An article on the sport of Scent Detection
​By Nancy Bata

The sport of Nose Work is growing in popularity with multiple organizations hopping on the bandwagon. When it comes to getting started, you are not required to commit to competing in trials. In fact, you never have to compete at all. There are many people in classes or who train on their own because it is a great enrichment activity for their dogs.

Here is some basic information regarding the sniffing sport I have grown to love and how you and your dog can get involved. Dogs are trained to find specific target odors. Similar to drug detection dogs, but with pre-determined essential oils. These are specific essential oils that organizations have chosen (not just any novel odor.) It is the dog’s job to solve the puzzle and find the exact location of the hidden scent also referred to as hides. It is the human’s job to let them work the puzzle and then recognize when the dog has indicated the exact spot of the target odor. One of the many great things about Nose Work is you are allowed to use treats and toys during the searches. This goes for training and in trials. If your dog prefers tugging on a toy versus eating their favorite treat, you can use either as a reward for your dog.
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It is a sport where the dog is in charge. Odor paints a picture for the dogs and dogs truly love using their noses in this game. The human handlers let the dog solve the puzzle, even if the handler knows where the hide has been placed. Many of us have learned to control our dogs’ behaviors, whether it be in our day-to-day lives or for those of us who compete in other dog sports. Scentwork is a sport in which we allow our dogs to do the work. As hard as it is for us human control freaks to give up control, this is where our dogs really shine. Let them show you the picture. It is a beautiful one if you take the time to recognize it.

Any dog can do it! I have seen probably every breed enjoy the game, from French Bulldogs and Miniature Pinschers to Newfoundlands and Great Danes. And let us not leave out the mixed breeds! They are welcome too! While there may be some breeds that have different genetics that suit the sport more (I would put our Fieldies in that category), it is so much fun to see the non-traditional breeds enjoy the sport as well. Not only is it great for young dogs and dogs in their prime, it is also great for our aging dogs as the physical demands are not extreme.

Nose Work is also a great sport for us humans as we age. I am soon to be 65 and my body is slowing down. Nose Work is an activity that does not require handlers to be fast runners or highly agile. Nose Work is an activity you can do with your dog for many years. I wish I would have discovered this sport much earlier in my dogs’ lives and my own! It is never too early or too late to play this game!

You do not need a bunch of equipment or a training center for which to train. Your house, your yard, a shed, big box stores and other stores like garden centers may allow you to train there. Quiet parks are some of my favorite spots. You’ll need an odor kit or prepared cotton swabs. The essential oils (target odors) are applied to cotton swabs (Q-tips) and then placed in a vessel like a tin or tubing before hiding. The specific target orders are chosen by the organizations and may be different from one organization to another. There are many online suppliers from which to purchase Nose Work items. Just make sure the oils are specifically for Nose Work. I have found a 10 foot long leash to be beneficial as it allows your dog the ability to work away from you. Remember, this is a sport where you want the dog to work independently.

I often call the sport the "lazy trainer” sport. I am sure some people may disagree with me. I have never been one to enjoy training my dogs every day in any sport. When I was competing in obedience, rally, agility, and upland bird hunting, I trained nearly every day. I have found my Field Spaniels do very well in Nose Work without having to train that frequently. I currently teach a beginner Nose Work class and compete in trials. I find the daily/weekly commitment of training is not a necessity. That leaves you time to do some other activities like hiking, trick training or just a snuggle on the couch.

Nose Work is a sport that is known for giving ALL dogs a great experience. If you have an insecure dog or a reactive dog, Nose Work is a great activity for them. It allows them to use their natural abilities and can help them learn to be more confident and/or less reactive. All the training facilities I am aware of require the dogs be contained in crates or crated in cars. This is done to ensure all dogs are comfortable in their surroundings.

I have competed in nearly every dog sport out there with Nose Work being by far my favorite. I have been training dogs for nearly 30 years; 15 of those years have been with three different Field Spaniels. All three of them have been easy to train and have exceeded my expectations. They have been happy, confident dogs and top contenders in trials. Ribbons and titles are great, but what I enjoy the most is their enthusiasm at the start line, their wagging tails during the search and the celebration between the both of us at the end of the search. 

If this article has sparked an interest in Nose Work, see what’s available in your area and register for an in-person class or for an online class. Many instructors also offer private lessons, which I have found very beneficial.

And always remember in this sport, the Nose Knows!
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By Karmen Angoli

Have you thought about taking the plunge and joining the many Field Spaniel owners already having a blast at Dock Diving?  Besides relaxing with your best friend by the pool, the one thing I love about the sport is that with just minimal dog and handler skills, any person and any breed of dog can rock the dock.
Dock Diving competitions have exploded in popularity over the last twenty years, inspiring many owners of all different breeds to jump in.  Thanks to a bit of boredom at a conformation show, life presented us with the opportunity to discover dock diving and it has definitely been a happy place for me and the dogs!