Scent Work

CBdFC’s AKC Scent Work and NACSW Activities

The rapid growth of canine nosework trials is an indication that handlers and dogs can’t get enough of the sport. Science has confirmed scent work has unique benefits for dogs. In a recently published careful study two well-known dog researchers from France and the Dog Cognition Lab at Columbia University used a validated experimental tool called the Cognitive Bias Paradigm. Dogs trained in obedience did not alter their behavior, while nosework dogs decided more quickly to approach the stimulus – consistent with an increase in “optimism.”

Our Club member Georgia Edwards has been instrumental in promoting nosework. Our Club held one of the first AKC scent work trials in the Northwest, and we continue to be active in nosework. Read about Georgia and our 2019 trial it the links below. For the last couple of years the Club scent work trials were cancelled due to an abundance of caution.

The Scent Work Committee held an Odor Recognition Trial (ORT) in Sequim, WA on Sunday, July 10, 2022.

Nosework can have unique benefits for your Bouvier (see https://thesciencedog.com/2019/01/28/science-says-nose-work-is-good-for-your-dog/). If you are interested in getting started in scent work (or any other activity), just send in a Contact Us form, and we will get you in touch with the right folks. For scent work, there are local classes and online programs, such as http://www.cyberdogonline.com/ or https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/.

Links:

• Background on Georgia Edwards, MD

• Report on our 2019 AKC scent work trial by trial chair Lara Harriger  (lots of pictures with this report).

• Report on our 2022 NACSW ORT trial by trial chair Lara Harriger.