Intro to Scent DetectionBased on the Andrew Ramsey method

What you need:• A target odor• Two identical high value rewards (2 toys or 2

food containers)• Open container to hold the odor• Harness for the dog • Flat collar (no correction collars)• Drag line (for fast searching dogs)• Area to work• Containers that can be open or closed• Video camera (optional)

The purpose:

• Introduce the dog to the concept of using his nose to search

• Teach the dog and handler search patterns• Teach the dog that the target odor has value• Build a seeking drive (motivation to search)• Teach the dog a clear indication behavior• Teach the dog to be “obedient to odor”

Some terms you should know:• Target odor• Desensitize to odors• Focused response• Obedience to odor• Reward from source• Delivery device• Spot 1

• Find the reward your dog loves most!– Toy selection– Food selection

• Acclimate the dog to the reward delivery– Storage container, pill bottle, parts container or Tug-n-treat– Work on this while doing all the rest of steps

• Acclimate the dog to the training area

Before starting:

Video

Starting the search (toy reward)

• Open container finds in spot 1• Stash in spot 2 while dog is occupied• While dog is distracted, add spot three• Continue to add new spots and randomize• Repeat with drawers closed

Starting the search (food reward)

• Food in bowl in front of drawer• Food in bowl inside spot 1• Distract dog- add spot 2• Randomize• Distract dog- add spot 3• Continue to add new spots• Repeat with drawers closed

Add target odor when the dog:

• understands the searching concept• is comfortable in the area and with the

equipment • is using his nose instead of his eyes • is motivated to keep searching• focuses on the search and not on the handler

or other things in the environment

Association• Hide the target odor with the reward and allow

the dog to work through the above steps.• As soon as dog makes any indication, click and

open drawer for dog to self-reward• Repeat many times in different locations• Don’t rush to extend duration of indication

Getting duration• Delay the click in very gradual increments– If you get looks toward you, barking, scratching,

etc. you expected too much duration too soon

• Add reward delivery– Dog MUST be comfortable with reward delivery

first!– Toss reward close to nose instead of self reward– Vary reward delivery direction– Conceal reward and your movements for toss

Trouble shooting:• Barking, digging, looking away• Residual odors• Aging the scent• Airflow and temps• Tired, panting and distracted• Multiple cues• Missed the target• Blind searches