How to Train Dogs on Scent Identification

Dogs are able to learn scent identification for police investigations. The dog is given a scent article, or an item with a suspect's scent, and then identifies the suspect. Before a dog is able to start reliably performing scent identification, it must have appropriate training in the tasks and learn identification skills. Scent identification is mostly natural for dogs, but they must learn to track the scent over a variety of materials and identify it on different objects.

Things You'll Need

  • Scent article
  • Sterile tweezers or similar item
  • Dog harness
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the individual for the dog to track or identify. For training purposes, anyone is appropriate.

    • 2

      Give the individual to be used for tracking a piece of gauze or cloth and have him hold it for a few minutes. This will transfer his scent onto the material.

    • 3

      Retrieve the material and handle it only with sterile and unscented items, such as sterilized metal tweezers. This will prevent accidentally putting another scent on the scent article and contaminating the evidence.

    • 4

      Place the scent article on the ground 5 feet away from the dog. The North American Police Work Dog Association, or NAPWDA, suggests always using a gauze item or similar item every time to prevent confusing the dog or inaccurate identification. Do not allow the dog to get near the object until you are ready to use it, but do not discourage sniffing.

    • 5

      Put on the dog harness and bring the dog near the object. Point out the object and allow the dog to sniff it. Give the dog a command to track or find the scent. During training, this is how the dog will learn the command to obey in the future. When beginning training, point the dog in the direction of the track. As the dog understands more and starts to learn tracking, introduce the article and give the command, but stop pointing out the track. Allow the dog to follow the scent and reward the dog when it succeeds.

    • 6

      Repeat the exercise often, varying the time for the scent to sit, to train the dog to pick up even faint scents.