We have all been there one time or another, the weather is crappy for several days in a row and our dogs start to get cabin fever (and probably us too). Whether it’s a full month of 100 degree heat in the summer, or 2 feet of snow on the ground in the middle of winter, we are often left wondering how to keep our dogs busy indoors. Let's face it, they are kind of like kids, if you don’t give them something to do they will find something to do and nine times out of ten it won't be what you would want them to do, right?
Well there is a new activity you can do with your dog that is becoming more and more popular called scent discrimination. Scent Discrimination is nothing new, we have seen police dogs for many years sniffing out narcotics or explosives. Lately, dog owners have been taking to this activity with their own dogs. They train their dog to "go find" the smell they have been given. These dogs aren't searching for narcotics but possibly peppermint oil, or even a dog treat! Dog owners everywhere are finding out exactly why it is so much fun:
Scent discrimination is also great because it does not require very much equipment. Some dog owners are discouraged when they try to get involved in activities with their dog because they don’t have the space to store the equipment. Try having an agility course set up in an apartment! On the contrary, scent discrimination only requires you, your dog, and smells (although you might want to be the one to choose the smells you use, not your dog unless you like the smell of liver or dead rabbit!)
One of the greatest things about scent work is that you can practice it anywhere. Rainy day? Practice in your living room. Houseful of relatives visiting? Take it to your backyard. Beautiful sunny day? Go to the local park and practice there!
Perhaps the most beneficial reason to participate in this activity is the positive effect it has on your dog. Sometimes a dog that is being mischievous simply needs something to do. One of the biggest mistakes people can make is only worrying about their dogs physical exercise. The truth is mental exercise is just as important for your pooch. They need to be challenged physically and mentally to be fulfilled. If set up correctly, this activity can take care of both those needs. Which results in a happier canine and a happier owner!
Finally, scent discrimination is FUN! It is unlike some of the other activities you can do with your dog because you really get to see their thought processes. You are not teaching them how to use their nose, they do that innately. You are honing a skill they already possess and guiding it in the direction you want them to use it. You might even be surprised at the practical applications of this activity. One of my students used her dog to sniff out the leather collar his "sister" always seemed to lose in the yard. If this sounds interesting to you and your dog, give me a call!
Well there is a new activity you can do with your dog that is becoming more and more popular called scent discrimination. Scent Discrimination is nothing new, we have seen police dogs for many years sniffing out narcotics or explosives. Lately, dog owners have been taking to this activity with their own dogs. They train their dog to "go find" the smell they have been given. These dogs aren't searching for narcotics but possibly peppermint oil, or even a dog treat! Dog owners everywhere are finding out exactly why it is so much fun:
- Any dog can do it (they all have noses!)
- It doesn't require very much equipment
- It can be done indoors or outdoors
- It is physically and mentally challenging for the dog.
- Its fun!
Scent discrimination is also great because it does not require very much equipment. Some dog owners are discouraged when they try to get involved in activities with their dog because they don’t have the space to store the equipment. Try having an agility course set up in an apartment! On the contrary, scent discrimination only requires you, your dog, and smells (although you might want to be the one to choose the smells you use, not your dog unless you like the smell of liver or dead rabbit!)
One of the greatest things about scent work is that you can practice it anywhere. Rainy day? Practice in your living room. Houseful of relatives visiting? Take it to your backyard. Beautiful sunny day? Go to the local park and practice there!
Perhaps the most beneficial reason to participate in this activity is the positive effect it has on your dog. Sometimes a dog that is being mischievous simply needs something to do. One of the biggest mistakes people can make is only worrying about their dogs physical exercise. The truth is mental exercise is just as important for your pooch. They need to be challenged physically and mentally to be fulfilled. If set up correctly, this activity can take care of both those needs. Which results in a happier canine and a happier owner!
Finally, scent discrimination is FUN! It is unlike some of the other activities you can do with your dog because you really get to see their thought processes. You are not teaching them how to use their nose, they do that innately. You are honing a skill they already possess and guiding it in the direction you want them to use it. You might even be surprised at the practical applications of this activity. One of my students used her dog to sniff out the leather collar his "sister" always seemed to lose in the yard. If this sounds interesting to you and your dog, give me a call!
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