Guardians should get ten or so open containers (boxes, shoeboxes, Tupperware). Ideally include a variety of different sized containers with and without flaps or covers to add difficulty as the game progresses. Having stackable or nesting containers (like plastic shoe boxes or low-profile buckets) or boxes that can easily be flattened and reassembled is handy for taking the dog nose work training game on the road.
Choose low-distraction, secure, and familiar environments for first practices, then practice in at least 5 different locations (friend’s garage, secure parking lot, an office, back porch, or five different areas at their homes), but avoid grassy outdoor or distracting areas. Select locations that provide control over the environment.
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If your home is a multiple-dog household, play the game away from other resident dogs. You have two options for how to set up your practice sessions at home and you can try both through the week and see which works best for you and best for your dog.
You might practice moving freely with the dog and playing the game while the dog runs loose, in one continuous search.
a. This works for motivated dogs who really want to keep searching and for timid dogs who need you to keep the number of containers low, the movements slow, and your encouragement high. This also works best in secure locations, such as indoors.
You might also set up containers in a particular pattern and do individual searches, with the dog secured while you reset. I like to do these patterns twice before I try another. They are nice to return to, throughout your dog's dog nose work training career, especially if you aren’t feeling inspired or if your dog needs something quick and dirty. See below for patterns. Please note that the patterns were inspired by Scent Work University Online Training Solutions – Online Dog Training University.
a. You may find that smash-the-boxes kind of dogs run havoc over this kind of setup but it’s lovely for thoughtful dogs. It’s also lovely for humans who enjoy having a guided setup to follow. This works in all locations because it can be on or off leash.
Set up a line of 5 shallow containers (start with your line straight but, as your dog progresses, your line could be curved or even turn to the right or left). Do this search three times in a session, with hides in each run as described below:
First run: 1st container has food/toy in it.
Second run: 1st and 3rd container has food/toy.
Third run: 1st, 3rd and 5th container has food/toy.
In each run:
After you release your dog to search, stay at the start line.
When they find a food/toy container, provide verbal praise. Play if it’s a toy find but then return to the start line.
Ensure you are giving the dog LOTS of space to work to avoid directing them or moving too much into the space itself.
Once the dog has found all the hides, use a treat/toy magnet to exit the search area.
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Set up two lines of 3 shallow containers. Do this search three times in a session, with hides in each run as described below:
First run: 1st container (front left) has food/toy.
Second run: 1st and 4th (middle right) container has food/toy.
Third run: 1st, 4th and 5th (back left) container has food/toy.
Please note that when there are multiple hides, the order your dog finds them in is unimportant. Let them work the problem how they wish.
After you release your dog to search, stay at the start line.
When they find a food/toy container, provide verbal praise. Play if it’s a toy find but then return to the start line.
Ensure you are giving the dog LOTS of space to work to avoid directing them or moving too much into the space itself.
Once the dog has found all the hides, use a treat/toy magnet to exit the search area.
This setup is one of the most fun and effective canine enrichment activities that doubles as scent detection games for dogs, keeping them mentally stimulated and satisfied.
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