or years-old odors.
Dogs rely on scent, not sight, as their primary sense. To this day, the dog’s olfactory acuity and sensitivity are unmatched by any man-made technology.
Four paws, two feet, one team: The canine nosework performance
In a nosework event, canine and handler teams search an area (e.g., an indoor or outdoor environment, vehicles, closed containers such as cardboard or plastic boxes) for a target odor, which typically is one to three drops of birch, anise, or clove oil on a cotton swab. The handler follows the dog through the area, watching for the dog to signal they have found the source. The search can be impacted by air flow, wind, temperature, humidity, and surrounding furniture or structures. When the handler believes their dog has found the source, they call “Alert,” and the judge or instructor confirms or denies the dog’s accuracy.
Find it: Nosework benefits for all dogs
Canine nosework is a suitable activity and sport for all dogs, regardless of age, breed, size, or physical ability. Nosework engages the dogs’ instincts, which is naturally satisfying, and provides dogs with intrinsic emotional and physiological rewards. This—along with the fact that nosework is a low-arousal sport—has ripple-effect benefits for dogs that can include:
- Confidence — Nosework gives shy, environmentally-sensitive dogs purpose and focus.
- Reduced reactivity — Sniffing releases endorphins, which lowers arousal and frustration in anxious, fearful, or aggressive-reactive dogs. Because dogs can compete on-leash and do not need to work around other dogs, reactive dogs can excel in nosework.
- Improved behavior — Experts report that 20 minutes of sniffing is equivalent to a one-hour walk. Because misbehavior is often related to inadequate exercise, many owners report behavior improvements after beginning nosework training.
- Enhanced environmental comfort — Hiding treats or target odors in an unfamiliar environment or anywhere where your dog shows apprehension or reluctance can help them feel at ease.
- Mental and physical exercise — Nosework is a safe, low-impact exercise for senior dogs, growing puppies, and dogs recovering from surgery or injury.
Have nose, will sniff: Nosework opportunities for every dog
Part of nosework’s appeal is its flexibility. Dogs can be nosework-trained in small spaces, with minimal, affordable supplies. And, although many dog owners enjoy competitive nosework for its structure and challenge, if you prefer, you and your dog can enjoy its benefits without leaving home.
Choose the path that suits your dog best and get ready to sniff out success, no matter your definition:
- Nosework classes and coaching — In-person training classes are an excellent way to learn nosework’s practical skills.
- Online learning — Virtual classes are a great starting point for anxious or reactive dogs and can help you find out if your dog enjoys using their nose.
- Seek and find games — Teach your dog to hunt with their nose by hiding food, treats, or their favorite toy. Start with the treats or toy in plain view, and then gradually increase the challenge by concealing them or elevating them off the floor.
- Foraging games — Snuffle mats and scattering food (i.e., tossing dry kibble in clean, untreated grass) encourages your dog to use their nose and keeps their mind preoccupied. These activities are great for dogs who gobble down their food or need calm distraction during thunderstorms, fireworks, or other upsetting stimuli.
Searching for more? Other scent-based dog sports and activities
If your dog enjoys using their nose, explore related scent-based sports and activities, such as a barn hunt, shed hunt, and tracking, or join a lost-pet recovery team.
Canine nosework has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds, as dog owners everywhere discover the fun and fantastic rewards of letting a dog do what they do best—sniff!
For more information about canine nosework classes or other instinct-based dog sports, contact OC Working Dogs.
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