Non-scent Skills for Scent Detection

While dogs don't need to get their nose right on the hidden scent, it is an advantage in competition if they can do that.  This blog is not intended to discourage those with dog that may find some of these things challenging, they can absolutely still play, have fun, compete and be successful even if they don't like to crawl under or put their paws up.  Many dogs are out there showing that to be true.  However, I still believe it is easier for you the handler if your dog is comfortable with these skills if they are needed, so if your dog is physically able, you may wish to introduce them to your dog away from searches initially.

Push into crowded spaces

Sometimes the scent may be hidden amongst clutter, or in a tight space.  Setting up situations where your dog will walk into tight spaces between objects to get some treats can help them become more comfortable doing this.  Playing cardboard chaos where you put out a pile of empty cardboard boxes and scatter some food in the pile for your dog to find and eat is another way to help them be comfortable pushing into things, and also with things moving around them.  Always start easy and only make it harder if your dog is relaxed and happily choosing to engage with the game.

Crawl Under

While some small dogs can easily walk under obstacles, some larger dogs may not automatically think to do this if they haven't seen this set up before.  Also, sometimes dogs will hit the top of their harness as they start going under an obstacle, causing them to pop back out.  Starting without a harness on and then introducing the harness can help them learn to duck a little lower to compensate for the harness.

Paws Up

Knowing that it is okay to put their paws up on objects while searching is another helpful skill.  If you don't want your dog randomly doing this around your house, just put it on a cue such as "paws up" so that you can let them know when it is okay to put their paws on something.  

Paws up on You

Sometimes there isn't something that is the right height for your dog to put their paws on, or they may not be comfortable with the stability/texture of the object.  Using your arm as a step for your dog to put their front feet on can be helpful in these situations.  Of course, for this to be an option for your dog not only would they need to be comfortable with it, but they also need to be small enough for it to be comfortable for you!  Start by teaching the trick to put their front paws/legs on your arm away from searching, then set a single hide where they could try out this skill.

All 4 Feet Up​

My dogs are allowed on the furniture at home, and have no issues hopping up on things, so I was surprised at a trial when Tristan got a no for alerting to far away because he didn't get up on the couch in a search area.  I realized that he was viewing it like other homes we visit where he isn't allowed on the furniture, so I needed a cue that would tell him it was okay for him to get up on furniture in trials.  If your dog isn't comfortable putting all 4 feet up on something, I recommend starting with something that is stable and won't move on them like an exercise step to work on the concept of all 4 feet up.

Pick Up (small dogs)

While many large dogs can get their nose up to the top of a 3 foot table, many small dogs cannot.  If it is safe, often in trials you are allowed to pick up a small dog and set them on top of a table to search it.  To start this in training, you can find a surface that is safe to set them on and not slippery (i.e. a bath mat on the dryer) and practice picking them up and setting them up there to eat some yummy treats.  I recommend having their leash and harness on so you can hold the leash and stand right beside them in case they get any ideas of jumping off themselves.

Carry (small dogs)

Searching while being held in your arms is another helpful skill for small dogs.  I don't like the idea of walking around a search area with your dog in your arms, but I have lifted Tilly up and walked along a row of child play sets or a 4' shelf for her to check it out if she's shown some interest in wanting to sniff up there but couldn't reach.  I started this with a bookshelf, but you can start with any raised surface.  Make sure to support your dog's back end and front end as you move them along the surface so they can eat some treats.  Then try placing a hide (bookshelves are good for this) and moving your dog along the shelf until you see their nose start to stay at the hide while you're moving slowly.  Say your marker word, set them down and reward them really well!

What if your dog hates one of these?  Then maybe it isn't worth teaching your dog.  I've seen many dogs that aren't fond of getting lifted learn that it is helpful to them, and then be fine with it, but if your dog hates it so much that they will avoid showing interest in hides above them in case you pick them up, then I would not continue to pick them up, instead focusing on what they can reach themselves, and an indication from the ground/floor.  You can try working on it away from searching by just lifting for treats, so it doesn't negatively impact searching, but the goal of scent detection is for it to be a fun activity for our dogs.