How To Train A Scent Dog

There are two different types of scent dogs. There are the "air scenting" dogs. These dogs are the ones who find the humans. Then there are the scent discrimination dogs. These dogs are the dogs that follow the trail to the subject. The handlers are the ones who have to learn how to train a scent dog.

Training a scent dog is not a very hard task. Anyone who can teach a dog obedience can train them to track scents.

The dog has to have two pre-requisites. The first pre-requisite is that the dog has to have a good nose. The second pre-requisite is that the dog has to be motivated. Though it is not a pre-requisite, it is best to train dogs to be trakers before they are an adolescent. The motivation must be very rewarding for the dog. The rewards can be a special toy, food treats or a lot of hugs and kisses. It will depend upon what works for your dog.

The handler needs to build the scent discrimination pattern with care and consistency. It is best to begin training the dog with short exercises then gradually build up the length and difficulty of the exercises.

Being consistent is vital. Every training exercise needs to be accompanied by a scent article. It is important to handle the scent article properly. The handler should always touch it with gloves, never bare hands. Also, the scent article should be stored in paper bag or in plastic so as not to obtain any other scents. The scent article should be only articles that have been worn by the subject to be found.

The scent article should be presented to the dog by opening the bag. The scent will reach the dogs nose by drifting up to it. The handler should always keep the bag containing the scent article with them. Then if the dog loses the scent for some reason it can be presented to him again. As the dog is able to complete longer and longer exercises the handler should begin teaching the dog to ignore scent distractions by doing exercises around other people or where other peoples' scents are.

Related Dog Obedience Training Tips and Articles

WhereTo Find Training Your Dog Help
Where can you find training your dog help? There are actually a number of low cost and no cost resources available to you.

How To Train A Dog In Family Protection Work
Tips on training a protection dog

Click or Crate: Fast Ways To House Train A Dog
There are many ways of housetraining your dog, but here are a couple of methods that demonstrate fast ways to house train a dog.