Nosework: what is it and why does a dog need it?

Recently, a new direction of cynological sports has appeared and has begun to gain popularity – the nosework. What is a nosework and does your dog need it?

Photo: wikimedia

Contents

What is a nosework?
Why does a dog need a nosework?
How is nosework training done?

What is a nosework?

Nosework is a term used to describe a dog’s job of identifying certain odors. This activity was developed by the likes of Ron Gaunt, Amy Herot and Jill Marie OBrien. These individuals have used their wealth of experience teaching search dogs to create an activity that can be both fun and educational for companion dogs and their owners.

In nosework, dogs learn to look for a specific smell (or smells) and label their source. Start by finding a favorite treat or toy, gradually increasing the level of difficulty and adding new tasks as the dog makes progress in training. Smells such as anise, clove, cinnamon, etc. are used. After the dog gets acquainted with the smell, it begins to look for it, and then the owner encourages it with a toy or a treat.

Nosework uses four different types of search: the source of the smell is in the container inside the room outside the room and in the vehicle. During the search, the dog develops search passion and masters basic search skills.

Nosework competitions are currently being held, which include searching under conditions when the handler does not know where the source of the smell is hidden, when there are several sources of smell to be found, and also when the handler does not know exactly how many smell sources in a given area to find (and are they even there).

The advantages of a nosework are that there is no need to purchase special equipment to engage in this type of activity, which means that you can do it anywhere. And each time both the dog and the owner learn something new and enrich their experience. For example, you can search in different places, in different weather, etc.

In essence, doing nosework with your dog is giving your pet a chance to develop natural abilities and learn more about how a dog perceives the world.

Photo: publicdomainpictures

Why does a dog need a nosework?

Nosework is a rewarding activity for dogs. And that’s why:

During the search, the dog develops intellectually and physically.
You can search anywhere.
No lengthy pre-training is required, as in obedience, for example, and there are no special requirements for participating dogs. Almost any dog can do nosework.
In group classes, dogs work in turns, while the other four-legged participants are with the owners, that is, reactive dogs can also take part.
Timid and shy dogs gain self-confidence, and overly active dogs can direct energy into a peaceful direction.
The bond between dog and owner is strengthened as the person learns to observe their dog, understand it and rely on its “judgment”.

How is nosework training done?

In fact, any dog can learn to search. Nosework training methodology is designed to help dogs realize their natural hunting instinct, develop independent problem solving skills, and develop search abilities.

The work begins with the dogs looking for their favorite food or toy. Moreover, the intervention of the owner or unexpected correction is not allowed. When dogs find food or a toy, they are thus self-reinforcing. This time prior to exposure to the target odor allows the dog to develop the hunting instinct as well as the desire and ability to search in any environment without the risk of mistaking or losing interest. It also gives the owner the opportunity to learn to observe and understand the dog.