Inspired by working detection dogs, K9 Nose Work is a fun search and scenting activity for virtually all dogs and people. This easy to learn activity and sport builds confidence and focus in many dogs, and provides a safe way to keep dogs fit and healthy through mental and physical exercise.

Nose Work starts with getting your dog excited about using his nose to seek out a favorite toy or treat reward hidden in one of several boxes, expanding the game to entire rooms, outside areas, and even vehicles.

If you really grow interested and as your dog grows more confident with his nose, target odors can be introduced, and competition skills are taught. But for now I want to give you some fun ways to keep your dog happy and healthy when the weather outside is just plain YUCK!

To start you will need:

Several boxes: cardboard, metal, tin, etc ... different sizes but not so big that your dog can't easily stick their head in and retrieve and object or food reward

Food: The stinkier the better (dry is good too so the boxes can easily be reused without getting too icky)

Toys: In time your dog can learn to search for toys

To start have your dog in out of sight of the room being used. Use a fairly small and quiet room and only 2-4 boxes. Place the boxes fairly close together and put a couple of stinky, yummy treats in each box. Then release your dog into the room and watch!

Resist the urge to tell your dog what to do, they have about 100,000 more scent receptors than you do so they will find the boxes. If they seem unsure you can encourage them or place the food outside of or on top of the boxes to start. After several successful rounds of them easily finding the food in the boxes, change the layout or add a couple of more boxes.

Check out the quick tutorial video for more tips!

If you are interested in learning more about Nose Work see the links below:

https://k9nosework.com

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/why-not-give-akc-scent-work-a-try/