Nose work

Nosework: A Rewarding Enrichment Activity

Nose work is a wonderful activity for you and your dog, and it's a brilliant way to keep your dog mentally stimulated on rainy days or when it's bitterly cold outside. I always start by having my dog search for one of their toys. For example, a Kong.

In the beginning, it's helpful to have an assistant hold your dog if yours can't sit and stay. Hide the Kong in different places around the room.

Step 1

Show your dog the Kong, have them sit or hold them back, walk to the other end of the room and place it completely in plain sight.

Repeat a couple of times.

Step 2

Show your dog the Kong, have them sit, place the Kong partially hidden.

Repeat.

Step 3

Show your dog the Kong, have them sit, hide the Kong completely.

Give a command to search — "search", "find", "seek" or whatever you'd like to use.

Say the command the moment your dog is about to run out.

Repeat.

Step 4

Show your dog the Kong, place it somewhere they can't see it, hide the Kong. It should be completely hidden, but easy for your dog to reach.

Step 5

Don't show your dog the Kong.

Take them into the room and let them voluntarily start searching.

If they show no or little interest, walk towards the place where you've hidden the Kong.

You can also show them a curiosity exercise. This means you walk around the room and pretend to find lots of exciting things scattered about.

As your dog becomes more and more skilled, make it progressively harder.

Place the Kong in drawers and cupboards, cut it into small pieces and have your dog search for a tiny bit.

When you want to change subject/scent/toy, start again at the lowest steps.

Do the same when you start searching in a new room, and when you have your dog search for an object in multiple rooms. Remember that it's important to maintain the voluntary start to the search — don't forget the latency period.