Dr. Carla Simon

From bed bugs to birds, from narcotics to nosework, Dr. Carla Simon, MD, BSc, MBA has trained thousands of students around the world, since 1999.

We’ve Moved

Welcome. As of January 2022, the new Hunter’s Heart scent detection blog is live. It’s the same world-class content and free resources. But we reached a painful point where we needed to get rid of unsupported old technology and replace it with updated materials that are easier to use. Hopefully,  you will enjoy the simplified …

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Motivating Indications Recorded Webinar | Hunter’s Heart

Back by Popular Demand! Motivating Indications Free Webinar | Does your sniffer dog know what to do after they locate scent? Are they focussed with rapt attention? Or are you anxious or frustrated about what might happen after the moment of truth, like digging, mouthing, barking, leaving or quitting altogether? Learn the secrets of motivating indications at our FREE webinar.

Don’t Miss Out! World Detector Dog Organization – Setting the Standard, April 8-9, 2021

Join us to learn about the latest advances in canine scent detection, and take your scent detection to the next level at the WDDO 15th Annual Conference. There’s only one week left to register for live online seminars on April 8-9, 2021. You can’t beat the price, at $50 for two days of K9 Scent …

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Photo of dog indicating

Demystifying Indications Free Webinar on Sun. Nov. 15, 2020 | Hunter’s Heart

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2020 6:00 PM MST Registration is now open at: https://scentdetection.huntersheart.com/pl/239367/ Here’s what we’ll cover at the webinar: What are indications? What sniffer dogs wish you knew about indications. What are the pros and cons of indications for canine scent detection? Exploring how to train indications to maximize motivation, precision, and reliability. To find …

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2 Flash Scholarships – Today Only

It’s your last chance to learn the basics of scent in our new Scent Detection – Imprinting Target Odor for Beginners online course. Class starts tomorrow (Jan. 6, 2020). Register at: https://www.cleanrun.com/category/learning_center/agility_instructors/carla_simon_online_classes/index. ******Thanks to everyone who shared on our web pages. The winners of the free scholarships are: Karen ibbitson and Christine Cowley. Congratulations! ***** …

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Clever Hans was presented to an audience in 1904

Avoiding the Clever Hans Phenomenon in Scent Detection

This blog has been updated in the IAABC Journal, Spring 2020: https://spring2020.iaabcjournal.org/the-clever-hans-effect-scent-detection/?fbclid=IwAR28KpQBKKbCRY5GyAy73ssB2pWiEyyokkwxYJIZ0jHDeN556UsObQ3fHhg Clever Hans was a horse who became famous for answering math questions by counting with his hoof (1). For example, when asked what’s the square root of nine, he tapped his hoof three times. He was featured by the New York Times and …

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Judges’ Applications Open for CKC Scent Detection

The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) has announced its requirements for CKC Scent Detection Judges, to officiate at events starting in January 2019. Full details are at: https://www.ckc.ca/en/News/2018/August/Calling-all-Budding-CKC-Judges-Your-Time-Has-Come.aspx C-WAGS All Class Scent Judges, SDDA Judges, and some experienced competitors who are CKC members can apply today at: https://www.ckc.ca/en/Files/Forms/Shows-Trials/Judges-Forms/Application-for-Scent-Detection-Trial-Judge-Form-N    

Early Neutering May Affect Cognitive Function, Cancers and Joint Disorders

Puppy owners deciding when to neuter may find it interesting to learn more about the long-term health effects. One study compared Golden and Labrador Retrievers with spay and neuter performed before 6 months up through 8 years(1). It compared  joint disorders (including hip dysplasia) and cancers (including mammary cancer) in neutered vs intact dogs. In Goldens, neutering …

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NEW Scent Dog Foundation Online Course Starts Aug. 1, 2018

NEW Scent Dog Foundation Course – Class begins Aug. 1, 2018. From bed bugs to birds, from narcotics to nosework, Hunter’s Heart motivational scent training has helped hundreds of teams to reach their potential, since 1999. Learn the secrets to motivate your dog to love searching for odor, whatever your dog’s age or level. We’ll show you how, from fun foundation games …

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Canadian Kennel Club Introduces Scent Detection in Jan. 2019

After years of discussions, we’re excited about the opportunity to compete in Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) Scent Detection, starting Jan. 2019. Small dog owners may be pleasantly surprised to see height divisions with specific guidelines for hide elevation. I appreciate how humans in the search area present an option for distractions in addition to food and …

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Building the Brains of Scent Detection Puppies with Early Scent Introduction

Starting at 3 days of age, we introduce scents of our litters of puppies, and follow the Biosensor (Early Neurological Stimulation) program (1) daily and introduce a new scent daily. This early brain training accelerates development. It kickstarts the olfactory and neurological systems and may result in earlier proficiency and improved performance over what would …

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NEW Engagement Games Classes

What makes your scent dog happy? Is he more interested in checking out distractions than working with you? In our new ENGAGEMENT FOR DOGSPORTS classes, we use games to transform naughty dogs into nice partners for dogsports. Everyone says you should “be the cookie”. We’ll show you how. You’ll learn: How to Build Engagement = …

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How to Remove Ticks to Lessen Blood Meals with Associated Disease Transmission

Ticks are one pest you and your dog can pickup during outdoor activities, which carries a risk of disease transmission. This fascinating macro video of ticks attaching to human skin and feeding on blood and demonstrates removal. Talk to your vet about the risk of ticks in the areas where you live and travel. (For …

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Sourcing, Residual Odor and Preventing False Alerts FAQ – Part 2

In Part 1, I explained why your dog should be working to source in every search i.e. getting his nose as close as physically possible to the highest concentration of odor. Hopefully you took the sourcing tests and videoed yourself. In today’s blog, you’ll observe students working through sourcing exercises at class. RIZZI 0:2 The first …

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Sourcing, Residual Odor and Preventing False Alerts FAQ – Part 1

Question: Carla, can you suggest training exercises to help work through dogs (false) alerting on trace or residual odour? I assume that for the most part it’s team inexperience but now that the sport of nosework is getting so popular facilities have multiple people placing hides and I’d like some pearls of your wisdom/experience to help …

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New Bed Bug WDDO Certified Team: Ellen Kraminsky and Truffle

Congratulations to students Ellen Kraminsky & Truffle on passing WDDO double-blind certification as a bed bug detection team! Without knowing the number of bugs present, Ellen and Truffle passed with no missed hides and no false alerts, demonstrating teamwork to a professional standard of reliability. After all of your hard work, this recognition and qualification is …

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Only a few spots left! INTRODUCTION TO NOSEWORK class starts Wed. April 18 (Calgary)

Using the same techniques we use for bed bug and narcotics detection dogs, we’ll motivate your pet dog to love searching for target odor. This video features Jager, a 6-month old Brittany Spaniel, searching for bed bug scent. The start line has containers full of food and the boxes contain distractions. He alerts on the hot …

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Horses Have the Nose for Search and Rescue on the Range

While horses  might not be the first animal that springs to mind for scent detection, there’s no doubt that horses living out on the range regularly employ their senses to find the resources necessary for survival. Check out horses learning search and rescue drills at: http://www.ktvn.com/story/37954691/horses-use-scent-detection-in-search-and-rescue-drills?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=14272991 (on KTVN Channel 2 Reno Tahoe Sparks News). Once they realize …

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Finding Looted Syrian Artifacts in Air and Sea Cargo – New Frontier of K9 Scent Detection Research

In the race to save Syria’s archaeological treasures, researchers at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center (PVWDC) are looking into the efficacy of detection dogs trained to find smuggled ancient pottery. This video features a candidate named Moxie, demonstrating a change of behavior on the target odor of pottery, during imprinting using a daisy wheel1. At PVWDC, …

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Triple Bunk Break Down | Components of Elite Searches + Double Blind Tests

Be a splitter not a lumper! To succeed in double-blind scent detection tests (e.g. narcotics certification) or elite searches with clearing in scent work competition, you’ll be required to clear rooms, ignore distractions and face an unknown number of hides with potentially unlimited elevation. Set your team up for success by breaking down the individual …

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Last chance – Scent Detection classes start tomorrow (Calgary)

Last chance – Scent Detection classes start tomorrow (Calgary) Level 1 – Motivate your dog to search for target odors Level 2 – “Show Me” where source is Level 3 – Pre-trial preparation, Interior, Exterior & Vehicle Searches, including fun distractions training Target odor: Birch + Anise + Clove + Wintergreen Instructor: Carla Simon, Hunter’s Heart …

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Entering Your First Nosework Competition FAQ’s on UKC Nosework

It’s an exciting time when you enter your first nosework competition. Having said that, you probably feel uncertain about what to expect. Below are FAQ’s for entering your first UKC nosework competition. For the full tutorial on How to Enter Your First UKC Nosework Trial visit https://nosework.huntersheart.com/2017/03/01/how-to-enter-sniff-albertas-ukc-nosework-trial-june-2017/. Scent theory applies to most searches, but every …

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Welcome to Hunter’s Heart Scent Detection Training

Welcome students!  We’re looking forward to meeting you and your scent dog. We’ve inspired hundreds of students internationally, including dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes. Whether your target odor is bedbugs, narcotics, or nosework scents, we’ll help you to succeed with our proven protocols. Lessons are packed with hands-on practical experience so your dog can …

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Zane, a nosework student, waits for his serch to begin

Upcoming Scent Dog Training with Hunter’s Heart

Classes at Kayenna Kennels, Calgary Learn nosework at Kayenna Kennels (near Southland and Macleod, Calgary) with a 6-week class. Level 1 – We’ve inspired hundreds of students internationally and can help motivate your dog to find target scent. No previous experience required. Puppies are welcome after their second set of vaccinations.Learn more: https://youtu.be/wC9MRR7ui70 Level 2 – …

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Wife Detects Parkinson’s by Change of Husband’s Scent

An Australian woman noticed her husband smelled differently, but dismissed it until after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Upon attending a lecture on Parkinson’s Disease, she recalled the experience and asked the lecturer what scent she might have smelled. Intrigued, researchers explained that the “slightly musky aroma” might be caused by changes in the …

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Israeli Drone Dog Teams Find Hidden Terrorists To Save Lives

In the Israel Dog Unit (IDU), scent detection dogs are being utilized in conjunction with aerial drones with thermal imaging to apprehend suspected terrorists. In the past, even when authorities found broken fences or sensors confirmed infiltrations, suspects could hide and even after troops arrived, couldn’t be apprehended, sometimes resulting in lost lives. Mike Ben …

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Back to School Survey for Hunter’s Heart Nosework Classes (Starting Sept. 20, at Kayenna Kennels, Calgary)

Nosework classes resume this week and we’re going to have some fun motivating your dog to search for odor! If you’re registered, please complete this survey in advance, to get the most out of your experience: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8WMBQW7. It may take up to 10 minutes to complete. We’ll use your responses to customise the searches for your unique dog. Even …

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SDS Distance Game Demonstrations

Can your scent dog search independently at a distance? Watch demonstrations with coaching as our students test their skills with the fun SDS Distance Handling Game Version 1, the game we’re playing at Sniff Alberta’s SDS (Sniffing Dog Sports) nosework competition on Oct 7-8, 2017 (Calgary): https://youtu.be/oc6mg59V1Wc We begin with a blind search at the Excellent …

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Canada’s First Sniffing Dog Sports Nosework Competition, Oct. 7-8, Calgary

Join Sniff Alberta for Canada’s first Sniffing Dog Sports Nosework Competition, Calgary, Oct. 7&8, 2017 You’ll love SDS: Save $. Only 1 pass required to title at a level. Try Before You Buy, or register with SDS now. FUN distance game #1, area search and containers (it’s easier than you think). Les stress. No pre-trial, …

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Back by Popular Demand: Nosework Crash Course Weekend, July 15/16, Hunter’s Heart (Calgary)

Take your nosework to the next level Juno’s video demonstrates strong commitment to odor in scent work. Sometimes blind searches are confusing for the handler. Juno returns to show the location of target odor repeatedly, making it very obvious where target odor is located, until the rewards appear at source. Even newbies in the audience can …

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Patterning for Systematic Searches and Faster Times

Do you have trouble remembering where your scent dog has searched and where he hasn’t? When you’re searching large areas for scent work, it’s a common problem. Novice dogs can demonstrate a lot of frenetic activity, often skipping thresholds, frequently skipping objects or hides. Patterning trains dogs to search systematically, from the start line and around …

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Calgary Nosework Classes – Video of Keata (Border Collie) Learning to Indicate Scent

Only 6 days left! Register now for Nosework classes starting April 5, Calgary Info: https://www.kayennakennels.ca/nosework-classes This video features Keata at our Level 2 (Show Me) Nosework class. Keata (a Border Collie) still indicated the location of scent when we moved containers to a distracting new location. She ignored unplanned distractions when we introduced vehicles and …

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Shopping for Nosework Supplies

Question: Where do you buy your shipping labels, cardboard boxes and blotting papers for cocktailing hides? I think I’d like to set up some kind of scent lab in my basement/training area. Answer: Hunter’s Heart sells boxes with circular holes like we use in our scent detection training lab, at: http://store.huntersheart.com/UKC_Nose_work_boxes_focussed_attention_indication_p/nb.htm. To purchase at reasonable prices near you, …

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Welcome to Calgary Scent Detection Classes at Kayenna Training Academy

Welcome students!  Hunter’s Heart is excited to offer Calgary scent detection classes, seminars and events at Kayenna Training Academy. Register at: https://www.kayenna.ca/scent-detection. We also offer an online scent detection course for training sniffer dogs. We’ve been sniffing since 1999. From bed bugs to birds, nosework to narcotics, we’ve helped hundreds of students internationally, including dogs …

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How to have the most fun with your dog? Nosework/Scent Dog Training Compilation 2016

Nosework can be the most fun you ever had with your dog!  We’ve received many requests to help nosework students explain why they love nosework to people who don’t even know the dogsport exists. A picture’s worth a thousand words, so we hope you enjoy this video compilation. Nosework is an exciting new dogsport. We …

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What’s Next? (FAQ)

Question: As we progress with scent training what is the plan you might envision to keep pushing the puppies. I wasn’t sure how this all works as time goes on I do think Zahra loves it !! (Wendy) Carla: Zara is very enthusiastic and is progressing very well. The vision depends on what your goals are. …

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Comparing SDDA and UKC Nosework

In today’s blog, I’ll compare and contrast nosework competition under the Sporting Detection Dogs Association (SDDA) and United Kennel Club (UKC). Please note that I’m competing in UKC (in the USA and Canada) at the Masters level, while I’ve only titled in Started SDDA in Canada. This blog represents my opinion. There are many nosework organizations and they …

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Photo of a Dachshund with his nose in a wire fence

Nosework Safety

Have you seen a dog get his head stuck in a nosework box? If you watch a few pre-trial or container searches, you’ll observe that many dogs do. While that’s not faulted and usually causes the audience to smile, it’s a frequent reminder that safety is important in canine nosework. CONTAINER SAFETY Consider what would happen if a dog …

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Photo of Smarties candies sorted by color

Why Scent Travels

Why does scent disperse, instead of just staying inside the hide? It’s a law of nature. Scent spreads out. Read on if you want to learn more about the science behind scent dispersion, and what it has to do with the Smarties in the picture. SCENT DISPERSION AND ENTROPY Scent disperses because of the Second …

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Photo of a Chihuahua puppy playing with a tennis ball

How Close is Close Enough?

How close should your dog get to source? Will you know it when you see it? After your dog indicates and you call “alert”, the judge can ask “where is it”, so you should be prepared to answer (either with words or showing with gestures that don’t involve touching anything or contaminating source.) Current UKC Nosework …

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Fringe Alerts

A fringe alert occurs when the dog indicates close to the target odor, in the odor plume, but not at source. For example, the dog indicates by lying down on the driver side of a vehicle when the hide is actually on the front bumper and wind is blowing scent to the dog’s location. This …

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Types of Nosework Events

Types of Nosework Events (Printable PDF File) The main types of searches in Nosework include: Container searches, Interior, Vehicle and Exterior and Handler Discrimination. They are explained in detail below. PRE-TRIALS (1 pass required/title) Before you compete in United Kennel Club (UKC) Nosework, the first thing you need to do is a Pre-Trial. During the Pre-trial, your dog …

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United Kennel Club Nosework Links

United Kennel Club (UKC) Helpful Links (As of Feb. 26, 2016) Register Your Dog with UKC               http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/WebPages/Registration/ApplicationSingleRegistration 2 main types of UKC registration number: Permanent Registration (purebred dogs) Performance Listing (PL) – mixed breed dogs (Temporary number is rare) http://www.ukcdogs.com/Web.nsf/WebPages/DogEvents/TLRules Blank Nosework Entry Form        http://res.ukcdogs.com/pdf/NoseworkEntry.pdf Nosework Rules                              http://res.ukcdogs.com/pdf/2015NoseworkRules.pdf Find UKC Nosework Events          http://www.ukcdogs.com/Upcoming.nsf/EventView?Open&Group=DogEvents&Type=M Search by …

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Vary Everything But The Odor

Over time, you should vary all aspects of the hides besides the odor itself. For example, don’t just use metal tins. You should practice with hides made of many diverse materials: steel and burlap, wood, cotton, water, plastic, glass, etc.. You should also vary the ageing of the target odor. Sometimes you may place the hide and …

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Photo disposable pipettes

Making Cocktailed Hides

Once your dog is searching for odor, you’ll need some hides in order to practice nosework at home. (A “hide” is the package of target odor inside a ventilated container that is hidden in the search are for the dog to find e.g. pre-scented piece of blotting paper inside a metal tin or a cotton …

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Photo of hide in nosework box, nosework kit and essential oils stored in tackle box

Storing Scent

Storing your scent properly is important to your success in nosework. You always want to know where odor is, and where it isn’t. Here are some key tips. One of the first things you’ll notice is the importance of labelling everything. Always label cold boxes and mark the odor on all containers with scent. For …

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How to Reward

In the scent detection lab, these are the steps the trainer will take to reward your dog: Say “Yes” or click the instant dog’s nose touches the food bowl (or hole in the box containing target odor) Reward at source (touching her hand to source to deliver the food) Repeat this sequence for 1-3 rewards, …

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The Trainer’s Role

At first, your dog will learn to search for food in a food bowl. The cues to searching are the lab setup and the handler bangs the bowl on the floor. Your trainer will: Start the session with a taste test to find the treats your dog wants most today Tease your dog on the …

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Photo of box #1 of a container search

The Dog’s Role

In the nosework lab, the dog’s job is to search the area and find the food bowl and/or target odor. He should: Put his nose as close to the food bowl and/or target odor as possible. Be “obedient to odor”, rather than focussing on the handler to follow obedience commands Return to the food bowl …

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Photo of Joe Richardson and Rocky with intense focus on the start line of a container search at a Sniff Alberta UKC nosework match

The Handler’s Role

When you take lessons in the scent detection lab, you are the handler and the instructor is the trainer. This blog focusses on the role of the handler. Once your dog is comfortable in the new environment, he will appear more focussed and we’ll begin your searches. The instructor will begin by offering your dog …

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Rules and Etiquette

There are some rules we follow in our scent work events, classes and competitions, so searches run smoothly, and all participants have the greatest chance of succeeding and having fun. No dog-dog interaction is ever allowed. We love to have fun, and dog fights, bites or scares are NOT fun. It’s your responsibility to control …

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Photo Brittany Spaniel puppy Saddle demonstrating drive and motivation, the basis of obedience to odor

Obedience to Odor

Our scent detection training is based on obedience to odor. That might sound pretty scary, but it’s all based on rewarding your dog. A dog that’s obedient to odor is obedient to his nose. He’s irresistibly drawn to the target odor and is highly motivated to get to source (the highest concentration of target odor). Dondi …

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Photo of nosework lab. The arrow is pointing at a hide in a nosework box.

Nosework Training in the Lab

Hunter’s Heart scent detection training is inspired by Andrew Ramsey (renowned law enforcement canine detection trainer, who helped advise the United Kennel Club while creating its nosework program).  We use the nosework lab to quickly and clearly teach the dog how to search systematically, and motivate the dog to love to find the target odor. The rewards …

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Scent Detection Terms in Scent Detection

A “hide” is the package of target odor inside a ventilated container that is hidden in the search are for the dog to find. The photo shows a very common type of hide, made from blotting paper scented with target odor inside a metal tin with magnets, which easily secure the hide to a metal surface. Other favorite hide containers include metal tins with holes, shipping labels, plastic tubes, etc..