Intro to Odor & Scent Work
& Advancing to Utility Scent Articles
The pages on the 2 Cool Border Collies web site receives the most views from "How I Taught Scent Articles". There is a lot of information on how I did this with my past 2 Border Collies, Myst and Beckett......However... I never videotaped the first steps of how odor is introduced to not only a puppy but any dog. This page will hoperfully fill in those gaps since I am doing a lot of intro to odor and scent work with my new puppy Dylan. He loves this work and it is so much fun to see him progress so quickly...such as going into a space and sniffing looking for odor. He also does a one container search as his first hunting game and will choose the correct container if 2 are hidden. The hides are not complicated but in visible plastic containers but not always clearly in sight.
We also are beginning an Intro to Odor class with Aleks Woodroffe on January 8th so most of his fun odor work will be included.Below are his first 4 introductions to odor and scent work that I did with him beginning at 10 weeks to 2024, 15 weeks.
Here are a few sites where you can purchase what you will need to get started: containers and odor. All you need to start with is BIRCH.
Alternatively, you can order one online. Here are a few sites:
We also are beginning an Intro to Odor class with Aleks Woodroffe on January 8th so most of his fun odor work will be included.Below are his first 4 introductions to odor and scent work that I did with him beginning at 10 weeks to 2024, 15 weeks.
Here are a few sites where you can purchase what you will need to get started: containers and odor. All you need to start with is BIRCH.
Alternatively, you can order one online. Here are a few sites:
- K9nwsource.com
- Thek9nose.com
- Leerburg.com (q-tips often come unscented)
- Paws4fun.net
VIDEO 1: Dylan is 10 weeks old.. Introduction to Scent Work and Odor first using birch tin with 1 q-tip
VIDEO 2: Progressing to Small Containers and Outside. This is Dylan's 5th day on odor and the AKC birch. Each time we warm up with an individual tin with odor then one tin with odor and one without. Yesterday he was introduced to containers. Started with smaller ones and since they are so unstable on the ground held then and quickly showed him the larger containers. This is the size he will be using for scent articles only taller however articles will not be introduced for some time. The container game will be played with many variations and more containers.
VIDEO 3: Introducing More Containers and New Location. We were using 2 containers and after a few days it looked like he was finally beginning to recognize oder by going to one box and smelling and then moving on to the correct one. He did try early on to use his feet but picked. up the box so he had to indicate with his nose. When we was doing this correctly added a 3rd box which he has done well with using 3 home locations. Today we tried a new place at a Sedona tennis court with distractions of my friend and then tennis players coming... you will see the car passing by. He did well but our time was cut short by the tennis players now needing the courts.
VIDEO 4: Advancing Scent Work Since Dylan Clearly recognizes Odor: Dylan is 15 weeks old and was introduced to odor at 10 weeks. We have progressed adding boxes as his recognition of the birch odor grew stronger. He now starts with 4 containers and goes to 6 with different configurations: circle, straight line, double line and horizontal line. He really enjoys scent work and is now doing single box searches.
UPDATE: Dylan is 5 months old and he easily finds both birch and anise on his outdoor tin and indoor searches.
Since he is so focused and so enjoys it we are preparing for the NACSW ODOR RECOGNITION TEST (ORT) near our home in May. We are using 12 boxes for both birch and anise (NACSW strength). Boxes are closed
Also entering in AKC Scent Work trial in April for container, buried and indoor. Not pushing him but he so enjoys this, is so focues, so correct and stays on odor touching with his nose until I reach him
VIDEO 5: Below is an added game I like to play with the dogs for finding MY SCENT on a UTILITY SCENT ARTICLE:.This is all I do with the dogs for awhile before I start using multiple scent articles in plastic scented containers for discrimination. It is all about having it be fun and building confidence.
VIDEO 2: Progressing to Small Containers and Outside. This is Dylan's 5th day on odor and the AKC birch. Each time we warm up with an individual tin with odor then one tin with odor and one without. Yesterday he was introduced to containers. Started with smaller ones and since they are so unstable on the ground held then and quickly showed him the larger containers. This is the size he will be using for scent articles only taller however articles will not be introduced for some time. The container game will be played with many variations and more containers.
VIDEO 3: Introducing More Containers and New Location. We were using 2 containers and after a few days it looked like he was finally beginning to recognize oder by going to one box and smelling and then moving on to the correct one. He did try early on to use his feet but picked. up the box so he had to indicate with his nose. When we was doing this correctly added a 3rd box which he has done well with using 3 home locations. Today we tried a new place at a Sedona tennis court with distractions of my friend and then tennis players coming... you will see the car passing by. He did well but our time was cut short by the tennis players now needing the courts.
VIDEO 4: Advancing Scent Work Since Dylan Clearly recognizes Odor: Dylan is 15 weeks old and was introduced to odor at 10 weeks. We have progressed adding boxes as his recognition of the birch odor grew stronger. He now starts with 4 containers and goes to 6 with different configurations: circle, straight line, double line and horizontal line. He really enjoys scent work and is now doing single box searches.
UPDATE: Dylan is 5 months old and he easily finds both birch and anise on his outdoor tin and indoor searches.
Since he is so focused and so enjoys it we are preparing for the NACSW ODOR RECOGNITION TEST (ORT) near our home in May. We are using 12 boxes for both birch and anise (NACSW strength). Boxes are closed
Also entering in AKC Scent Work trial in April for container, buried and indoor. Not pushing him but he so enjoys this, is so focues, so correct and stays on odor touching with his nose until I reach him
VIDEO 5: Below is an added game I like to play with the dogs for finding MY SCENT on a UTILITY SCENT ARTICLE:.This is all I do with the dogs for awhile before I start using multiple scent articles in plastic scented containers for discrimination. It is all about having it be fun and building confidence.
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The "FIND MINE" GAME has progressed beyond what I had imagined. Dylan has done nose work almost daily and really focuses on it and enjoys it. This is the first time I have introduced utility scent articles to my Border Collies without using the boxes. We have done a lot of nose work since he was 10 weeks and not only do we do it regularly but he really enjoys it.
When I introduced one article and the phrase changed from "search" to "find mine" he understood and we progressed from house to outside gradually adding leather articles. My wood articles are currently being made so only had 2 to introduce which I did separately.
It was not until the last week that I added them to the leather pile. Dylan is 7 1/2 months old and is now doing 7 utility scent articles. This video shows his progress. Again I am not looking for speed but accuracy and his turn. Coming to front and sitting is a bonus.
When I introduced one article and the phrase changed from "search" to "find mine" he understood and we progressed from house to outside gradually adding leather articles. My wood articles are currently being made so only had 2 to introduce which I did separately.
It was not until the last week that I added them to the leather pile. Dylan is 7 1/2 months old and is now doing 7 utility scent articles. This video shows his progress. Again I am not looking for speed but accuracy and his turn. Coming to front and sitting is a bonus.
Progressing to Utility Scent Articles
We have continued doing scent work regularly but also added the "FIND MINE" utility scent articles. Dylan was correctly finding the scent article all the way to 8 articles. Decided to add this configuration.The first time I set this up I found it was harder for the Dylan than a circle or straight line but by day 2 he was easily finding the correct article. We only do 4 of the scent article placing in one session.
This configuration is used to help the dog learn to work a pile of articles. In your training you will introduce the dog to each of these locations.
9
8 7 10
6 5/12 11
4 3 1
2
This configuration has been used to help the dog not only learn round the clock but also how to work an entire pile of articles. Dylan, who is now 9 months old, was introduced to this a few days ago and did positions 1-4 correctly, followed by positions 5-8 another day. Today he will do positions 9-12 for the first time in this video. I heavily scent the articles. I suspect that for position 11 he was not as confident since it was perhaps not as heavily scented. You will see he checks all the articles several times before settling on the correct one.
This configuration is used to help the dog learn to work a pile of articles. In your training you will introduce the dog to each of these locations.
9
8 7 10
6 5/12 11
4 3 1
2
This configuration has been used to help the dog not only learn round the clock but also how to work an entire pile of articles. Dylan, who is now 9 months old, was introduced to this a few days ago and did positions 1-4 correctly, followed by positions 5-8 another day. Today he will do positions 9-12 for the first time in this video. I heavily scent the articles. I suspect that for position 11 he was not as confident since it was perhaps not as heavily scented. You will see he checks all the articles several times before settling on the correct one.
INTRO TO ODOR & SCENT WORK WITH ALEKS WOODROFFE
WEEK 2: BUILDING THE SEARCH - ELECTRICAL BOXES
Dylan is 17 weeks old. All odor is with 2 AKC q-tips.
Dylan was introduced to odor at 10 weeks with the “It’s your Choice” game. Progressed to small container; then large plastic containers up to 6 boxes that were put in different configurations in my house and outside of my house. This was all done without leash so he is very independent. Then tried one large metal container with 2 Q-tips that I would put first in sight near furniture and sometimes not as easy to see. Again we did this in many different locations. He really really likes scent work and I am happy to see him start to search and not be distracted by his environment when I ask him to “search.”
So he was very ready for the electrical boxes which I offered in my office with 3 boxes which he had no problem with. Increased to 6 again in different locations inside and out and different configurations which the video shows. What I really like about the electrical boxes his his putting his nose in, starting duration and being sure he does a touch.
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WEEK 3: Week 3 Intro to Odor - Searching Resiliency
The first 3 searches use barriers.
Dylan has done a number of hides in the house behind a soft with 6 electrical boxes. He comes into the living room and does a search until he finds the boxes.
Second group of searches used 6 electrical boxes that were placed together and touching. We also incorporated the SHELL GAME to rearrange the boxes a few times.
Dylan is 17 weeks old. All odor is with 2 AKC q-tips.
Dylan was introduced to odor at 10 weeks with the “It’s your Choice” game. Progressed to small container; then large plastic containers up to 6 boxes that were put in different configurations in my house and outside of my house. This was all done without leash so he is very independent. Then tried one large metal container with 2 Q-tips that I would put first in sight near furniture and sometimes not as easy to see. Again we did this in many different locations. He really really likes scent work and I am happy to see him start to search and not be distracted by his environment when I ask him to “search.”
So he was very ready for the electrical boxes which I offered in my office with 3 boxes which he had no problem with. Increased to 6 again in different locations inside and out and different configurations which the video shows. What I really like about the electrical boxes his his putting his nose in, starting duration and being sure he does a touch.
________________________________________________________________
WEEK 3: Week 3 Intro to Odor - Searching Resiliency
The first 3 searches use barriers.
Dylan has done a number of hides in the house behind a soft with 6 electrical boxes. He comes into the living room and does a search until he finds the boxes.
Second group of searches used 6 electrical boxes that were placed together and touching. We also incorporated the SHELL GAME to rearrange the boxes a few times.
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WEEK 4 - INTRO TO ODOR: STARTING TO LOOK REAL
GAME 1: SEARCHING OBJECTS
A tin was used with one AKC scented birch q-tip.Dylan has done quite a few of these searches both inside and outside so. he seems fairly confident in his searching
GAMES 2: INTRODUCING CARDBOARD BOXES
Introduced Dylan to CONTAINERS with a small hole in the top of the HOT (birch odor) box since he had never done work with cardboard containers. He got it quickly so I used the way I taught my other 2 border collies with top of box and boxes slightly open then opening box to show them the hide. This worked perfectly and he was indicating the correct box immediately. Will continue with tops slightly open for about a week before I close them. He quickly moved to 6 boxes both inside and outside.
GAME 1: SEARCHING OBJECTS
A tin was used with one AKC scented birch q-tip.Dylan has done quite a few of these searches both inside and outside so. he seems fairly confident in his searching
GAMES 2: INTRODUCING CARDBOARD BOXES
Introduced Dylan to CONTAINERS with a small hole in the top of the HOT (birch odor) box since he had never done work with cardboard containers. He got it quickly so I used the way I taught my other 2 border collies with top of box and boxes slightly open then opening box to show them the hide. This worked perfectly and he was indicating the correct box immediately. Will continue with tops slightly open for about a week before I close them. He quickly moved to 6 boxes both inside and outside.
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WEEK 5: VARIATIONS OF OUR GAMES
GAMES 1: FIELD TRIP. The goal was to do searches away from home and to pattern starts to generalize all searches. New location where we pause and dog starts search right away. On leash. Suggested to use electrical box but since Dylan has done a few searches away from home and quite a few with the small tin and 1 q-tip, we only did the electrical box for the first one.
GAMES 2: LEARNING TO WORK A LINE OF CONTAINERS
Using one long line helps to teach dog to develop a rhythm and work down one line. Working with a line of boxes also allows us to work with minimal converging odor..
GAMES 1: FIELD TRIP. The goal was to do searches away from home and to pattern starts to generalize all searches. New location where we pause and dog starts search right away. On leash. Suggested to use electrical box but since Dylan has done a few searches away from home and quite a few with the small tin and 1 q-tip, we only did the electrical box for the first one.
GAMES 2: LEARNING TO WORK A LINE OF CONTAINERS
Using one long line helps to teach dog to develop a rhythm and work down one line. Working with a line of boxes also allows us to work with minimal converging odor..
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This is from our second Intro to Odor Class - Introducing AKC Buried Hides:
This type of search was intended to introduce sport dogs to detection work that they might find in Search and Rescue where they have to find odor originating from the ground. In this exercise for Novice six containers are used with "play sand" and covered with metal grate; one is a hot box with birch initially on the surface and later buried in the sand. At the next level the hide is now in water rather than sand.
Dylan is introduced to the buried hide. Initially I like to include a straight line for our searches to remind him to start at the top and go down the line. Also like to include a hide with the first box containing the odor since it is easy for them to just hurry and skip over it. This is Dylan's 2nd day of being exposed to buried hides and he has not had any trouble with finding the correct sand box with odor.
This type of search was intended to introduce sport dogs to detection work that they might find in Search and Rescue where they have to find odor originating from the ground. In this exercise for Novice six containers are used with "play sand" and covered with metal grate; one is a hot box with birch initially on the surface and later buried in the sand. At the next level the hide is now in water rather than sand.
Dylan is introduced to the buried hide. Initially I like to include a straight line for our searches to remind him to start at the top and go down the line. Also like to include a hide with the first box containing the odor since it is easy for them to just hurry and skip over it. This is Dylan's 2nd day of being exposed to buried hides and he has not had any trouble with finding the correct sand box with odor.
Introducing More Advanced Concepts: more than one odor and different pattern configurations
Search 1: Circles with Multiple Hides
20 different containers including switch boxes; 4 hides; 3 odors (birch, anise, clove)
Search 2: L-Shaped Pattern with Containers and Corners
10 cardboard boxes were used to create an L-shaped pattern of 7 in one line and 3 perpendicular to the left and then right. Two hides were used: birch and anise; boxes were totally closed; First start was on long side and then it was worked backward from short time.
Search 1: Circles with Multiple Hides
20 different containers including switch boxes; 4 hides; 3 odors (birch, anise, clove)
Search 2: L-Shaped Pattern with Containers and Corners
10 cardboard boxes were used to create an L-shaped pattern of 7 in one line and 3 perpendicular to the left and then right. Two hides were used: birch and anise; boxes were totally closed; First start was on long side and then it was worked backward from short time.
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