How To Train Your Dog To Scent Retrieve

Because dogs are drawn more to articles of nature than to manufactured items, start by placing six twigs (bark chips work equally well) in a four-foot-by-four-foot area. Wear scaled, rubber, kitchen gloves when handling the articles to avoid scenting any, and position them so none touches another. Put one of the objects inside your shirt to scent the item thoroughly, and go leash up your pet.

When the two of you arrive at the training site, heel to a point ten feet from the nearest article. After giving your dog the command, "Stay," withdraw one of the scented objects from your shirt. Capture attention by flipping the item in the air a few times. Pass it once under pooch's nose, remind "Stay," and walk to the unscented articles. Place the scented article peripherally near the others such that you can be sure of its location. Return to your dog, briefly put your hand near his nose, then command, "Find It," while gesturing encouragingly toward the articles. Repeated "Find Its" and gestures to get your dog moving are permissible.

As your companion approaches the objects, follow slightly behind. You need to be nearby, but not so close as to distract. When nearing such curious things, almost any dog lowers his head to examine them. (The dog who shows scant interest should be encouraged via voice and gesture to do so; he shouldn't be forced.) As he inspects the items, softly praise, "Good."

Should he try to pick up any article other than the correct one, gently intone, "No, No," while guiding him from it. When your retriever eventually sniffs the right one - regardless whether he reacts to it - instantly respond excitedly, "Good Find It - Bring!"

Pet your companion, telling him what a Good Find It he did, and walk him from the training area, allowing him to carry his prize if he wishes. End the session at this point to guarantee finishing high, which would be at risk were the routine repeated. When you do Out the article, use only minimal force in taking it should your dog fail to release when commanded. Don't chance dampening enthusiasm through compulsion.

After three training sessions like the foregoing, switch to placing the scented object among the others prior to bringing your pet to the area. A week later, change to using ring articles by substituting them for whatever items you've been using. Should you meet any resistance to the formal articles, inserting them inside individual, cloth gloves can make the objects more canine-acceptable.