How to Train Air Scent Tracking Dogs

Many dogs can be trained to track a person or thing's scent. This means the dog is able to follow the scent of something until he finds the object that has omitted the scent. This skill can be used to find a lost person or object. It can also help a dog to find its way home if it gets lost. By using a small amount of food, a person can train their dog to track based on scent.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 hot dog
  • Knife
  • Leash
  • Dog toy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog to a grassy area early in the morning.

    • 2

      Cut 1 hot dog into several pieces.

    • 3

      Tie your dog's leash around a tree or post while you walk a few feet away.

    • 4

      Walk a few feet away from your dog, and drop a piece of hot dog onto the ground.

    • 5

      Mash the hot dog into the ground with the bottom of your shoe.

    • 6

      Walk another 10 feet, and drop another piece of hot dog.

    • 7

      Repeat step six a few times, so there are many pieces of hot dog in various places on the ground.

    • 8

      At the end of the hot dog trail, place a favorite toy of your dog's onto the ground with a piece of hot dog on it.

    • 9

      Unleash your dog, and say "Go find it." The smell of food should motivate your dog to use scent to find the individual pieces of hot dog, along with its toy.